Quick note: It costs between $1,455,000 to $3,675,000 to build a 3,000 sqft house in Vancouver in 2023.

The cost of building a new house in BC can be influenced by factors like location, the type of contractor you hire, material costs, and your desired design specifics. And if you’re specifically curious about Vancouver, you’re in the right spot!

For a glance, let’s talk numbers. Building a 2,100 square foot home in different municipalities has varying costs:

• Vancouver: A whopping $485-$1,225 per square foot. That’s an estimated total of $1,018,000 to $2,572,500.
• Kelowna, Surrey, Chilliwack, Kamloops, Nanaimo & Victoria: Costs vary between these places but typically range from $275-$425 per square foot.

While the numbers give an idea, the actual building cost can swing based on the quality of your build, choice of materials, and even the plot’s location. But remember, there’s more to the story! Broader factors can also impact the final cost. Think of supply chain issues we’ve been facing, wage hikes, and rising inflation.

So, while these figures give you a ballpark estimate, always consider the various elements that can influence the final tally. Building in Vancouver or anywhere else in BC requires a careful blend of planning and budgeting!

Major Costs of Building a New House in BC

Land Cost: Choosing Your Spot

With its stunning vistas, BC commands some of Canada’s steepest land prices. Come January 2023, an average Fraser Valley lot will set you back anywhere from $700,000 to $1.2 million. Are you considering building your dream house in Vancouver West on a 33′ x 122′ lot? Prepare to part with a hefty 2.6 to 2.8 million!

While BC offers prime value, there’s room for all budgets. Here’s a breakdown:

• Location & Size: Typically, city lots are pricier than countryside spaces. But there’s more to it than just that.
• Utilities & Amenities: Serviced plots, boasting utilities like water, electricity, and sewage, demand a higher price than untouched lands.
• The Size Misconception: Small only sometimes means affordable. Seeking advice from seasoned home builders can lead to unexpected savings.

As with anything limited, land costs are perennially rising. But what goes into determining these prices?

• Land Quality & Location: Rocks, marshy areas, or prime waterfront locations influence costs.
• Extra Expenses: Remember the land surveyor fees (for understanding soil conditions and topography) and zoning requirement costs. Each locale has unique regulations, like how much front yard space you need.
• Utilities: Rural regions might need more city-provided water and sewage, leading to additional expenses for wells and septic systems.

In summary, while waterfront or city-centric lands are pricier, not all rural land is readily buildable. However, it’s a budgetary win if the plot comes with utilities!

Contractor Fees: Paying the Pros

Hiring a professional contractor can be pricey, but it’s essential for a hassle-free building journey. While rates vary, remember the age-old saying: “You get what you pay for!” Always vet and compare contractors to ensure you get the best value. Contractors typically bill between 10-20% of the overall construction cost as their fee.

Building Cost Per Square Foot: Breaking Down the Build

Building a house’s cost per square foot varies based on size and materials. Typically, you look at an average range depending on your desired finishes and design. But remember, this can be influenced by the “cost to demolish a house” if you’re building on a previously developed plot.

Here’s a look at the average home building costs in Canada (Per Square Foot)

Source: Altus Group 2023 Canadian Cost Guide

Altus Group states that in Vancouver, a single-family home from a production builder ranges from $185-$315/sq ft, while in Montreal, it’s $140-$205/sq ft. These builders offer limited design options but are more affordable than custom builders. A custom home in Vancouver costs around $485-$1,225/sq ft versus $430-$860/sq ft in Montreal. As of 2023, Halifax is the most affordable Canadian city to build a home, while Vancouver is the priciest.

Pro Tips:

• • Constructing a 2,000 sqft house in BC ranges from $370,000 to $2,450,000.
  • Constructing a 3,000 sqft house in BC ranges from $555,000 to $3,675,000.

Serviced vs Raw Land: What’s the Deal?

