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BUILDERS AND DEVELOPERS · BUILDMAX™
Energy modelling, testing and design for Ontario builders.
We find the most cost-effective way to meet or beat the Ontario Building Code without overbuilding. Then we test the home, help you earn certifications buyers value, and support you through the warranty period.
Fast turnaround: SB-12 (Ontario's energy efficiency standard for new houses) compliance and energy modelling typically in 5 business days; blower door tests booked within 1 week.
WHAT BUYERS WEIGH
In Tarion's research on Ontario new home buyers, 96% named the home's energy efficiency as a top factor in choosing a new home, and 91% named its warranty protection.
WHAT WE DO
From first drawings to final test.
Performance Path and code compliance
Energy modelling to SB-12 and the National Building Code (Section 9.36), comparing the Performance Path with the prescriptive packages so you choose the cheapest way to comply.
Energy modelling
HOT2000 modelling for homes and RETScreen analysis for renewable and efficiency options, with energy use, cost and emissions forecasts.
Heating, cooling and ventilation design
Heat loss and gain calculations, duct and pipe sizing, forced-air and hydronic design, and ventilation with energy recovery, sized right instead of oversized.
Blower door testing and thermography
Airtightness testing and infrared imaging to confirm targets on site and find air leaks and insulation gaps before drywall hides them.
Certifications
EnerGuide ratings, ENERGY STAR for New Homes and Net Zero readiness, with the modelling, inspections and testing each one requires.
Commissioning and problem solving
Testing and adjusting installed systems against the design, catching leaky ductwork and poor performance before buyers do.
WHY THE PERFORMANCE PATH
Meet the code for less.
The SB-12 prescriptive packages tell you exactly what to install. The Performance Path lets you prove the whole home performs, so costly items can be swapped for cheaper measures that achieve the same result.
- Replace items like drain water heat recovery or extra continuous insulation where the model shows a cheaper route
- More freedom in design and materials
- Clean documentation for faster approvals
- Fewer call-backs from homes that perform as designed
A selling point your buyers can bank
Buyers of a qualifying energy-efficient new home can get 25% of their mortgage insurance premium back through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Eco Plus, Sagen or Canada Guaranty. Our EnerGuide rating can be the proof they need.
How the refund works →Building rentals of 5 or more units? Energy modelling can earn points under CMHC MLI Select for longer amortization and better financing.
THROUGH THE WARRANTY PERIOD
Catch defects while the trades are still on the hook.
Ontario new homes carry Tarion warranty coverage: 1 year for workmanship and materials, 2 years for systems such as heating delivery, plumbing and electrical, and 7 years for major structural defects. Problems found early cost far less than problems found by buyers.
Warranty-period monitoring
For condo, mid-rise and commercial projects with a building automation system, Peak Energy's program offers automated commissioning that tests every system and flags faults through the first warranty year, delivered locally by Next Level. For low-rise homes, we confirm performance with testing at handover.
About the Peak Energy program →HOW IT WORKS
Five steps, one team.
- STEP 1
Project review
We assess the scope, drawings and targets with your team.
- STEP 2
Design and incentives
We model options, pick the cheapest compliant path and line up incentives.
- STEP 3
Build support
On-site guidance and inspections so details are built right the first time.
- STEP 4
Testing and labels
Blower door tests and final ratings confirm targets and certifications.
- STEP 5
After handover
Support through the warranty period, and lessons carried into your next project.
START A PROJECT
Send us your project. We'll show you the cheapest compliant path.
Tell us about the build, or book a free consultation directly. Energy modelling and SB-12 compliance typically take 5 business days; blower door tests are booked within 1 week.
FOR BUILDERS
Builder services in detail.
SB-12 compliance report
An SB-12 compliance report shows a new Ontario house meets the Building Code's energy efficiency requirements, either by matching a prescriptive compliance…
Learn more →SERVICEBlower door test
A blower door test measures how airtight a house is. A calibrated fan depressurizes the house to 50 pascals and measures the…
Learn more →GUIDESB-12 Performance Path vs prescriptive
Ontario's Building Code gives you three ways to prove a new house is energy efficient enough. The right one can save you money on the build, or be the only way your design passes.
Learn more →QUESTIONS
Builder questions
What is the Performance Path?
Under Ontario's SB-12 energy efficiency requirements, builders can follow a prescriptive package of specified measures, or use the Performance Path, where energy modelling shows the whole home meets the target. The Performance Path often allows cheaper combinations of measures.
Do you do blower door testing?
Yes. We perform airtightness (blower door) testing and infrared thermography to confirm targets and find leaks and insulation gaps.
Do you design heating and cooling systems?
Yes. We do heat loss and gain calculations, duct and pipe sizing, forced-air and hydronic design, and ventilation design with energy recovery.
Can our buyers get a mortgage insurance refund?
Buyers of a qualifying energy-efficient new home may get 25% of their mortgage insurance premium back through CMHC Eco Plus, Sagen or Canada Guaranty. An EnerGuide rating showing the home uses at least 20% less energy than a typical new house is one way to qualify.
Which energy models do you use?
HOT2000 for houses and low-rise residential, and RETScreen for renewable energy and efficiency analysis.