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Home > Energy Efficiency Tips & Tools > Renovations > Building an Addition
Building an Addition
Whether your family is growing, or you just want more living space,
building an addition to your home is often a better and more economical
choice than moving to a new home.
This is generally a job for a licensed contractor who can plan and schedule
the entire job, deal with the various sub-trades such as plumbers, electricians
and roofers, and also ensure that all the proper permits have been approved.
If you've decided to take the big step, make sure you get the maximum
benefit by planning for an energy-efficient addition. Since you're starting
from scratch, this is the time to do it right!
| Before you start |
- Shop carefully for a contractor. Have any neighbours recently
had an addition built? If so, ask for recommendations. When you
speak to contractors, ask for references, and follow up. Were
previous clients satisfied with the work and the price? Was the
job completed on time? A major renovation will always be a disruption,
so try to plan ahead to make it go as smoothly as possible.
- Be sure your contractor follows all of your local building codes,
the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, bylaws and permit requirements.
Be suspicious if the contractor suggests it's not necessary. As
the owner of the property, you are liable for compliance. Not
having permits could be costly and hold up your job.
- Do your homework. It will help the contractor if you know what
you want, not only in the style of the addition, but also in materials.
It often helps if you attend a home show or exhibition where you
can speak to various manufacturers about their products. Then
you can specify these materials to your contractor.
- Make sure you consider all aspects of the job. How will your
addition join your existing home? Will you require new flooring,
drywall, or fixtures in your existing home to match the new section?
You might want to do everything at once.
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| Insulation |
- Be sure you meet or exceed the recommended levels of insulation
for walls and ceilings. For electrically heated homes, walls should
be at least R27, flat ceilings R40, and sloping ceilings R36.
For homes heated with other fuels, the walls should be at least
R22, flat ceilings R36, and sloping ceilings R31.
- Depending on the outside cladding of your addition, you can
also insulate from the outside, as well as inside. Check with
your contractor to choose your best options.
- Remember to consider R-values when you're shopping for windows.
In recent years, there have been great advances in window technology.
It pays to compare efficiency ratings before you buy.
- If your addition includes an attic, be sure it will be properly
insulated and vented to keep your home warm in winter, cool in
summer.
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| Your electrical system |
- In all likelihood, your electrical system will need to be upgraded
to handle the extra demands of your additional space. Consider
upgrading the wiring in your existing home while you're having
the new work done.
- Plan your outlets and light switches for flexibility. Be sure
you have enough outlets so you won't need to use extension cords
later.
- Plan your lighting so that you can control groups of lights
within a room with various switches. Don't put all the lighting
for one room on one switch.
- All electrical work must be inspected and approved before you
apply drywall or any wall coverings. An Inspector from the Electrical
Safety Authority will need to be able to see all of the wiring.
If it's covered up, you may have to remove the covering again.
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| Safety considerations |
- Having the proper permits also ensures that the contractor's
work will be inspected for proper construction and safety. The
electrical inspector will see to it that your electrical work
meets the Electrical Safety Code. This is for your own protection
and safety.
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