At a quick peek, serviced land might seem pricier than buying raw land and building from scratch. But let’s dive deeper.

Imagine setting up a new home. Unless you aim for a full-blown wilderness retreat, you’ll need electricity, water, gas, sewerage, and phone lines. And these come with costs.

Utility Breakdown:

1. Electricity & Gas: Their installation costs vary based on your property size and usage demands. Bigger property, higher prices.
2. Water: In rural locales, you might need to drill a well or explore other water sources. A significant upfront cost? Yes. But over time, the initial expense evens out thanks to long-term savings.
3. Permits: Don’t forget the regulatory side. Permits can set you back by thousands.

But here’s a twist. Established builders often have the upper hand thanks to bulk land purchases and subsequent development. They can spread out utility setup costs over several properties, making it more cost-effective per lot.

The Verdict? For individual homeowners, serviced land is a clear winner. The combination of cost savings and sheer convenience is hard to beat.

Permit Fees: The Necessary Evil

Permit costs vary based on the municipality, but on average, set aside a budget of about $4,000 to $6,000. Permit fees are a global norm in construction. They fill the local government’s coffers and ensure that all construction activities are up to standard, prioritizing public safety.

Factors Influencing Permit Costs:

1. Municipality: Different regions have different permit requirements and fees. The city of Vancouver’s single detached house permit fee starts from $2,640.00 in 2023.
2. House Details: The size, type, materials, and construction methods can impact the permit costs.
3. Additional Governing Bodies: Sometimes, regional districts or other local entities may also require permits.

The permit fee spectrum in BC is broad, from as little as $100 to several thousand dollars. And remember, these permits aren’t up for debate. Skirting them could lead to unwanted run-ins with the law.

Can you keep track of all required permits? It’s easier said than done. The legal landscape doesn’t take kindly to missed permits, even if it’s an honest oversight. The risk? Getting slapped with non-compliance, which the law views as intentional, regardless of your intentions.

The safe bet? Partner with an experienced contractor. They’ll ensure every required permit is secured timely, sidestepping potential legal tangles and project delays.

The Government’s Helping Hand to Reduce Building Cost

Wait, what? That’s right! The government wants to help you out. Here’s the scoop on four fabulous incentives:

First-Time Home Buyer’s Program

The BC first-time home buyers’ program offers tax relief on property transfer tax for eligible buyers. To fully qualify, buyers must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, have a BC residency history, and have never owned a primary residence globally or previously received this exemption. The property should be the primary residence, valued at $500,000 or less, and be up to 1.24 acres. Partial exemptions are available for properties under $525,000, larger than 1.24 acres, or with additional buildings. False declarations incur double tax penalties. After availing of the exemption, homeowners must maintain specific residency durations and conditions to retain the benefit.

Home Buyers’ Amount

Eligible first-time home buyers can claim up to $10,000 in 2022 for purchasing a qualifying home in Canada. Qualifying homes’ definition encompasses single-family homes, condos, and even certain co-op housing shares. Notably, persons with disabilities, or those buying for them, can claim without the first-time buyer condition, aiming to facilitate accessible housing. The amount (line 31270) can be split with a spouse when filing returns, but combined claims should be, at most, $10,000. For purchases in 2021 or earlier, the claim limit is $5,000.

Better Homes New Construction Program

The CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program encourages building energy-efficient, electric homes by providing up to $15,000 rebates. Supported by the Province, it aligns with the BC Energy Step Code and offers two pathways:

1. Energy Step Code pathway: Rebates vary based on the Step Code level achieved:

• • Single homes & duplexes: $8,000 (Step 3) to $14,000 (Step 5)

• • Triplexes & townhomes: $4,000 (Step 3) to $7,000 (Step 5). Additional northern top-ups range from $1,500 to $3,000 for homes north of the District of 100 Mile House.

