As your search begins to find a new home or renovate a current property, like most people, your focus tends to lean toward the look and feel of the home: Open-concept kitchens, spa-like bathrooms and modern finishes. While these are essential to enjoy any home, I encourage homeowners to take a longer view and capitalize on an opportunity that’s not only transformative, but also future-proof: Making sure your home’s building envelope and mechanical systems meet modern energy-efficiency standards.

Step by step

B.C. is leading the country in building science and technique, thanks to the B.C. Energy Step Code, a performance-based standard that sets progressive targets for energy efficiency in new and renovated buildings. While originally designed for new construction, the principles of high-performance new construction are increasingly being applied to major renovations. By 2032, all new homes in B.C. will be required to build to the top end of the energy step code. Upgrading your home’s performance to meet these requirements can protect your investment over the long term.

Why build to a higher standard?

Older, code-minimum homes are often noisy, drafty, have inconsistent temperatures through the year, and have outdated and underperforming mechanical systems. These issues not only affect your family’s comfort, but also drive-up energy bills. By modernizing the building envelope system, which includes insulation, windows, doors and air sealing and installing an efficient mechanical system, homeowners can dramatically improve the day-to-day quality of life in their home.

A well-sealed and insulated home reduces the load on mechanical systems, allowing for smaller, more efficient units. This synergy between envelope and mechanical systems is key to upgrading an older home to a modern high standard.

Renovating for Step 5 and beyond: What it takes

Achieving Step 5 in a renovation goes beyond a heat pump and some new windows. It begins with an “enclosure-first” approach that prioritizes the building envelope. This means sealing air leaks to eliminate drafts and improve indoor air quality, upgrading insulation in walls, roofs and floors to meet or exceed modern R-value standards, and installing high-performance windows and doors to reduce thermal bridging. These tactics work together in tandem with modernized mechanical systems, such as heat pumps and energy recovery ventilators, to dramatically enhance energy performance. When applied to existing homes, these upgrades can make the home functionally equivalent to a new build and often at a lower cost than full reconstruction.

The cost-benefit equation

While upfront costs for envelope and mechanical upgrades can be significant, the long-term savings are worth strongly considering. Improved insulation and airtightness reduce heating and cooling load, lowering utility bills. Efficient mechanical systems require less maintenance and last longer. And homes that meet Step 5 standards will hold their value longer over time.

Moreover, these improvements enhance comfort and health. Better air quality, consistent indoor temperatures and reduced noise pollution contribute to a more livable environment. For homeowners planning to stay long-term, these benefits are invaluable.

Future-proof your investment

B.C.’s building codes are evolving, with Step 5 expected to become the baseline by 2032.

Renovating with home performance in mind ensures your home remains compliant with future regulations and avoids potentially costly retrofits down the line.

Investing in the building envelope is not just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic move that aligns with environmental goals, reduces operating costs and enhances quality of life and comfort. For homeowners looking to do a major renovation, it is time to think beyond the backsplash and consider what’s behind the walls.