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.

• Moving from conventional construction into high-performance building and retrofits
• Heating systems, material selection, airtightness, and ventilation
• Larson trusses, chainsaw retrofits, and roof insulation strategies
• What it's like to live in and operate a retrofitted home
• Lessons learned from completing multiple retrofit projects
• Advice for contractors entering the retrofit market
• Why doing the right thing for each home matters more than following a one-size-fits-all approach

00:18 Introduction to High Performance Construction

01:34 Steve's Journey into High Performance Construction

05:51 Corey's Unique Retrofit Experience

08:49 Understanding Heating Systems in Retrofits

12:35 Material Choices

14:46 Lessons Learned from Steve's Own Retrofit

18:27 Larson Truss Retrofits

21:52 The Importance of Air Circulation and Ventilation

23:59 Learning to Drive Your New Home

24:32 Cory’s Experience in His Retrofitted Home

26:59 The Comfort of a Wood Stove

30:10 Achieving Airtightness in Retrofits

32:58 Roof Insulation in a Chainsaw Retrofit

35:46 Straightening Walls

36:41 Retrofits Can be Like New Homes

37:44 Biggest Learnings from 10 Retrofits

38:06 Lessons Learned from Retrofits

44:57 The Project Pipeline

46:49 Advice for Contractors Entering Retrofits

52:45 Doing the Right Thing for Every Home

54:08 Introduction to Renewing Homes

SNAP Building

https://snapbuilding.ca/

Retrofit Canada’s Case Study on Steve’s House:

https://retrofitcanada.com/case-studies/highwood-calgary-deep-energy-retrofit-1670373049

Retrofit Canada Webinar on Steve’s Energy Use:
https://youtu.be/jC7kWkin3dc?si=bOVHhjod6R6GtFoA

SAIT Online Building Science Training Course: 

https://www.sait.ca/continuing-education/courses-and-certificates/courses/residential-building-science-fundamentals

Retrofit Canada Case Study Library

https://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.

• Building 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.

00:00 Introduction to Net Zero Renovations

03:56 The Importance of Building Science

11:36 Goals of the Net Zero Initiative

17:38 Barriers to Retrofits

25:35 Developing the Roadmap to Net Zero

32:05 Shifting the Conversation on Energy Efficiency

37:09 Understanding Asset Management in Home Renovations

43:37 The Role of Teams in Effective Renovation Projects

53:35 Future Directions for Net Zero Renovations

CHBA Net Zero Renovation Program
https://www.chba.ca/about-the-net-zero-renovation-program/

Building Knowledge Canada

https://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.

• Residential 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.

00:00 Introduction

02:29 Electrification and retrofit basics

04:20 Barriers to electrifying homes

11:48 Smart panels, standards, and code

16:58 Right-sizing electrical service

22:11 Affordable housing case study

25:45 What contractors need to know

37:07 Navigating variances and approvals

41:56 Education and the road ahead

One 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.

• Curiosity 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.

00:18 Introduction to Sustainable Building Practices

01:52 Peter's Journey to Net Zero Retrofits

08:23 Collaboration with Four Elements

13:23 The Comfort and Health Benefits of Net Zero Homes

19:56 Cost Considerations in Home Retrofits

24:12 The Impact of Hail on Building Retrofits

25:50 Planning for Effective Retrofits

29:02 The Evolution of Building Practices

31:16 Challenges in New Builds and Hail Damage

32:54 Scalability in Retrofit Projects

33:52 Recognizing Value in Energy Efficiency

36:21 Heat Pump Performance in a 2015 Retrofit

37:18 Experiences with Heat Pumps

40:23 Lessons Learned from Home Retrofits

44:51 Simplifying Building Science for Better Outcomes

Solar 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-zero

Nate 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.

• Hydronic 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.

00:00 Introduction to Hydronics and Participants

03:21 Understanding Hydronic Heating Systems

05:56 Components of Hydronic Systems and Retrofitting

08:53 Peak Demand and Energy Efficiency

11:49 Utility Incentives and Consumer Choices

15:49 Barriers to Utility Adoption of Innovative Systems

18:39 Connecting Industry Insights and Innovations

19:34 Integrating Hydronic Systems into Projects

23:30 Resilience and Thermal Storage in Hydronics

27:18 The Power of Ductless Systems

30:55 Innovative Heating Solutions for Multi-Unit Buildings

35:46 Retrofitting Forced Air Systems to Hydronic Heating

43:05 The Benefits of Hydronic Heating Systems

50:20 Challenges and Opportunities in Hydronic System Installation

54:27 Closing

Eden Energy Equipment

HomeSol Building Solutions

Retrofit Construction

Eden Energy YouTube Channel - Learn more about hydronic systems:

https://www.youtube.com/@EdenEnergyEquipment

Building Science Podcast  - Episodes Discussing Hydronic Heating:

Perspectives on Hydronics in the Real World with Robert Bean and Lance MacNevin

Hydronics: The OG HVAC - Part 1

Hydronics: The OG HVAC - Part 2

Most people think comfort comes down to the number on the thermostat. In reality, it's a lot more complicated than that.