1. Heat Pump pathway: Rebates depend on the type of electric heat pump:

• • Air-source: $3,000

• • Air-to-water: $3,000

• • Combined space and hot water: $4,000

• • Heat pump water heater: $1,000

Add-on rebates include working with a Qualified Energy Advisor for modelling, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000.

Eligibility encompasses homes built according to Part 9 of the BC Building Code in the BC Hydro or New Westminster Electrical Utility territory with permits issued post-April 1, 2022. Licensed builders, authorized owner-builders, and Indigenous community-authorizations can apply. All must pre-register, but the program currently has a waitlist.

• Note: Specific product and efficiency standards apply, and other terms and conditions are to be met.

BC Step Code Program

Introduced in 2008, the BC Energy Step Code emphasizes energy efficiency, offering two compliance methods: “prescriptive” and “performance.” Most BC builders opt for the prescriptive method, focusing on individual building components, sometimes resulting in suboptimal building performance. Alternatively, the BC Energy Step Code champions the performance approach. This mandates a specific energy performance outcome, granting designers and builders flexibility in achieving it through any construction method or material supported by software modelling and on-site testing. This method aligns with several green-building certifications. The code categorizes performance targets into steps, from basic to ambitious, allowing local governments to set or incentivize standards.

Final Thoughts on BC House Building Cost

Building a custom home in British Columbia is a significant financial and emotional decision. Proper planning is essential to avoid spiralling costs in the dynamic BC real estate market. Teaming up with an experienced home builder can be a game-changer. They offer insights into local markets, can help achieve cost savings and guide sustainable construction practices. This expertise ensures a seamless building process and a lasting investment. In short, while constructing your dream home in BC is thrilling, pairing up with a trusted builder ensures it’s also a wise investment.

Related Reads

• Unpacking BC’s Speculation and Vacancy Tax: An In-Depth Guide
• Your Complete Guide to BC First Time Home Buyer Down Payment
• Unlocking Vancouver’s Diversity: A Neighborhood Guide by Postal Codes

Lifestyle—Depends on the Space You Need

If you are trying to decide between a condo or townhouse, there are many different factors that you may want to consider.  The first is location—usually, condo living reflects a certain type of lifestyle, such as downtown living.  A condo lifestyle is a great choice for young professionals or students.  This is especially true in the SFU real estate market where a condo can get you close to campus and make for very convenient commutes to and from the university.

Townhouses on the other hand may not offer such convenient lifestyle choices such as downtown living, but they usually offer more room, and if you are lucky, they even offer a small yard.  If you are thinking about growing your family or do not mind the longer commute, a townhouse may be better suited to you.

Maintenance Costs—More Is More

Both condos and townhouses are usually part of a strata, and regardless of your choice, you will pay a monthly maintenance fee.  This fee will help cover the upkeep of the building and will be used to pay off any type of repairs that will happen such as a new roof or new windows.

One thing to keep in mind is the amenities that are in the condo building.  Remember that part of your maintenance fees will be used for the upkeep of those facilities.  A pool may be a great selling feature, but that pool may increase your monthly maintenance fees.

As a general rule, townhouse maintenance fees are usually lower than condo maintenance fees because you are not paying for any facilities nor are you paying for the upkeep of so much common living space such as hallways and front entrances.

Regardless of whether you choose a townhouse or a condo, make sure to look into the strata’s contingency fund and keep in mind that your maintenance fees are part of the overall monthly cost of your new home for as long as you own it.

Rules—Know the Particulars of Each

Finally, make sure you understand all of the rules in the place you looking to purchase.  In general, condo living has more rules than townhouse living.  For instance, you may not be allowed to BBQ on your decks or your building may not allow live Christmas trees.  Make sure to look at all of the strata rules, but also make sure you can live by them before making a purchase. 

Contact Simon Fraser Real Estate today!

