Congratulations on getting a head start on planning your renovation project! Good planning is the first step to a successful project. Too often, it's only once the project has begun that you realise, too late, that you could have had access to one or even more renovation grants. Applying for available renovation grants is a worthwhile step not to be missed. At ESPÉ, you can count on our assistance to take advantage of the grants available from our government bodies.
2024 renovation grants: building envelope
24 March 2024 4 min
The great thing is that renovation grants generally favour a sustainable approach. Aiming for sustainability is an excellent strategy that combines the benefits of ecologically and financially responsible renovation. The other good news is that this approach is directly in line with ESPÉ’s values. That’s why we’re delighted to share it with you!
Please note that the majority of grants will be aimed at improving the energy efficiency of the building by improving its envelope and heating/cooling system.
WHAT IS THE BUILDING ENVELOPE ?
The building envelope consists of
• the roof
• the foundation
• the exterior walls
• windows and doors
Ultimately, it is any surface that separates the inside from the outside of your home. The quality of the building envelope is a determining factor that has an impact on the amount of energy you use to heat, cool and ventilate your home. Improving this envelope will bring you comfort, health and durability over time.
WHERE DO I START ?
We suggest that our customers take steps to qualify for the Rénoclimat program before starting any work. They will assess your home’s energy efficiency BEFORE the work is done. Based on their recommendations for achieving higher levels of efficiency through your renovations, you will benefit from additional subsidies.
Here are some of the ways you can improve your building envelope:
1. IMPROVE THE AIRTIGHTNESS OF YOUR HOME
When we talk about airtightness, we’re talking about sealing off all air loss in the house.
The infiltration of cold air into your home in winter reduces your comfort and increases your heating costs. The exfiltration of warm air (which leaves your house) will transport humidity and lead to problems of hidden condensation in the envelope, leading to degradation of the insulation, the appearance of mould and eventually the rotting of the wooden frame of your house.
2. REVIEW YOUR HOME’S INSULATION
Insulating your walls, attic space and foundations will help you keep out the cold in winter and the heat in summer, so you can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Good insulation also helps you keep energy costs for heating and air conditioning under control. Houses in Montréal are often poorly insulated or not insulated at all, so it’s time to have your home’s insulation inspected by ESPÉ!
3. REPLACE NON-ECOLOGICAL HEATING SYSTEMS
It’s time to change your old furnace! Old heating methods are outdated. As well as being expensive, they’re not environmentally friendly. If you need to change where the new ducts for your heating will run, now’s a good time to think about it!
Other advantages:
Do the renovation work with a reputable renovation company.
Depending on certain parameters, part of the GST and QST paid for your work may even be refunded. Take advantage!
AN INTEREST-FREE LOAN
In addition to grants, you could also benefit from an interest-free loan of up to $40,000 to help you carry out the work now, rather than putting it off until later. Given inflation and interest rates, you’d be crazy not to!
These advantages are temporary. Over the last 20 years, programmes have come and gone. These are available in 2024, so now’s the time to take advantage. Download our renovations grants guide to know everything !
