Fallen Oil Prices Not Deterring Innovation in Residential Building Sector

Preservation and community themes underpin thoughtful initiatives moving forward

Despite fallen oil prices and the uncertainty this has created in the marketplace, March 2015 saw continued growth of residential prices for the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area of 3 per cent over those reported in March 2014, according to the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. And though there was a decline in all residential sales in March 2014 over previous year, this has not stopped the region continue to show innovation in the residential building sector, with several announcements being made over the last few months—from Councillor Michael Walters asking council to consider tree-protecting bylaws, to tree houses coming to Edmonton’s Churchill Square with the intent to start conversations on public spaces, to council’s vote allowing skinny homes and garage suites in the majority of neighbourhoods across Edmonton. Meanwhile, the City of Edmonton’s “Community Energy Transition Strategy”  draft—a framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting resilient energy systems in Edmonton—continues to progress, all the while local builders are seen quietly showing leadership in sustainable building practices across the region.

Of note is Perry Signature Homes (photos courtesy of them), who continue to be at the forefront of innovation and construction excellence, committed to raising the bar by delivering some of the industry’s highest standards for building materials, finishes, lifestyle features, and décor into a single premium quality specifications package. This focus on innovation and construction excellence,  complemented by their visionary commitment to energy efficiency, make Perry Homes a perfect partner for Built Green Canada—a third-party certification program that includes energy efficiency and goes beyond to include materials and methods, indoor air quality, ventilation, waste management, water conservation, and business practices. It’s a program that looks at the house as a system and is a two-in-one label, including EnerGuide and a BUILT GREEN® seal, the latter of which is usually affixed to the furnace and/or electrical panel.

For the homeowner, purchasing a BUILT GREEN® certified home means they’re buying from a builder, like Perry Signature Homes, committed to producing smarter, more responsible, and healthier homes—both for the environment and the homeowner. The BUILT GREEN® program includes four levels of certification, which means home buyers can work with the builder to customize their home, based on budgets and priorities. And as the homeowner, you will enjoy a healthier, more durable home with a lower environmental impact—during the build and in the home’s day-to-day operations.

Plus, BUILT GREEN® homes are affordable, both because improved efficiency means long-term cost savings on your water, electricity, and gas bills, and because of increased durability and rebate assistance. Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Genworth Financial mortgage insurance recognize the increased quality of a BUILT GREEN® home with rebates. BUILT GREEN® certified homes offer the benefit of longer-term durability through building materials and processes, which means a longer life for the home with lower maintenance costs.

Further, homeowners benefit from an increase in market and resale value—the Canadian Home Builder’s Association’s recent research has shown homes with green certification sell for close to 10% more on average than homes without green certification. It always helps to sell a home that requires little or no renovation. A prospective buyer will reduce the value of your home by more than the cost of a needed renovation, just to be sure. Energy efficiency is always in fashion, and future potential buyers will appreciate the utility savings your home offers. There are many jurisdictions in Canada where an energy assessment is necessary before a home is sold—saving the homeowner approximately $300 - $500, depending on location.

And so, for those considering purchasing from Perry Signature Homes, there is comfort in knowing you’re choosing a quality home with superior design and reduced environmental footprint. Perry Signature Homes is currently a finalist for three awards at the upcoming CHBA Edmonton Region’s Excellence in Housing Awards—last year taking home three awards, plus an environmental recognition award for best homes. Long-term members of Built Green Canada, Perry Signature Homes is committed to environmental stewardship through their BUILT GREEN® builds and by supporting community initiatives, including the Full House Lottery, the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, Royal Alexandra Hospital.