A townhouse or a condo are both great first time purchases for anyone looking to get into the real estate market.  If you are looking for a tight knit community feeling with security, a condo may better suit your needs.  If you are looking for more privacy and more room, then a townhouse is perfect for you.  Contact us for more information on Simon Fraser real estate

There are many housing options to consider when you start your career as a student in a totally new city. Because of the diverse options available to you, your best bet is to go with a Simon Fraser real estate agent who specializes in working with students and families of students. Here are just some of the reasons why hiring an SFU real estate agent will work to your advantage.

1. A Smart Investment

   Since so many international students and their families are saving money on tuition when they choose to attend Simon Fraser University, they are presented with an excellent opportunity to invest. Non-Canadians are eligible for the same ownership rights as Canadians—you don’t have to be a citizen to purchase property or acquire a mortgage in the region. The only requirement is that international homebuyers must make a down payment of at least 35% of the purchase price.

   Because of this ease of access, more and more families of international students are purchasing homes for them to use for the duration of their studies. Going with a Simon Fraser real estate agent helps make the process simpler for many of these families who may otherwise be unfamiliar with Canada’s housing market.

2. Multiple Campuses

   Simon Fraser University has three locations in and around Vancouver: Burnaby Campus, Surrey Campus, Vancouver Campus. The original campus sprawls across three-dozen buildings in the city of Burnaby, about 20 kilometers east of Vancouver, and offers classes in eight different faculties. There are also two newer locations, one in downtown Vancouver and one farther south in Surrey.

   Once enrolled, you can attend classes at any of the campuses—so how do you choose where to live? A Simon Fraser real estate agent can help to work quickly with you and your family so that you can find property near the campus where you’ll be spending most of your time. If you’re splitting time and thus have more location options at your disposal, a real estate agent can better help you compare property options in different areas.

3. Increased Access

   Simply put, working with a real estate agent when searching for property near SFU gives you access to listings that just wouldn’t be available to you otherwise, as well as networks of other agents’ listings. When you’re already making such a big transition into a new school—and maybe even a new country—hiring an agent can make that transition so much simpler.

   For instance, Sam Huang of Canadian University Real Estate is an expert on helping international students and their families transition into Canadian culture. A first generation Canadian himself, he understands the importance of finding the right fit for your family’s values.

Whether you’re looking to purchase a townhouse, house or condo near SFU, hiring the right SFU real estate agent will be crucial finding the perfect property for you or your student.

When moving to a new city, many decide to turn to bank auctions to see what their options are for foreclose properties. As banks have no sentimental attachment to these properties, these sales can often go quickly and at pretty affordable price points. Before beginning your Simon Fraser real estate search for foreclosed properties, it’s important to weigh your options and be well informed on what you can expect from the process.

Advantages of Targeting Foreclosed Property

 Foreclosure happens when a bank or lender seizes control of a home after the homeowner fails to meet mortgage payments, so the bank is then put in charge of selling the property. Banks are often willing to negotiate on price in order to get these properties off their hands more quickly.

Since there are foreclosed properties available in any price range, usually in great condition, targeting these homes that are usually at lower rates than non-foreclosed homes of similar sizes and in similar locations makes it possible to upgrade your expectations. You might be able to find a home in a better neighbourhood or with more amenities than you normally would be able to with your budget—and since you’d be buying below market value, if and when you decide to sell again, you could meet some serious financial gains.

Drawbacks of Buying a Foreclosed Home

 Though foreclosed homes are often in decent physical condition, the states of foreclosed homes can vary greatly. Don’t forget that a home was foreclosed upon because the owner couldn’t make his or her monthly payments—this means he or she also may have been skipping necessary home maintenance, requiring many repairs to the home before it’s in a decent enough state for you to live in it. Additionally, it pays to be smart about the amount of time a foreclosed home has been without an owner. The more time it’s been left uninhabited, the more time has passed without any sort of upkeep. Your Simon Fraser real estate agent will be able to best assist you in targeting foreclosed properties at the ideal times.

