Derek's Tips

  • A good energy saver is updating the exterior siding which is done after window installation. To old 2x4 construction you can strap rigid insulation to the exterior to get a better R-value rating, which can save you money in the long run.
  • Replace your old heat sources with a new high efficiency furnace, heat pump, hot water tank, or fireplace
  • Adding more insulation to the attic can improve your energy efficiency
Home Building Grants And Rebates

Derek and the Big Valley team have the experience and contacts within the industry to save you money. Big Valley Homes and Renovations is familiar with government grants and specific rebates that help the homeowner. Here are a few important links:

Energy Wise Solutions - info from builders to BC homeowners

Energywisesolutions.ca - construction and contracting specialists, and energy-conscious eco-ambassadors passionate about the environment, provides rebate information specific to homeowner upgrades and new construction.

Other Links

City Green is the only non-profit provider of the ecoENERGY homeowner grant program in BC. See their table for a summary of government rebates, and their website for energy-saving advice.

Homeperformance.com: eco-energy home audits from certified Home Performance Energy Advisors

Natural Resources Canada, for up-to-date information on all home upgrade grants for residential property owners

Government Grants

> LiveSmart BC is offering over $7,000 in rebates to new participants for home energy efficiency improvements such as:

  • space heating
  • water heating
  • insulation
  • windows
  • doors and more

For a full list of the specific energy efficient rebates available, view the LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive Guide (1 MB) and the ecoENERGY grant table.

> Build a Power Smart new home for rebates and incentives

> EcoENERGY, the federal program, is offering up to $5,000 in grants until March 31, 2012

Fortis BC

You can contact Fortis to participate in their Scratch 'n Save coupons for a home energy efficiency audit.

BC Hydro Rebates

BC Hydro has modest rebates available for energy-efficient home purchases: water saving showerheads, water-saving toilets, leak detection kits, online coupons, air source heat pumps, windows, appliances, lighting, electronics, for example.

BC Hydro ENERGY STAR-labelled windows are currently exempt from Provincial Sales Tax. For more info about BC Hydro's energy efficiency incentive programs visit:
http://www.bchydro.com/rebates_savings/

Provincial Property Assistance Programs

The Home Owner Grant is one of three property tax assistance programs offered by the province. The program began in 1957 to help homeowners reduce the amount of taxes they pay on their home. The basic grant can reduce your property tax by as much as $570.

You must apply for the grant each year after you receive your property tax notice and before December 31. The grant is applied toward the current year's property tax. The Home Owner Grant application form is included on the back of your property tax notice.