Course Description

High-performance homes are assumed to be expensive and complicated but as you will see in this course, better-built homes can be designed and constructed so they are a viable and affordable option for homeowners considering a custom home.  HAVAN member Kemp Construction is currently building a Step 5 NetZero Ready Home in Burnaby, and as a case study for other builders, will be sharing the project goals, processes, pathway, systems, design philosophy and costs, which has enabled them to build this custom high-performance home more affordably.

The BBS Builder Case Studies explore different pathways and philosophies builders have implemented when it comes to designing and building high-performance homes, sharing insights into methodologies and systems other builders could incorporate into their own construction projects.

Highlights will include:

  • The importance of the Energy Advisor and the Compliance Report calculations.
  • The BASF wall design and insulation
  • The Baywest panel wall and floor concept
  • ICF foundation and floor ledger system
  • The Mechanical system and design for Step Code 5
  • Exterior details specific to exterior insulation and air barrier
  • 3M window and door RO’s


Approved for 2.0 CPDs in Construction Technology
Note: If you have already taken this course, repeating it online will not qualify for additional CPD points.

Thank you to our Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: FortisBC
Patron Sponsor: BC Housing

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Chapter 1

    • Before You Get Started

    • Agreement to HAVAN Academic Integrity Policy

    • Part 1
  • 2

    Chapter 2

    • Part 2
  • 3

    Chapter 3

    • Part 3
  • 4

    Chapter 4

    • Part 4

    • Feedback

    • Declaration of Completed Work Assignment

Steve Kemp, Kemp Construction

Steve has been building things since high school. He started with swimming pools, then worked on the construction of residential homes in Ontario and Alberta. He moved to sales and marketing for a prestige custom home builder.  Over 40 years later he continues his commitment to building high performance traditional homes and renovations. Steve works with his suppliers and customers to educate, inform and keep up to date with products and technologies that bring energy efficiencies to each project. He shares that passion with his industry colleagues through his involvement with the Greater Vancouver Homebuilders and is currently Vice-Chair of the Renovation Council. Steve has built a network of highly qualified trades and suppliers who also share his commitment. Beyond the technology he believes a great project is built on great customer relationship. Steve works with each customer to build that relationship from the initial dreaming through to project completion.