It’s important to remember that purchasing a foreclosed property is inherently financially risky—you may incur any debt connected to it. You must do your research in regards to lenders, as some won’t offer mortgages on foreclosed homes, which also comes with lots of paperwork. Because of the possible value of foreclosed homes, there tends to be a lot of competition, making the process long and unpleasant.

Finding a Foreclosed Property Near SFU

If your finances are in order and you’re ready to take on the search for a foreclosed property in Burnaby, Simon Fraser real estate agency Canadian University Real Estate will gladly help you get the process started. Give them a call at 778-991-0649 to learn more about their listings and availabilities.

Burnaby in Bloom

Just 20 kilometers to its west in Vancouver, SFU students can get the full taste of the blooming season in Vancouver’s beautiful public gardens. At the beginning of April, the roses at Stanley Park’s Rose Garden are at peak bloom and ready for plucking. Bring in the sunny month of May at Stanley Park’s Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden and see the 4,500 hybrid rhododendron and azalea plants in full bloom. If you want to make a day of it, take a tour of all of Stanley Park’s gardens, including the VanDusen Botanical Garden, and then head on over to Queen Elizabeth Park’s free quarry gardens.

You can also enjoy beautiful natural scenery and experience spring in full bloom at the Burnaby Mountain Park and other local gardens. All across Burnaby, you can also gaze up at is towering mountains that drape the backdrop of the province. There are also plenty of opportunities to go biking and hiking in Burnaby with thousands of trails to choose from, giving you a great chance to view and take in all that Burnaby has to offer.

Out and About in Burnaby

The exciting and diverse entertainment and festivals available in Burnaby makes it the perfect place for its diverse student population to live. In the spring, Burnaby residents can celebrate migrating wildlife with its local festivals. The Wings Over the Rockies Bird Festival brings everyone together to celebrate an appreciate nature. This year’s festival theme is Reflections on Water. Other festivals to enjoy this spring in Burnaby are the Meadowlark Festival and the Pacific Rim Whale Festival.

You can easily get around Burnaby by car; or for those without a car, you can use SkyTrain, making life a little simpler for SFU students. This makes it easy to get to and enjoy Burnaby’s fun activities such as various concerts, parades, and, the fan favourite, shopping. Metropolis at Metrotown is the place where Burnaby residents can shop to their heart’s content. With more than 450 shopping stores, enormous and varied food court, and 10-screen mega movie theatre, Metropolis at Metrotown is the biggest shopping mall in British Columbia and the top tourist attraction in Burnaby. Burnaby also offers other high-quality and diverse shopping centres including Crystal Mall, Brentwood Town Centre Mall and Lougheed Town Centre Mall.

For those art lovers and majors at SFU, you can also enjoy local museums such as the Burnaby Village Museum, which displays what life was like in Burnaby in the 1920’s. Even more, Burnaby residents and students can also catch local shows at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts where they can enjoy musicals, comedies and operas.

Thaw out from the winter in Burnaby with some of these must-sees and exciting activities to do and enjoy. Learn more about the great things to do at SFU and surrounding areas as well as the local real estate options with Canadian University Real Estate.

Spring Colours

One of the quickest and easiest ways to bring spring into your home is to change up your colour scheme.  This can be as easy as changing your throw pillows and quilts or blankets in your living room to as complex as changing up your wallpaper or paint.  Citrus colours, as well as bright and vibrant choices, are great spring colours, and you can even go with pastel colours that are more synonymous with Easter.  Either way, your home will look brighter and reflect the spring season.

Bring Your Gardening Inside

Gardening does not need to be something you only do outside.  Bring some of your potted plants or flowers inside!  A nice set of flowers will cheer up any room, so look for floral patterned pots to really bring spring alive in your home.  Another advantage of bringing in some of your potted plants or flowers is that they will get a head start since the growing conditions are far more favourable indoors.

