Owner-built homes
Information on the Novoclimat do-it-yourself program for homebuilders
A home will receive Novoclimat certification only if the house is built by a Novoclimat-certified general contractor. In order to obtain certification, the contractor must follow a two-day training course and hold a building license subclass 1.1.1 or 1.1.2 from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec. Our team of technical advisors then provides the needed support.
People who build their own homes cannot receive certification for their homes. However, in response to numerous requests from do-it-yourself enthusiasts, we have posted information on the Novoclimat program to help them improve the energy efficiency of their house.
Important cautionary warning
Every building element in a house interacts with the others, making it a dynamic group of components in constant search of equilibrium.
The main elements that influence the energy performance and working order of a building are:
- the envelope (insulation, air barrier, vapour barrier);
- the mechanical and electrical systems (heating, air conditioning and ventilation units, etc.);
- the occupants.
Examples of interaction:
- installing a powerful stove ventilation fan could result in the blowback of smoke via the fireplace chimney;
- improving air tightness can sometimes lead to an increase in humidity and the appearance of condensation on the windows, which must be controlled by an effective ventilation system.
The technical requirements of the Novoclimat® program are based on this principle of interaction. They are inspired by the Model National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings, published in 1997 by the National Research Council of Canada (NRCC), the 1995 National Building Code of Canada and certain technical aspects of the R-2000 program.
Novoclimat® requirements are over and above the provisions of local building codes and Québec standards, as well as those of the National Building Code currently in effect.
Partial application of the Novoclimat® requirements or hiring workers who are not qualified to efficiently install and comply with these requirements could lead, directly or indirectly, to the malfunction or deterioration of the targeted materials, assembly work and equipment.
House Inspection
Only homes built by a certified builder and that have been inspected by an evaluation consultant (PDF | 155 KB - in French) who is trained and mandated by the Department can be certified and thus eligible for the financial incentives available.
Novoclimat turnkey homes are subject to two inspections that verify 32 different points (PDF | 218 KB). The first inspection takes place before the plasterboard panels are installed to evaluate the air tightness of the home, detect air infiltrations and take corrective action if necessary.
The second inspection is conducted when the work is completed. The calibration of the heat recovery ventilator is verified and the quantity of air brought into each main room is measured.
If you wish to have your home inspected, you can use the services of a Novoclimat-certified evaluation consultant (PDF | 155 KB - in French). Professional fees should be taken into consideration (and negotiated with the evaluation consultant). The inspection does not lead to certification or to financial assistance options.
Additional support
Technical support offered by the Department is restricted to certified contractors and ventilation specialists.
For more information or technical support, we recommend that you call on the services of an independent Novoclimat evaluation consultant or a qualified construction professional with Novoclimat certification. Professional fees should be taken into consideration.
Technical drawings
The Department has technical drawings of foundations, flooring, end joists and roofs available for consultation (in French):
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