Iconic modern home designs with sustainable renovations

Effect Homes is proud of our status as leaders in sustainable, quality construction and modern home design, and we value the relationships we create with our clients. But sometimes, we are lucky enough to work on projects that add a different kind of excitement; a connection to Edmonton’s history and a way to be a […]
Small, but mighty

Littlehorn Elegant and airy, the Littlehorn home makes practical use of a smaller area without compromising on detail and charm. The Plan On a smaller lot, we needed to lay out an 1,800 square foot home in a way that didn’t feel cramped. Through careful planning, we were able to design a floorplan that met […]
Edmonton’s first commercial building disconnected from the electrical grid

Our Office An extensive energy retrofit transformed a 70-year-old, energy-guzzling apartment into one of the most efficient office buildings in the city. The Plan We wanted a space where homeowners would feel comfortable sharing with us their needs and dreams and which would allow ideas to take shape as they collaborated with our team to […]
Subtle details enhance minimalist design

The Summit Intended to be experienced as a whole – subtlety is key in this contemporary design. The simple palette, limited dramatic features and attention to fine details bring it all together. The Plan Aging in place was a major consideration for the Summit. The goal was to build a refined, contemporary home that could […]
Soaking Up The Sun

Idylwylde Net Zero Infused with artistic flair, this net zero energy home produces all the energy needed for the home PLUS powers two electric cars! The Plan Clear priorities from the start helped set the stage for this enjoyable project. The challenge was to create a net zero energy home that produces its own clean […]
Personifying a Modern Lifestyle

The Garneau Home Functionality and fun coexist in the Garneau Home with daring design features you won’t find anywhere else. The Plan The Garneau owners wanted a refuge that combined the family’s hobbies with solutions for simplified daily living. Their home needed to be functional and low maintenance so they would have more time to […]
Air Tightness – Why is it important?

One of the most overlooked conditions of homes is how air tight they are. Both new and renovated buildings are prone to problems if high levels of air-tightness aren’t prioritized. By ensuring that this detail is properly attended to, the results are healthy buildings, but even more importantly, healthy home owners. Humidity An air tight […]
Net Zero Home Produces Energy for Home AND Electric Car!

Achieving Net Zero Energy for a house can be a challenge. But what about when more than the house that needs energy? Is it possible to generate enough renewable electricity to supply all the energy needs for a home and electric vehicle? The simple answer is “Yes, it can be done”, even in an urban […]
Holmes On Homes Podcast

Mike Holmes covers a variety of topics to help educate home-owners, builders, and contractors on how to do it right.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint & Add Value to Your Home: Four Green Renovations

Buying a home is a major long-term investment, which means homeowners have to spend a lot of time thinking about the future. Of course, it’s impossible to consider your future without also considering the future of our planet. You might have the world’s greatest retirement plan, but that won’t do you much good unless there’s […]
New Office Building Deep Energy Retrofit

Is the grass greener on the other side? In this case, yes! We’ve purchased the neighbouring lot to our current office and starting a deep energy retrofit of the building to create our newer, greener office space! Our renovation will turn this old apartment building into one of the most energy-efficient workplaces in Edmonton. Before […]
Understanding the Average Canadian’s Annual Energy Consumption

Canadians are no strangers to high energy costs in the home. Some months it seems like every bill that comes in is higher than the month preceding it. While our northern climate and dispersed population can explain away some of these high expenses, ultimately our energy consumption boils down to a lack of frugality and […]
How An Energy Efficient Home Can Benefit You

At Effect Home Builders we pride ourselves on providing energy efficient homes that capture a sense of community and integration. We use smart building techniques and an environmentally centred philosophy to provide you a home that not only looks gorgeous but also enhances your life. Efficient Home Benefits By The Numbers Living in your own home carries […]
What is a Net Zero Energy Home?

As the world moves toward more sustainable building and manufacturing processes, we are starting to enter a metaphoric “golden age” of sustainable construction. We aren’t going to get into the politics of it – frankly, that’s way outside our scope – but we thought we’d chime in on the value and capability offered by a […]
Important Things You Should Look For When Buying an Eco-Friendly Home

We’re at a point in time where eco friendly homes deserve your attention. These homes uses less energy, they are built with sustainable materials, and they also lend to present a healthy environment, so you can enjoy a healthier life! In addition, the prices of eco friendly homes in most market are often comparable to […]
Eco-Solar Home Tour a Huge Success!

More than 3000 people attended the Eco-Solar Home Tour this year, which is about 1000 more than last year! It was held on Saturday May 30 and Sunday May 31. Participants were able to experience a wide range of energy-efficient, sustainable homes first hand. Experts were on site to answer questions. Thank you to all […]
Mike Holmes Arrives in Style to Launch Sustainable Community

Mike Holmes arrived in style on a school bus full of junior high children to launch Creekside Ravine sustainable community in Edmonton. This pristine ravine community located at the intersection of Chahley Landing and Chahley Way and is comprised of 16 spectacular lots.
Eco-Solar Tour

Effect was pleased to have two homes in the free Eco-Solar Home Tour on Saturday June 1 from noon to 4pm. Both the Belgravia Green Net Zero Energy Home located at 11536 – 74 Avenue, Edmonton and the ultra-efficient duplex located at 6226-106 Street, Edmonton saw huge crowds during the event. There were 12 fabulous homes on the […]
Effect Home Builders Selected as 2009 EnviroHome Builder

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) has announced that Effect Home Builders has been awarded the EnviroHome designation for the Stratus showhome in Edmonton. The Stratus Home is one of only 10 such projects scheduled to take place across Canada in 2009. The home has also been names as a “Green Vision” finalist for the 2009 CHBA Alberta […]