Home Performance,ICE Panel Construction,Pre-Construction Planning,

Building a Net Zero Home

Building a Net Zero home in Alberta is an investment in sustainability, energy efficiency, and long-term cost savings. A Net Zero home is designed to produce as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year, resulting in a carbon-neutral footprint.

Key Features of Net Zero Homes

Enhanced Insulation: Utilizing advanced insulation techniques, such as Insulated Composite Envelope (ICE) Panels, to minimize heat loss.

High-Performance Windows: Installing triple-pane, low-emissivity windows to reduce energy loss and improve comfort.

Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems: Employing air source heat pumps and other high-efficiency systems to maintain optimal indoor temperatures year-round.

Renewable Energy Generation: Incorporating solar panels to produce clean, renewable energy on-site, offsetting the home’s energy consumption.

mechanical room in the walk-out basement of a net zero home

Benefits of Building a Net Zero Home in Alberta

Energy Cost Savings: Significantly reduce or eliminate utility bills by generating your own energy.

Environmental Impact: Contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable living.

Enhanced Comfort: Experience improved indoor air quality, consistent temperatures, and a quieter living environment.

Future-Proofing: Meet or exceed upcoming building codes and standards focused on energy efficiency.

Considerations for Building in Alberta

Climate Adaptation: Designing for Alberta’s diverse climate, with cold winters and warm summers, requires careful planning to ensure energy efficiency year-round.

Local Expertise: Collaborating with experienced builders like Vleeming Custom Homes can offer valuable insights and ensure your Net Zero home meets Alberta’s regional building codes and standards.

Incentives and Rebates: Exploring available government incentives and rebates can help offset initial construction costs.

exterior of a net-zero home with detached garage

Investing in a Net Zero home in Alberta not only benefits the environment but also offers homeowners long-term financial savings and a comfortable living space. As the province moves towards more sustainable building practices, Net Zero homes represent the future of residential construction.

For more information on Net Zero homes, visit the Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s Net Zero page.

Published August 27, 2025

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Home Performance,ICE Panel Construction,Pre-Construction Planning,

ICE Panels for Home Building

When it comes to constructing a home that stands the test of time, Vleeming’s preferred building method involves harnessing the remarkable capabilities of Greenstone Building Products’ ICE Panels. ICE Panels represent a revolutionary approach to building, serving as the framing, insulation, and vapor barrier of your home’s building envelope. These panels are ingeniously engineered, combining Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and steel stud framing to create a robust, high-performance building solution.

A Foundation Built to Last Generations

ICE Panels are not just a building material; they’re a testament to longevity. These panels are a fusion of two independent structural frames expertly bonded together with EPS. The result is an exceptionally durable building envelope that eliminates thermal bridging. This innovative construction approach ensures that your home’s structural integrity remains uncompromised for generations to come.

The Advantages of ICE Panels

Carlo Vleeming, owner and project manager at Vleeming Custom Homes, highlights the numerous advantages of ICE Panels. These advantages include:

High Insulation Values: ICE Panels provide insulation that surpasses conventional methods, ensuring your home remains comfortable and energy-efficient year-round.

Airtight Construction: Achieving an airtight building envelope is crucial for energy efficiency and indoor air quality. ICE Panels excel in this regard.

Better Air Quality: With reduced potential for drafts and moisture infiltration, ICE Panels contribute to healthier indoor air.

Less Construction Waste: Minimizing waste during the construction process is a responsible and environmentally conscious choice. ICE Panels align with these sustainability goals.

100% Recyclable: ICE Panels can be recycled, underscoring their commitment to environmental responsibility.

Versatile Applications

ICE Panels aren’t just limited to the traditional walls of your home. Depending on your terrain and specific requirements, these panels can be employed for various purposes, including:

Home’s Foundation: ICE Panels are an excellent choice for the foundation, providing outstanding durability and insulation.

