Renewing Homes

What does it take to build a high-performance retrofit, and what do you learn after working through the challenges on real homes?In this episode of Renewing Homes, I sit down with my friends Steve Norris and Cory MacDermott to talk about their experiences with high-performance construction and residential retrofits. We discuss the differences between new construction and retrofitting existing homes, the decisions that shape a project, and the lessons that only come from doing the work.Our conversation covers heating systems, material choices, airtightness, ventilation, roof insulation, and some of the challenges involved in adapting existing homes. We also get into specific approaches like Larson trusses and chainsaw retrofits, along with the practical realities of straightening walls and working with the structure you have.Cory and Steve both share what it's like to live in retrofitted homes, including the adjustments that come with learning how to operate a high-performance house. Their experiences offer a useful reminder that the work doesn't end when construction is complete, and living in the home brings its own lessons.We also discuss what Steve and Cory have learned from their retrofit projects, how contractors can get started in this work, and why the right approach depends on the home in front of you.Key take-awaysMoving from conventional construction into high-performance building and retrofitsHeating systems, material selection, airtightness, and ventilationLarson trusses, chainsaw retrofits, and roof insulation strategiesWhat it's like to live in and operate a retrofitted homeLessons learned from completing multiple retrofit projectsAdvice for contractors entering the retrofit marketWhy doing the right thing for each home matters more than following a one-size-fits-all approachChapters00:18 Introduction to High Performance Construction01:34 Steve's Journey into High Performance Construction05:51 Corey's Unique Retrofit Experience08:49 Understanding Heating Systems in Retrofits12:35 Material Choices14:46 Lessons Learned from Steve's Own Retrofit18:27 Larson Truss Retrofits21:52 The Importance of Air Circulation and Ventilation23:59 Learning to Drive Your New Home24:32 Cory’s Experience in His Retrofitted Home26:59 The Comfort of a Wood Stove30:10 Achieving Airtightness in Retrofits32:58 Roof Insulation in a Chainsaw Retrofit35:46 Straightening Walls36:41 Retrofits Can be Like New Homes37:44 Biggest Learnings from 10 Retrofits38:06 Lessons Learned from Retrofits44:57 The Project Pipeline46:49 Advice for Contractors Entering Retrofits52:45 Doing the Right Thing for Every Home54:08 Introduction to Renewing HomesLinksSNAP Buildinghttps://snapbuilding.ca/Retrofit Canada’s Case Study on Steve’s House:https://retrofitcanada.com/case-studies/highwood-calgary-deep-energy-retrofit-1670373049Retrofit Canada Webinar on Steve’s Energy Use:https://youtu.be/jC7kWkin3dc?si=bOVHhjod6R6GtFoASAIT Online Building Science Training Course: https://www.sait.ca/continuing-education/courses-and-certificates/courses/residential-building-science-fundamentalsRetrofit Canada Case Study Libraryhttps://retrofitcanada.com/case-studies

In this episode of Renewing Homes, I explore the lessons from the CHBA’s Towards Net-Zero Renovation Initiative, a multi-year effort to demonstrate what is possible when building science, planning, and skilled teams come together to tackle residential retrofits.The initiative brought together builders, energy advisors, designers, and other industry professionals to develop and implement deep energy renovations across existing homes. But the goal was about more than achieving a particular energy target. It was also about understanding the barriers to retrofits and developing a practical roadmap that could help homeowners and industry professionals make better decisions over the life of a home.We discuss the importance of building science, the challenges of scaling deep retrofits, the role of asset management and long-term planning, and why effective retrofit projects depend on coordinated teams. We also look at how the experience of the initiative could help shift the conversation around energy efficiency and inform the next generation of residential retrofit programs.Key TakeawaysBuilding science provides an essential foundation for effective deep-energy retrofits.A long-term roadmap can help homeowners prioritize retrofit decisions rather than approaching improvements one project at a time.Successful retrofits need to consider the home, the occupants, and the long-term management of the asset.Workforce capacity, cost, complexity, and homeowner decision-making remain significant barriers to scaling retrofits.Coordinated teams bring together the different expertise needed to deliver successful renovation projects.Demonstration projects can provide valuable lessons for improving retrofit practice and developing better approaches at scale.Reaching net zero is not just a technical challenge—it also requires better planning, communication, and decision-making.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Net Zero Renovations03:56 The Importance of Building Science11:36 Goals of the Net Zero Initiative17:38 Barriers to Retrofits25:35 Developing the Roadmap to Net Zero32:05 Shifting the Conversation on Energy Efficiency37:09 Understanding Asset Management in Home Renovations43:37 The Role of Teams in Effective Renovation Projects53:35 Future Directions for Net Zero RenovationsLinksCHBA Net Zero Renovation Program https://www.chba.ca/about-the-net-zero-renovation-program/Building Knowledge Canadahttps://www.buildingknowledge.ca/CHBA Advanced Building Science Course https://hub.chba.ca/ap/Events/Register/eZF8XbmsYCWCq

