Episode Snapshot
A practical chat with Pedro from Sunset Homes on building high-performance acreage homes—why cost-per-square-foot falls short, how climate drives detailing (Calgary vs Vancouver Island), and what really delivers comfort, durability, and low operating costs.
Guest
Pedro — Engineer and owner at Sunset Homes (Calgary), Built Green–certified custom builder.
Why Cost-Per-Square-Foot Fails For High-Performance
- CPSF can work for minimum code but breaks down once you factor site conditions, seasonality, trades, materials, and performance targets
- Optimize for total cost of ownership: design efficiency, energy use, maintenance, and resilience
High-Performance, Defined
- Airtight, well-insulated envelope (e.g., 2×6 walls with R24–R26, insulated slabs, strategic exterior insulation)
- Right-sized mechanicals with high-efficiency HRV/ERV
- Smart glazing: location, size, SHGC tuned for the facade and climate
- Verified by energy modeling (giga-joules/kWh), Built Green, Step Code/Net-Zero Ready paths
Acreage Building 101
- Wind exposure and open terrain drive higher structural and envelope demands
- Servicing: wells, septic (field vs tank per soils), gas availability or all-electric with backup strategy
- Long lead permits, zoning nuances, and architectural guidelines common in rural subdivisions
Climate Detailing: Calgary vs Vancouver Island
- Calgary/foothills: extreme cold and wind → robust air-sealing, primers with low-temp adhesion, careful door/window foam and peel-and-stick integration
- Vancouver Island: rain management → larger overhangs, meticulous water-shedding layers, rainscreen and flashing priorities
Envelope & Windows That Work
- Framing stops at window set; exterior crew completes the air/water layer continuity
- Heavier emphasis on foam/caulk continuity, taped WRBs, peel-and-stick at penetrations
- Dual vs triple pane chosen by orientation and comfort goals; use bucks or mid-cavity placement to align with insulation plane
Energy Modeling, Equipment & Bills
- Model first, then select assemblies and systems (HRV efficiency matters more than code minimums)
- Tank vs tankless DHW evaluated by loads and integration (space heat/DHW combos where appropriate)
- Case insight: exterior insulation + tight envelope + tuned HVAC yielded ~$14–$21/month heating/cooling on a ~1,600–1,800 sq ft coastal home, and Step 4 performance
Permits, Zoning & Timelines (Alberta Examples)
- City: partial building permit in ~2 weeks to start foundations; development permit ~6–10 weeks
- Counties: typically longer; site visits, rezoning, and subdivision conditions are common
- Many acreage developments enforce minimum home sizes and style guidelines
Maintenance, Warranty & Homeowner Care
- Educate owners at walkthrough; provide digital portal for ongoing questions
- Plan for exterior caulking cycles, filter changes, and seasonal checks
- Builder selection tip: ask about warranty history, not just price
Design Notes For Acreage
- “Big, boxy, and beautiful”: simple, compact forms make performance easier and cheaper
- Use porches, pergolas, and cladding details to add character without breaking the envelope
- Balance view glass with comfort: raise sills, trim head heights, and break up expanses
Resilience & Backup Power
- Consider EV bidirectional charging, batteries, or standby gas as context-appropriate backups
- Aim for safe temperatures during outages through envelope first, systems second
How To Choose Your Builder
- Local permitting experience and trade depth (commercial-savvy exterior crews help)
- Transparent energy modeling up front, with options priced as packages
- Relationship fit—construction is a year-plus partnership
Resources Mentioned
- Built Green certification
- Energy modeling (load calculations and GJ/kWh targets)
- ICF foundations and exterior Rockwool/XPS strategies
- BC Energy Step Code and Net-Zero-Ready pathways
Quote Of The Episode
“Construction is a long-term relationship—optimize early, communicate often, and the house will take care of you.”