Basement Floors: Utilize ICE Panels to ensure your basement is comfortable, energy-efficient, and free from moisture issues.

Above-Grade Walls: Enjoy the benefits of airtight and well-insulated above-grade walls that contribute to energy savings.

Roof Structure: ICE Panels extend their advantages to your home’s roof, offering a versatile and eco-friendly roofing solution.

Breaking the Thermal Bridge

Traditional wood-framed walls often suffer from a significant drawback: the presence of a “thermal bridge” along each stud, plate, and header. This allows hot or cold elements to infiltrate your home, compromising comfort and energy efficiency. In stark contrast, ICE Panels provide a 100% thermal break, effectively preventing these thermal bridges. Depending on the thickness of the ICE Panels used, they can deliver impressive R-values ranging from 24 to 42. To put this in perspective, conventional wood-framed homes with 2×6 walls and studs placed 16″ on center offer effective R-values of only 16.5. In line with the National Building Code for Alberta, an Effective R-value of 17.5 (for zone 7a) is mandated for all above-ground framed walls.

Choosing ICE Panels for your home’s construction means investing in a sustainable, energy-efficient, and durable future. These panels are not just building materials; they are the foundation of a healthier, more comfortable, and eco-conscious living space.

Published October 6, 2022. Updated January 19, 2024.

ICE Panels or Wood Framing

Which building method is more cost effective?

Cost Comparison

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Building Costs,Home Maintenance,Home Performance,ICE Panel Construction,Industry,Pre-Construction Planning,

Choosing Between ICE Panels and Wood Framing: A Comprehensive Cost Analysis

When it comes to constructing your dream home, making the right choice in the building envelope can have a significant impact on both your initial investment and long-term operating costs. In 2021, we conducted an extensive cost comparison for a 1,700 sqft bungalow with a spacious attached garage. The objective was to determine the financial implications of using either ICE Panels or traditional wood framing for this specific project.

The Initial Cost: ICE Panels vs. Wood Framing

For this example project, the 7.5” ICE panel package designed for the main floor, exterior walls, and exterior garage walls was estimated to cost approximately $49,000. On the other hand, opting for a wood frame building envelope would present a substantial cost advantage, with a price tag nearly 33% lower, equating to an approximate saving of $16,000. It’s an enticing initial cost-saving option.

However, it’s important to recognize the trade-off involved. Wood-framed walls, constructed with 2×6 studs at 16-inch intervals, have a relatively reduced insulation value, measuring at an Effective R-16 (+/-). In contrast, ICE Panel walls deliver a significantly higher Effective R-value of 29 for this specific home. This difference in insulation value should be factored into the equation when considering long-term operating costs.

Long-Term Benefits of ICE Panels

While the initial savings with wood framing seem appealing, it’s crucial to consider the long-term implications. ICE Panels, with their Effective R-value of 29, provide a remarkable 81% more effective insulation value than traditional wood-framed walls in this context. This superior insulation equates to substantial energy savings and improved comfort within the home.

For further perspective, homes constructed with ICE Panels receive impressive EnerGuide ratings. In the case of this home, the EnerGuide rating is an outstanding 75 GJ/year. To put this into context, a typical new home averages around 136 GJ/year. In practical terms, this means that a home built with ICE Panels consumes 45-55% less energy compared to a standard new build, significantly reducing your environmental footprint and energy bills over time.

EnerGuide Label for a Vleeming Custom Home built with ICE Panels

Disclaimer: The values provided are based on the information available at the time of this publication and pertain specifically to the project compared during that period.

Choosing between ICE Panels and wood framing is not just about the upfront costs; it’s a decision that influences your long-term comfort, energy efficiency, and environmental impact. By opting for ICE Panels, you not only invest in a more comfortable and eco-friendly home but also benefit from substantial energy savings over the life of your residence.

Published October 6, 2022. Revised October 25, 2023.

Learn More About ICE Panels

Are They the Right Choice for You?