In this episode of Renewing Homes, I’m joined by Nathan Horton of One Click Energy Solutions and Jason Rowley of BC Hydro to explore one of the biggest barriers to residential electrification: electrical service capacity.As more homeowners look to install heat pumps, EV chargers, and other electric technologies, many are told they need costly electrical service upgrades before they can move forward. But is that always the case?Nathan and Jason explain how energy management systems (EMS), evolving electrical codes, and better planning are changing what's possible. We discuss the practical realities of electrifying existing homes, lessons learned from Ontario's experience, and how collaboration between contractors, utilities, regulators, and policymakers can make electrification more accessible and affordable.Whether you're a contractor, designer, energy advisor, utility professional, or homeowner, this conversation offers practical insights into removing barriers and accelerating residential retrofits.Key TakeawaysResidential electrification is about more than switching fuels—it’s about improving how homes perform.Electrical service upgrades aren't always necessary when energy management systems are used effectively.Modern load management can help reduce project costs while supporting broader electrification goals.Codes and standards continue to evolve alongside new technologies and industry experience.Collaboration between contractors, utilities, regulators, and manufacturers is essential to accelerating adoption.Education and familiarity with emerging technologies will help make electrification more practical and accessible.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:29 Electrification and retrofit basics04:20 Barriers to electrifying homes11:48 Smart panels, standards, and code16:58 Right-sizing electrical service22:11 Affordable housing case study25:45 What contractors need to know37:07 Navigating variances and approvals41:56 Education and the road aheadLinksOne Click Energy Solutions - https://1clickenergy.com/BC Hydro - https://www.bchydro.com/Passive House Alberta Electrification Without a Service Upgrade Report - https://www.passivehousecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20231026-Electrification-without-a-service-upgrade-report.pdf

In this episode of Renewing Homes, I sit down with Peter Darlington of Solar Homes and Cooper Le of 4 Elements to explore Peter's journey from stucco contractor to one of Canada's leading residential retrofit specialists.What began as curiosity about net zero homes led Peter to undertake one of Canada's first CHBA Net Zero labelled renovations on his own home… Several years before the label even existed! That experience transformed his business and continues to shape how he approaches residential retrofits today.Our conversation explores the importance of planning, building science, and collaboration in delivering successful retrofits. We discuss homeowner motivations, the comfort and health benefits of high-performance homes, lessons learned from over a decade of living with a cold-climate heat pump, and the opportunities and challenges of scaling quality retrofit work across the industry.Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, designer, energy advisor, or policymaker, this episode offers practical insights into what it takes to deliver better retrofit outcomes.Key TakeawaysCuriosity and continuous learning can transform both careers and businesses.Deep energy retrofits require thoughtful planning and collaboration long before construction begins.Comfort, health, and resilience are often stronger homeowner motivators than energy savings alone.Living with a cold-climate heat pump for over a decade provides valuable real-world performance insights.Successful retrofits balance technical performance, durability, practicality, and cost.Scaling residential retrofits depends on simplifying good building science and improving industry capability.Every home is different, making thoughtful planning essential to achieving the best outcomes.Chapters00:18 Introduction to Sustainable Building Practices01:52 Peter's Journey to Net Zero Retrofits08:23 Collaboration with Four Elements13:23 The Comfort and Health Benefits of Net Zero Homes19:56 Cost Considerations in Home Retrofits24:12 The Impact of Hail on Building Retrofits25:50 Planning for Effective Retrofits29:02 The Evolution of Building Practices31:16 Challenges in New Builds and Hail Damage32:54 Scalability in Retrofit Projects33:52 Recognizing Value in Energy Efficiency36:21 Heat Pump Performance in a 2015 Retrofit37:18 Experiences with Heat Pumps40:23 Lessons Learned from Home Retrofits44:51 Simplifying Building Science for Better OutcomesLinksSolar Homes - https://www.solarhomesinc.com/4 Elements - https://www.4elements.eco/Original Green Energy Futures feature on Peter Darlington's net zero home:https://greenenergyfutures.ca/episode/178-renovating-your-home-to-net-zeroNate Adams' Heat Pump Climate Tool:https://www.natethehousewhisperer.com/how-much-of-the-year-will-a-heat-pump-work-in-my-city.html

In this episode of Renewing Homes, I sit down with Michael Ridler, Stephen Magneron, and Fellipe Falluh to explore where hydronic systems fit within residential retrofits. We discuss hydronic heating and cooling, distribution methods, air-to-water heat pumps, thermal storage, zoning, and how hydronics compare to conventional forced-air systems.The conversation also examines the role hydronics could play in an increasingly electrified future. From demand-side management and peak load reduction to opportunities for reusing existing infrastructure, we explore both the benefits and limitations of hydronic systems in retrofit applications.As with most retrofit decisions, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right solution depends on the home, the homeowner's goals, and the challenges the project is trying to solve.Key TakeawaysHydronic systems can provide heating and cooling through radiant floors, panel radiators, fan coils, and chilled water systems.Existing hydronic distribution systems may offer a pathway to electrification without replacing the entire heating system.Thermal storage can help shift energy use and may become increasingly valuable as electrification expands.Hydronic systems can provide advantages in comfort, zoning, and quiet operation.Converting a forced-air home to hydronics is possible, but not always practical.Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, designer, or energy advisor, this episode provides a practical look at the opportunities and challenges of hydronic heating in residential retrofits.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hydronics and Participants03:21 Understanding Hydronic Heating Systems05:56 Components of Hydronic Systems and Retrofitting08:53 Peak Demand and Energy Efficiency11:49 Utility Incentives and Consumer Choices15:49 Barriers to Utility Adoption of Innovative Systems18:39 Connecting Industry Insights and Innovations19:34 Integrating Hydronic Systems into Projects23:30 Resilience and Thermal Storage in Hydronics27:18 The Power of Ductless Systems30:55 Innovative Heating Solutions for Multi-Unit Buildings35:46 Retrofitting Forced Air Systems to Hydronic Heating43:05 The Benefits of Hydronic Heating Systems50:20 Challenges and Opportunities in Hydronic System Installation54:27 ClosingLinksEden Energy EquipmentHomeSol Building SolutionsRetrofit ConstructionEden Energy YouTube Channel - Learn more about hydronic systems:https://www.youtube.com/@EdenEnergyEquipmentBuilding Science Podcast  - Episodes Discussing Hydronic Heating:Perspectives on Hydronics in the Real World with Robert Bean and Lance MacNevinHydronics: The OG HVAC - Part 1Hydronics: The OG HVAC - Part 2