Candles

The days are getting longer, which means that you will have more natural light in your home.  Think about replacing some of your electric lights with the soft glow of candles.  To really welcome the spring season, find bright candles with springtime scents such as fresh flowers or orchids.

Dinner Time

Bring the spring candles we mentioned above into the dining room to set the stage for a nice dining décor.  While you’re at it, think about changing your placemats and napkin set for ones with bright spring colours; think about bright greens or pinks to really give your dining room that spring look.

Doormats

Chances are your doormat is in need of changing; they can only take so many winters before they finally break down and no longer prevent dirt and debris from entering your home. Consider replacing your doormat with a welcome sign that reflects the spring season, and you’ll be surprised what a difference a new mat will make.  Make sure to also find one that has a rubberized bottom to keep it in place so that it can do its job.

If you are looking for great spring ideas or just want to take in the cherry blossoms and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the season, come visit some of the beautiful neighbourhoods and homes in Burnaby, particularly the real estate near Simon Fraser University.  Happy spring!

Exterior Maintenance

The quickest way to get your home ready for the real estate market is to give the exterior of your home a fresh coat of paint.  Before this, however, you will need to have a quick look at your exterior and do all of the necessary prep work required before painting.  This includes caulking any cracks or gaps, and replacing the weather stripping around the windows if it looks worn.  Also remember to scrape and sand down any areas where your old paint may have lifted.

While you are inspecting your exterior, have a look at your roof to see if you need to replace any loose shingles, and keep an eye out for clogged gutters, which can lead to all kinds of problems and create water damage if left unattended.  Make sure to remove all debris that may have gathered over the winter so that the gutters drain properly and can handle the spring rains.

Landscaping

A well landscaped property is far more appealing to potential buyers than a home that has not been landscaped, so take advantage of it being spring by planting some eye-catching flowers and getting your lawn and property market ready.  Make sure to keep the lawn trimmed, and repair/replace any cracked cement pads or retaining walls that may have been damaged over the winter months.  You should also consider renting a pressure washer to thoroughly clean your driveway.

Organize

If your home has an attached garage, it is extremely important to properly organize this space since potential buyers will envision how they can utilize it if they end up buying your home. Creating this imaginative space for buyers can be self-defeating if your garage is so full of stuff that you and your real estate agent can barely fit in the garage yourselves.  Take the necessary but rewarding time to organize the garage; think of it as an opportunity to sort through your belongings before you have to pack them into a moving truck.  Remember, an organized garage is a great selling point in this real estate market.

If you have been on the fence about buying or selling your home, there may be no better time than now to enter into the real estate market.  Just like the spring weather, the market is heating up and does not show any signs of cooling off any time soon.  Good luck!

Early Preparation

If you want that lush, weed free lawn to enjoy in the summer months, it’s important to do some early season preparation, which means filling in any low spots where water may have pooled over the winter.  You will also want to clean up and remove all debris that may have collected during the winter storms.  Finally, look for any areas that are considered high traffic areas, those that will need to be reseeded and properly maintained to ensure that they bounce back before summer.

Seeding

Once you are satisfied with your early lawn preparation, it is time to reseed your entire lawn, so make sure to pay particular attention to bare areas or areas of high traffic.  The purpose of reseeding your lawn is to ensure that you have an even, uniform lawn; therefore, read the directions on your seed packets and follow them exactly so that your lawn is properly reseeded.  It may be worth your time to talk to a landscaping expert about the type of seed you are going to use.  Remember: certain grass seed will do better in different climates.

Fertilize

Once you have re-seeded your lawn, it is important to properly fertilize it: always choose an environmentally friendly fertilizer that is non-toxic.  Once you have found the proper fertilizer, make sure to follow the instructions to ensure proper coverage, just as you did with your seed (it’s very important that you do not over or under fertilize your lawn).  Make sure to choose a dry day that is neither too warm nor too cold, as the timing of your application is just as important as your product choice.