In this episode, I’m joined by Allison Bailes and Nate Adams to explore what actually makes a home comfortable.

We discuss thermal comfort, mean radiant temperature, humidity, air movement, HVAC system design, and why two homes set to the same temperature can feel completely different. Along the way, we dig into common misconceptions, practical retrofit strategies, and the relationship between comfort, efficiency, durability, and indoor environmental quality.

Whether you're a contractor, energy advisor, designer, or simply interested in how homes work, this conversation offers a deeper look at one of the main reasons people choose to retrofit in the first place: creating a home that feels better to live in.

Key Takeaways:

• Comfort is about much more than air temperature. Mean radiant temperature, humidity, air movement, clothing, and activity levels all influence how we experience a space.
• A thermostat only tells part of the story. Two homes at the same temperature can feel very different depending on surface temperatures and how evenly conditions are maintained throughout the home.
• Comfort and efficiency are often aligned. Improvements that make a home more comfortable frequently deliver benefits in energy use, durability, indoor air quality, and even acoustics.
• HVAC sizing and system operation matter. Properly sized variable-speed equipment that runs for longer periods can often improve comfort more than many homeowners realize.
• There is no single solution for every home. Comfort improvements must be balanced against homeowner goals, existing conditions, and budget constraints.
• Building enclosures and mechanical systems both play a role. The most comfortable homes are typically the result of the enclosure, HVAC system, and occupants all working together.
• If you're trying to improve comfort, start by understanding the problem. Drafts, cold surfaces, disconnected ducts, poor airflow, oversized equipment, and humidity issues can all produce similar complaints but require very different solutions.

One quote that captures the spirit of the conversation:

"Design for people, good buildings follow."

- Robert Bean

That idea comes up repeatedly throughout the episode and serves as a useful reminder that comfort isn't just another performance metric, it's ultimately the reason people live in and invest in their homes.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Home Comfort and Backgrounds

03:53 Understanding Home Comfort

08:05 ASHRAE Standard 55 and Thermal Comfort

19:24 Common Reasons for Discomfort in Existing Homes

23:46 Sizing and Operation of HVAC Systems

28:19 The Importance of Proper Equipment Selection

33:15 Understanding Duct Leakage and Its Impact

38:02 The Challenges of Balancing Existing Duct Systems

46:29 Improving Building Shell for Thermal Comfort

52:42 Common Misunderstandings in Home Thermal Comfort

55:41 Where to Start to Learn About Home Comfort?

56:32 Design for People

57:22 Indoor Environmental Quality

58:36 Closing

The conversation delves into the significance of the Integrated Design Process (IDP) in residential retrofits, emphasizing its role in project management, planning, and the avoidance of poorly managed and executed projects. The value of IDP in residential renovations is highlighted, along with the quantification of its benefits. The conversation emphasizes the importance of investing in the plan and continuous communication throughout the project. It highlights the need for intentional spending and the impact of failing to plan effectively.

Takeaways

• Integrated Design Process (IDP) is crucial for successful residential retrofits
• IDP facilitates outcomes-focused project management
• Investing in the plan
• Continuous communication

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 00:18 Meet the Guests
• 02:51 Renovations vs. Retrofits
• 07:09 Defining the Integrated Design Process - Every Home Needs a Good Plan
• 18:35 Getting the Right People in the Room
• 23:55 The Cost of Poor Planning
• 38:10 Houses are Systems
• 42:22 Respecting Expertise and Creating Better Outcomes
• 55:09 A Better Name for IDP
• 57:04 Closing and Disclaimer

This episode introduces the complexity of residential retrofits and the fragmented nature of conversations in the retrofit industry. It outlines the purpose, goals, content, and format of the podcast, emphasizing a focus on real projects, challenges, and industry growth. The podcast aims to provide valuable insights and perspectives for professionals in the residential retrofit industry.

Takeaways

• Residential retrofits are complex
• The retrofit industry conversations are fragmented and siloed

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 00:26 Understanding the Complexity of Retrofits
• 01:10 Silos Across the Industry
• 02:10 My Background
• 02:55 The Idea
• 03:31 What to Expect
• 05:36 My Goal
• 06:08 Who is This Podcast For?
• 06:40 Get Ready!