Opt for a home built on a slab-on-grade
instead of a conventional basement
foundation because basements in
Quebec homes often pose problems.
Basements cost as much to build as an
additional floor and can lead to humidity
problems (and can even lead to serious
complications because of water leakage).
Basements also require a lot of concrete,
a large emitter of greenhouse gases.
To compensate for the lack of space, an
additional floor can be built: a solution
that is more energy-efficient, presents
fewer environmental hazards, is more
comfortable and has a higher resale
value.
Surface area of a home: It is important to
assess the real needs for space to make
economies on the costs of construction
and maintenance. It is important to note
that a home that is well designed can
be small in surface area, but can provide
a spacious living area! In Canada, the
average size of a new home is 2,450 ft2
(228 m2). ERE 132 has 1,867 ft2 (173 m2)
of heated area.