Lawnmower Upkeep

Since spring is approaching, you can finally mow your lawn again! However, we know how frustrating it is to realize your lawnmower won’t start when it’s finally time to get it out of the garage.  A few quick maintenance checks may save hours of frustration later down the road, so once you’ve finished seeding and fertilizing your lawn, take the spark plug from your lawnmower and clean it.  Once you have a clean spark plug, try to see if your lawnmower will start.  If not, you may want to think about draining the old fuel and replacing it with new gas, and if it still won’t start, you may want to think about taking it in for a tune-up.

A well maintained lawn is always a welcome addition to any home, and a must if you want to list your home on the real estate market.  The homes near Simon Fraser University always have well maintained lawns, so if you’re looking for lawn care ideas or a new home, we’re always eager to help people!  We hope to see you soon.

Insulate

A properly insulated house is a home that keeps the heat in and the cold out.  Unfortunately, most homes in the lower mainland contain the least amount of insulation possible.  This is because most people feel that the winters are relatively mild and short in the Greater Vancouver area.  This may hold true if compared to a northern British Columbia winter, but on a night where the thermometer dips below freezing, you will be wanting all of the insulation you can possibly find.

Most relatively new homes should be properly insulated.  The newer homes available in the real estate market near Simon Fraser University are well-built and will be well insulated.  If your home is not in that category, you should think about adding insulation especially in the attic or crawl space area.  This will help keep more heat in your home.

Flush Your Tank!

One of the past tips was to turn down the heat on your hot water tank.  While you are turning down your hot water, you may want to think about flushing the tank itself.  By thoroughly flushing your hot water tank you are not only increasing its longevity, you will also help it run better and be more energy efficient which will save you money in the long run, as those winter heating bills are brutal.

Clean Those Gutters!

This is not just a job to do once a year; you should properly clean your gutters every few months.  A clean set of gutters will ensure that no debris or water accumulates in them.  If there is water in your gutters and it freezes, the expanding water can not only damage your gutters, but it can also begin to damage the side of your house!  Either way, it is 100 percent avoidable, and this is a job that will not cost you a dime.

Check Those Pipes!

This final tip may be a bit over the top if you live in the lower mainland, but if you have ever had a water pipe that has split because of freezing, you may not think so.  It is a good idea to inspect all of your pipes to make sure they are in good working order; you may want to add some extra insulation around any pipe that is exposed to exterior walls.  Remember, never turn your heat completely off if you go away for the winter.  Instead, turn your heat down, but not off.  This should keep your pipes from freezing and splitting.

We hope you have enjoyed this three-part series on how to properly winterize your home.  Remember, a properly winterized home is also an energy efficient and cost-effective home!

Turn Down Your Hot Water!

Another great way to help you save money over the winter months is to simply turn down your hot water tank by a degree or two.  Most hot water tanks are set at a temperature that is too hot, so by turning down your hot water tank, you will not only save money, but you may save yourself a burn or two as well.  By lowering your heater by a few degrees, you can save up to 10% on your next heating bill.  A hot water tank with a lower temperature may also be a great incentive to help you take a shorter shower, saving you even more money on your energy bills.

Another option is to look into a tankless hot water system or even a solar powered way to heat your hot water tank.  Remember that there are tax incentives to move towards a more energy efficient way of heating your water and your home.  Many of the new homes in the real estate market near Simon Fraser University already have energy efficient water tanks installed so turning them down may not save you any additional money.

Inspect Your Furnace

Sometimes, to keep your furnace running in peak condition, you may need to do more than just change the filters.  It is a good idea to have your furnace inspected annually, usually at the beginning of the winter to make sure that everything is in good working order.  A properly working furnace can save you money on your monthly heating costs and can also save you big money in the long run because maintaining your furnace will cost you far less than having to replace your furnace.

