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Building a new home is very exciting with many things to consider before you
start to build and during construction. Some of the most important questions
are:
How do I ensure power will be connected when I
need it?
To receive your new electrical service when you need it, be sure to:
- Display your lot number in a front window.
- Consider whether you would prefer to have an underground service wire or
an overhead service wire. While overhead service wires are most common,
underground service wires are increasing in popularity. They generally offer
improved aesthetics and greater flexibility with respect to
tree locations and property use.
- Plan to have your electric meter located on the front or side of your
house to provide unobstructed access for our meter reading staff and line
crews.
- Trim all trees along the proposed path from the pole to the meter.
- Have your electrician leave at least three days lead-time for your new
electrical service to be installed by a Newfoundland Power crew. The
inspection/authorization must be completed and received by Newfoundland
Power at least three days prior to your desired service connection date.
How will I heat my Home?
Careful planning before you build can save you money and ensure that your
home is everything you dreamed it would be. One of the more important decisions
you will make is how to heat your home. To make an informed choice, consider the
following:
- The
initial cost of the heating system.
- The system’s
operating cost.
- Annual service or maintenance
fees.
- The amount of space the heating system requires.
- The temperature control it provides.
- The effect the system has on the environment.
There are many Electric Heating Systems to choose from:
Should I build a R-2000 home?
Today’s homes have changed dramatically form those built only 10 or 20 years
ago. Construction standards have evolved, building products and materials have
improved, and houses are more energy-efficient than ever before.
Among all of today’s new houses, there is one that leads the way - the
R-2000 home. Based on a leading edge, Canadian-developed standard,
the R-2000 home offers the maximum in comfort, affordability, quality, energy
savings and environmental benefits. In fact, a R-2000 home is probably the most
energy-efficient, environmentally responsible house commercially available on
the market today - both in Canada and around the world! Any size of house - from
traditional to modern, bungalow to three stories - can be built as a R-2000
home.
What sets the R-2000 home apart? It begins with the computer analysis of your
blueprints to ensure that your home’s design can meet the R-2000 standard and
ends with an independent inspection, testing and certification of your completed
home.
As well, R-2000 homes are constructed by some of the best builders in the
country. These builders are typically leaders in their industry who receive
specialized training and must prove their competence before they can be licensed
as qualified R-2000 builders.
Contact a
R-2000 builder to find out more about R-2000 homes.
Should I insulate my basement now or
later?
Insulating your basement is one of the most important things you can
do to ensure that your home is comfortable and that you get value for you
heating dollars. Basement insulation can pay for itself in less than two years,
so the sooner you insulate the better.
 Because
warm air rises, many people think that heat loss occurs mostly through the
ceiling. However, heat moves from warm areas to cold areas and in all
directions. So heat loss occurs through ceilings, walls and floors. The only way
to slow heat loss is to use an insulating material. Insulation wraps your house,
like a sleeping bag, and slows the rate at which heat is lost to the outside.
 This
infrared image helps to visualize heat loss. An infrared camera detects heat
energy. The different colors indicate various levels of heat loss - the whiter
the color the greater the heat loss. You can see from this image the amount of
heat loss that occurs through an uninsulated basement.
To compare the heating costs for a home without basement insulation and a
R-2000 home click
here.
If your new home will be electrically heated, you may be eligible for a
rebate on the installation of basement insulation.
What rebate or financing programs are
available for new homebuilders?
Newfoundland Power offers several programs to help you build a comfortable
home including:
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