Since all homes must meet the requirements of the Manitoba Building Code, what makes an R-2000 Home different?
The Manitoba Building Code (MBC) is only a minimum standard for construction. A home built to the R-2000 Technical Requirements means that better building practices must be used that go beyond the scope and many of the requirements of the MBC.
Compared to most conventional new homes, an R-2000 Home has:
- a more advanced whole house, continuous ventilation system;
- more environmentally friendly building and finish materials;
- higher insulation levels;
- a “tighter” building envelope to reduce drafts and heat loss;
- windows that are more energy efficient;
- more energy efficient equipment (e.g. heating system, lighting, appliances);
- water efficient fixtures; and
- stricter quality control.
How much extra does it cost to build an R-2000 Home?
Experience in Manitoba is that an R-2000 Home usually costs about two to five per cent more to build than conventional practice. For example, a home that cost $200 000 to build (excluding the lot) would likely cost an extra $4 000 to $10 000 to meet the R-2000 requirements.
How much does an R-2000 Home save?
Choosing an R-2000 Home makes good financial sense. Compared to new, conventionally built homes, an R-2000 Home can cut energy bills by as much as 25%. The resale value of an R-2000 Home is usually higher too.
New homes are much more energy efficient than they were even a decade ago. Although the gap between conventional and R-2000 construction has narrowed, an R-2000 Home still offers significant long-term savings.
Besides lower utility bills, what other benefits are there from owning an R-2000 Home?
Based on survey results, there are many benefits to owning an R-2000 Home that are not easily measured financially, but nonetheless can have significant value. They include:
- better indoor air quality;
- more comfort (e.g. fewer drafts and cold spots);
- less noise and dust from the outdoors;
- more environmentally friendly; and
- improved quality assurance.
Can any builder construct an R-2000 Home?
A certified R-2000 Home can only be built by a specially trained builder. To see if a builder that you are considering is qualified to build an R-2000 Home, see the Manitoba R-2000 Builder List.
The builder I've selected isn't registered with the R-2000 Program. Is there anything that can be done about this?
Don't despair. We may have a training session your builder can attend before they build your home. Ask your builder to contact us for details.
Who runs the R-2000 Program?
The R-2000 Program was launched in the 1980's by the federal government to spur improvement in Canada's housing industry. In Manitoba, the R-2000 Program is a partnership between Natural Resources Canada and Manitoba Hydro. Day-to-day administration of the program is delivered by Manitoba Hydro.
Is there any cost to enrol and certify my home with the R-2000 Program?
The fee associated with enrolment and certification of an R-2000 home is detailed in the following chart:
Single Detached Housing |
Multi Unit Residential Housing (per unit) | |
| Application Processing Fee* | $150 |
$100 |
| Final R-2000 Inspection Fee** | $450 |
$300 |
| Re-Inspection Fee**: | ||
| Air tightness test | $150 |
$100 |
| Commissioning | $150 |
$100 |
| Mechanical ventilation | $150 |
$100 |
| Pre-Drywall Inspection Fee** | $150 |
$100 |
*Payment due upon receipt of application
** Payment due prior to or on-site at the time of inspection
Please make cheques payable to Manitoba Hydro.
How do I make sure that my new home is designed and built to the R-2000 standard?
There are four basic steps to ensure your new home will have the energy savings, health, comfort and environmental benefits of a certified R-2000 Home;
Step 1 - Choose an R-2000 Builder
Builders must attend special training and prove competence before they can be licensed by the Manitoba R-2000 Home Program. As well, the installer of the ventilation system for your R-2000 Home must be trained and certified by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI).
Step 2 - Ask for an R-2000 Design Evaluation
After you select an R-2000 Builder, ask them to submit your home's proposed plans and specifications along with a simple enrollment application to the Manitoba R-2000 Home program.
Step 3 - Final Inspection and Air Tightness Test
Upon completion of your home, an independant Inspector and Air Tightness Tester will visit on behalf of the R-2000 Program. This provides peace of mind for you by verifying whether the R-2000 related features of the home match the plans and specifications approved by the program.Step 4 - R-2000 Certification
The last step is for your builder to submit a final report to the Manitoba R-2000 Home program. If all of the program's criteria have been met, your home will be certified R-2000.You will receive an “R-2000 home certificate” along with an “R-2000 home” sticker to be fixed to the electric service panel. These two items identify your home as a certified R-2000 Home. This can be an important marketing tool should you eventually sell your home.
You'll also receive an “R-2000 Homeowner's Manual” to help you make the most of your investment. The manual explains the various features and benefits of your new R-2000 Home, how it works and what is required of you to operate and maintain it.
If I have an R-2000 design evaluation done for my proposed home, am I obligated to build the R-2000 standard?
No, there is no obligation that you must build to the R-2000 standard.