Property Brothers
Had a great time with the Property Brothers team! Be sure to check out the episodes that Fire Ant helped work on, on HGTV!
Had a great time with the Property Brothers team! Be sure to check out the episodes that Fire Ant helped work on, on HGTV!
We are very excited to be working alongside Jonathan and Drew Scott on the upcoming season of Forever Home!
Standards for Trust:
Build Trust: Fire Ant has built trust with all stakeholders – engineers, property managers, customers, suppliers, sub-trades. Repeat business and collaboration to ensure quality projects, is the foundation of partnership with these stakeholders.
Advertise Honestly: Fire Ant’s participation in trade shows and home renovation events allows potential customers to meet the owners and supervisors as a first step in developing a trusting relationship.
Tell the Truth: Telling the truth not only results in repeat customers and referrals, but is integral to living the values the company lives by.
Be Transparent: Fire Ant wants fairness for both the customer and the company. Quotes are prepared and presented to the customers and if accepted followed up with a contract which outlines all expectations and parameters.
Honour Promises: Trade agreements are signed by all sub-trades and warranty documents are provided to all customers. At the start of a project schedules are made and communicated to the customer and sub-trades. If there is a change of schedule, this too is communicated and explained. If there are unexpected costs, these are approved ahead of the work being completed.
Be Responsive: Feedback is responded to and resolved as soon as possible with all stakeholders.
Safeguard Privacy: The privacy of all stakeholders is respected. Any pictures of projects or project information that is shared has the proper permission and releases.
Embody Integrity: Fire Ant encourages all employees, as well as the organization to be accountable for actions and results, and take responsibility for all transactions.
Buildings, including our homes, account for 18% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, so helping Canadians make where they live more energy-efficient supports environmental objectives while making homes more comfortable and more affordable to maintain.
Announced in the Supporting Canadians and Fighting COVID-19: Fall Economic Statement 2020, the Greener Homes initiative is available to homeowners retroactive to December 1, 2020.
The Greener Homes initiative is an opportunity for homeowners to invest in their home, making it more comfortable to live in and reducing costs. It is also an opportunity to become better prepared for changes that will come in future with more stringent building codes, including for existing homes and buildings.
These actions will also help Canada meet its 2030 climate change commitments and significantly contribute to Canada’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, while increasing the health and wellness of Canadians.
Retrofitting existing homes — such as replacing windows and doors and improving the building envelope, including by adding insulation — is one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Greener Homes initiative will provide homeowners with up to $5,000 in grants for the purchase and installation of qualifying equipment or for the implementation of qualifying measures. The details are currently being finalized. They could include some heating and cooling system retrofits, envelope measures such as windows and insulation and some renewable energy measures.
To participate in the initiative, a homeowner’s primary residence must be eligible for an EnerGuide home evaluation. These residences include:
*Commercial multi-residential units (over 3 storeys or over 600 m2 in footprint) are not eligible homes under the initiative.
Homeowners will be required to demonstrate that the home they are registering is their primary residence.
Step 1 – Get an EnerGuide Evaluation
To be eligible for reimbursement, participants in the Greener Homes initiative must obtain an EnerGuide home evaluation before the retrofit and then a post-retrofit evaluation once renovations are completed. The home evaluations will help homeowners identify eligible measures, plan their retrofits and understand the performance of their homes following the retrofits.
Independent EnerGuide energy advisors, registered with NRCan, carry out the home evaluations. Once completed, the evaluation report will give you information to inform your decisions about what retrofits to undertake to reduce energy use. You can start this step now. The cost of the initial home evaluation varies depending on the size of home, but a typical 2,000 sq. ft. home would be approximately $450.00.
Some approved local energy advisors are below. There are others that you can also research.
Verdatech Energy Management & Consulting – 403-251-0683
AmeriSpec of Canada – 403-257-4820
4Elements – 403-250-5514
Step 2 – Document Your Retrofit Journey
To be eligible for retroactive payment, you must document your retrofit journey. The journey must begin with your EnerGuide home evaluation.
Keep all copies of invoices for the home evaluation and invoices for your retrofit work. Your energy advisor will take photos before and after your retrofit work.
Step 3 – Get a Post-Retrofit Home Evaluation
Participants must obtain a post-retrofit home evaluation after the work is completed. This evaluation helps homeowners understand the performance of their home following their retrofits. The post-retrofit evaluation documents the changes to your home’s energy performance and completes your retrofit journey. The approximate cost for a 2,000 sq. ft. home is $250.00
Below is the link to the government website.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science-and-data/funding-partnerships/funding-opportunities/funding-grants-incentives/our-action-starts-home-home-energy-retrofit-initiative/23230
As mentioned, this initiative has not been totally rolled out with details of what work will qualify for the grant and what processes and forms are required. We will stay apprised and communicate as we get further information.