Buyer Information
The legal structure for the EchoHaven community is a bareland condominium allowing for common ownership and maintenance of green space and amenities. Similar to other condominium or strata ownership, annual fees are determined by the elected condominium board to cover maintenance costs.
Lot sizes allow for detached or semi-detached homes from 1,200 to 3,500 sq ft. Most of the lots allow for one and a half or two story homes with full walk-outs. Guidelines have been developed for architectural and performance standards to ensure that such things as solar access and the minimum standard of EnerGuide 84 is reached by all homes in the community.
The Cost of Building Your Home
If you buy a lot at EchoHaven you can build your own home or choose a green builder. Upgrades to standard tract home construction are required in the EchoHaven community to bring the new home to EnerGuide 84 or net zero ready. The cost of the value-added upgrades is approximately $30,000 for a 2300 sq. ft. home. This includes upgrades to the insulation in the building envelope, upgraded windows, a cistern and dual plumbing for the cistern.
Homeowners at EchoHaven are encouraged to plan for renewables, such as PV modules or solar thermal panels. The budget for these items will be determined by the homeowner. The ability to lease PV panels from a local electrical provider is an option (Enmax).
The average square foot cost of a standard tract home (EnerGuide 75) in Calgary is $175/ sq. ft. and a custom home is $190/ sq. ft. The value of the upgrades for the EchoHaven Demonstration Home to reach net zero, or EnerGuide 100, cost $205/sq ft or $15/ sq. ft. more than an average custom home.
Presently, we know of six builders that are working towards providing an EnerGuide 84 home that will cost the same as a tract home. Technical advice is available for home site owners.
Return on Investment
The money that is invested in – improving a building envelope, upgrading windows, adding renewables and other systems designed to improve energy efficiency – will save you money. We can help you calculate your savings over time based on your specific investment.
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