ICE Panels

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Home Performance,Industry,Pre-Construction Planning,

Maximizing Insulation: Understanding R-Value vs. Effective R-Value

When it comes to insulating your home, understanding the difference between R-value and Effective R-value can make a substantial impact on your energy efficiency, utility bills, and property value.

Deciphering R-Value

R-value is defined as “the capacity of an insulating material to resist heat flow.” In simple terms, the higher the R-value, the better the insulating capabilities of the product. This means that a product with a higher R-value will be more effective at keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The benefits are twofold: lower heating and cooling costs and a reduced carbon footprint. Additionally, homes with higher R-values tend to have increased resale value, making it a wise investment in the long run.

The R-value of a product is determined by various factors, including the type of material, its density, and thickness. When you have multiple types of insulation in your home, their R-values will accumulate, giving you a combined value for your overall insulation package.

The Pitfall of Thermal Bridges

Here’s where the concept of Effective R-Value comes into play. While R-value is a critical factor in insulation, it doesn’t always tell the whole story. Many insulation products advertise their R-value without considering thermal bridges. These thermal bridges are points in your home’s construction where heat transfer occurs, effectively creating weak spots in your insulation.

One of the most common culprits for thermal bridges is traditional wood-framed walls. Along each stud, plate, and header in these walls, a thermal bridge exists, allowing hot or cold air to penetrate your home. This can lead to significant energy loss and a reduction in the effectiveness of your insulation.

The ICE Panels Advantage

At Vleeming Custom Homes, we’ve found a preferred solution to combat the thermal bridge issue – Greenstone Building Products’ ICE Panels. These panels are designed with a unique structure that eliminates thermal bridges where heat transfer may occur. Thanks to this innovation, ICE Panels can achieve R-values as high as 38, providing exceptional insulation for your home.

home in its framing stage, using ICE Panels

In summary, while R-value is essential, it’s crucial to also consider the Effective R-Value of your insulation to get a more accurate picture of how well your home is protected against the elements. Using products like ICE Panels, which mitigate thermal bridges, can greatly enhance your home’s insulation, energy efficiency, and overall comfort. Make an informed choice to enjoy the benefits of a well-insulated home and a reduced environmental impact.

Published November 4, 2023

ICE Panels: What Are They?

Learn More About ICE Panels

ICE Panels For Home Building

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Building Costs,Industry,Pre-Construction Planning,

The Superiority of Fixed Price Contracts for New Custom Homes & Renovations

Choosing the right contract is paramount when embarking on a home construction project, whether it’s a new custom home or a renovation. At Vleeming Custom Homes, we firmly believe in the value of fixed price contracts, and we exclusively use this approach for both new custom homes and renovation projects. In this blog, we’ll explore why a fixed price contract, coupled with a comprehensive pre-construction planning process, is the ideal choice for achieving your dream home or renovation project. We’ll also discuss why cost-plus contracts may not be the best option.

Defining Fixed Price Contracts

A fixed price contract, also known as a lump-sum contract, is an agreement in which the contractor commits to completing a project for a predetermined and fixed price. This price is typically determined after a thorough assessment of the project’s scope, design, materials, and other relevant factors. Fixed price contracts provide homeowners with the assurance of a set budget, which only changes if there are mutually agreed-upon alterations to the project scope.

Advantages of Fixed Price Contracts

Budget Certainty: Fixed price contracts offer budget certainty for both new custom homes and renovation projects, allowing you to plan your finances without worrying about unexpected cost overruns, which can be especially crucial in renovations.

Pre-Construction Planning: Meticulous pre-construction planning is fundamental to a successful project. With a fixed price contract, our team collaborates with you to develop a comprehensive plan covering design, materials, timelines, and costs to ensure your vision aligns with the budget.

Risk Mitigation: The builder is responsible for managing costs efficiently in fixed price contracts. This incentivizes meticulous cost management and planning, which is valuable in renovations where unexpected issues can arise.

