Green Renovation Support

Whether your project is big or small, we provide advice and help you find contractors to get the work done.

 

 What is a Green Reno?

Whether your goal is to reduce your emissions, use the most environmentally-friendly building materials, or generate renewable energy, the first step to achieving a green renovation involves setting measurable goals. Take our Green Reno Survey to begin the process.

Our Green Renovation Support is there for Goldfinch Energy clients who need help putting a green plan into action.

Turn your plan into action

  • We work with homeowners who are motivated to get their home’s greenhouse gas emissions as low as possible. Homeowners who undertake a green renovation often find that after the work is done, their home is much more comfortable. Our support includes:

    • Seeking out up to three quotes for each upgrade. We have a roster of contractors we recommend but are always interested in meeting contractors who are eager to learn, collaborate and achieve results.

    • Deciding between quotes and contractors for each upgrade.

    • Providing air tightness testing and commissioning testing for heat pumps (as needed).

    • Providing additional support, as neeeded, to you and the contractor through the work.

  • The renovations often include:

    • Mechanicals: We specialize in the best zero-carbon solutions for heating and hot water and can help you find contractors who won’t try and talk you out of a heat pump.

    • Solar PV: We are experienced with the Net Metering process and have good relationships with the top solar installers in the GTA. We can talk you through your quotes and help you make a decision that gets you the best installation for the price.

    • Incredibly airtight home: We can help your contractor with an air sealing strategy and bring our draft-finding blower door to check the air barrier and ensure that your home is as airtight as possible. This saves money on heating and cooling and is a major component of green design.

    • Exterior insulation: With older Toronto homes that are double brick, exterior insulation is often a better choice, but it can be hard to find experienced contractors who know how to add multiple layers of environmentally-friendly insulation products (and get the home airtight at the same time.)

    • Window quotes: We help you make sense of the options available and cut through the sales jargon.

 Cost

  • Our green renovation service is available for homeowners who have already worked with Goldfinch Energy to generate a plan for their home and is charged at our hourly rate of $150/hour. You pay as you go so it’s completely flexible for you. We are very generous with our time and provide support via email, phone and in person depending on what’s needed. Examples of green renovation services include:

    • A small renovation which may be only one upgrade such as installing a solar panels or new windows, the typical green renovation support provided by Goldfinch Energy is 2 - 3 hours ($300- $450);

    • A medium-sized renovation which may include a few upgrades (insulation, air sealing, new windows and new siding), the typical support provided is 5 - 10 hours ($750 - $1,500);

    • A larger renovation which may include exterior work and new mechanicals (a heat pump and hot water) usually requires coordination of several contractors. The typical support required is between 10 - 15 hours ($1,500 - $2,250).

  • Contact us to discuss your green renovation goals.

What People Are Saying

“To anyone in a position to make the sorts of changes I did (a heat pump, hot water, and solar panels), I endorse Goldfinch enthusiastically. It has not been a painless process, but thanks to Goldfinch, it has been pretty darn near so.”

— Ramona, Toronto homeowner