Life in Plastic

Another often overlooked place when it comes to thoroughly winterizing your home are your windows.  A lot of heat can escape right through your window panes over the course of the winter, especially if you have single paned glass.  Although most new homes now come with double paned glass, it is still a good idea to add a layer of plastic to your window.  You can pick up a plastic window dressing for your windows at almost any hardware store.

These kits adhere right to your window pane and will not distort or harm the glass in any way.  What this kit will give you is an extra layer of protection against the outside cold.  By properly installing a plastic window dressing, you should help seal any drafts that are coming from the sides of your windows and increasing your homes ability to hold heat.

Shelving

If you feel that you have run out of floor space and are not all that inclined to start stacking boxes on top of each other, you may want to think about shelving.  Shelves are a great way to make use of wall space.  In any room, and especially in the garage, chances are you have a bare wall or two.  Think about running shelving the length of the wall, or if space is a real issue, add more than one shelf on each wall; the more, the merrier!  You may need a step ladder to get to the highest shelf, but this should give you lots of extra room to store some of your goods.

Shelving can also be an ideal space saver in your pantry or in your closet.  In your closet, you can run a shelf above where you hang your clothes that can take the place of your already overstuffed dressers.  In your pantry, you can neatly organize your food items without having to stack or store them on the floor.

Totes

Totes or bins should take the place of boxes in all rooms of your house.  Totes will not have the bottoms fall out of them unexpectedly, nor will they break down.  Another great feature of the tote is that you can stack them on top of each other without any fear that the heavier one will crush the one underneath it.  Slap a label on the outside and stack to your heart’s content.

Under the Stairs

Almost all homes, especially the new ones in the real estate market near Simon Fraser University, have untapped storage potential under the stairs.  If you do not have a crawl space or if you have not turned that empty space into shelves or cupboards, you may want to explore that option.  Talk to a contractor or if you feel handy, undertake a do-it-yourself project that is sure to give you more storage space in your home.

With a little foresight and perhaps some creativity and organization, you should be able to find all the room you need and more in your home to store all of your items.  Good luck!

Stop the Drafts!

One of the quickest and cheapest ways to keep the heat in your home is to stop the drafts around the windows or doors.  Drafts can account for up to 30% of wasted energy in your home, so it is important to seal any leaky doors or windows.  There are many products on the market to help you with this task and are great weekend do-it-yourself jobs.  For a quick, temporary fix, roll up a towel or old blanket, and set it against the bottom of your door.

Turn Down Your Thermostat!

Although this sounds counterintuitive, smart management of your home’s thermostat can save you big money over the course of a winter.  Turning down your thermostat by 1 degree can save you 3% on your next heating bill!  Proper thermostat management can quickly add up to big savings.  A programmable thermostat is a great investment as it will allow you to program when and how you heat your home.  It will pay for itself in its first winter and will allow you to manage your home’s heat in a more responsible and cost-efficient manner.

Clean Those Filters!

During the winter months your furnace will be doing most of the heating, so it is a wise choice to make sure that the filters in your furnace are clean.  Dirty furnace filters can restrict your furnace’s airflow and thus increase your furnace’s energy demand.  If dirty filters are left unchanged, this can eventually place unneeded and unwanted stress on your furnace.  It is advisable that you check and replace your furnace filters monthly to keep your furnace running at its peak performance.

Use Your Fans!

Use your fans in the winter months?  This sounds absurd, doesn’t it?  However, your ceiling fans have the ability to run both clockwise and counterclockwise.  During the summer months, run your ceiling fan in a counterclockwise direction; this helps keep us cool.  If you change your fan’s direction to clockwise, your fan will circulate the warmer air that is trapped near the ceiling back down into the center of the room.  Give it a try!

By properly winterizing your home, you should enjoy a comfier and warmer house.  Most of the new homes in the real estate market near Simon Fraser University have already been winterized.  These homes offer some of the most energy efficient homes in all of the lower mainland.  By following the previous tips, you too should be able to realize a more cost-effective way to enjoy the winter months.