Scope Control: Fixed price contracts establish a clear project scope, agreed upon before the work begins. This minimizes the risk of scope creep, ensuring you receive what you expect without additional charges. Whether it’s a new custom home or a renovation, keeping the project on track is essential.

Predictable Timelines: A well-structured pre-construction plan, integral to fixed price contracts, includes a clear project timeline. Knowing when your new custom home or renovation will be completed empowers better planning and reduces the stress of unexpected delays. This is particularly crucial for renovations when time-sensitive changes are a priority.

Challenges of Cost-Plus Contracts

Cost-plus contracts, where the homeowner pays actual construction costs and builder fees, have downsides, particularly for new custom homes and renovations:

Uncertain Budgets: Cost-plus contracts lack the budget certainty provided by fixed price contracts, exposing homeowners to financial risks and unexpected budget overruns.

Potential for Scope Creep: With cost-plus contracts, there’s a risk of scope changes and added costs, leading to homeowners paying more than anticipated.

In conclusion, for both new custom homes and renovations, choosing a fixed price contract with meticulous pre-construction planning is the best path to success. At Vleeming Custom Homes, we exclusively use fixed price contracts to ensure budget certainty, risk mitigation, scope control, and predictable timelines. Fixed price contracts offer distinct advantages, while cost-plus contracts may lead to budget uncertainty and scope issues. Whether you’re building your dream home or renovating to make your current space perfect, we’re committed to delivering excellence in custom construction with transparency and integrity. Your dream home is within reach, and we’re here to make it a reality.

Published October 30, 2023.

What You Should Know Before You Build

Common Questions, Answered

Pre Planning

Building a Net Zero Home

More Home Building Resources

ICE Panels for Home Building

Choosing Between ICE Panels and Wood Framing: A Comprehensive Cost Analysis

Maximizing Insulation: Understanding R-Value vs. Effective R-Value

The Superiority of Fixed Price Contracts for New Custom Homes & Renovations

The Art of Custom Home Building: Understanding the Costs of Building Details in a Vleeming Custom Home

ICE Panels for Home Building

ICE Panels or Wood Framing

More Home Building Resources

Building a Net Zero Home

Choosing Between ICE Panels and Wood Framing: A Comprehensive Cost Analysis

Maximizing Insulation: Understanding R-Value vs. Effective R-Value

The Superiority of Fixed Price Contracts for New Custom Homes & Renovations

The Art of Custom Home Building: Understanding the Costs of Building Details in a Vleeming Custom Home

Choosing Between ICE Panels and Wood Framing: A Comprehensive Cost Analysis

Learn More About ICE Panels

More Home Building Resources

Building a Net Zero Home

ICE Panels for Home Building

Maximizing Insulation: Understanding R-Value vs. Effective R-Value

The Superiority of Fixed Price Contracts for New Custom Homes & Renovations

The Art of Custom Home Building: Understanding the Costs of Building Details in a Vleeming Custom Home

Maximizing Insulation: Understanding R-Value vs. Effective R-Value

ICE Panels: What Are They?

More Home Building Resources

Building a Net Zero Home

ICE Panels for Home Building

Choosing Between ICE Panels and Wood Framing: A Comprehensive Cost Analysis

The Superiority of Fixed Price Contracts for New Custom Homes & Renovations

The Art of Custom Home Building: Understanding the Costs of Building Details in a Vleeming Custom Home

The Superiority of Fixed Price Contracts for New Custom Homes & Renovations

What You Should Know Before You Build

More Home Building Resources

Building a Net Zero Home

ICE Panels for Home Building

Choosing Between ICE Panels and Wood Framing: A Comprehensive Cost Analysis

Maximizing Insulation: Understanding R-Value vs. Effective R-Value

The Art of Custom Home Building: Understanding the Costs of Building Details in a Vleeming Custom Home