FAQ

There are several possible answers to this question. At the very least, an ecological home should consume less energy and water, ensure healthier air quality and use environmentally  friendly materials. For those who want the very best, Belvedair has extensive experience in designing and building energy-efficient homes. See our Eco-Building Guide.

Passive solar means using the free, phenomenal energy the sun sends our way every day to heat our homes. We’re not talking about solar panels or technological add-ons here; rather, it’s about orientation, abundant windows and other well-designed features. With passive solar design, you’ll be able to live in a bright, comfortable place all year long, with significantly lower energy bills. Learn more

Yes. Belvedair is a general contractor specializing ecological homes in since 2007. We offer plans, lots, custom architecture and eco-building services. 

We mainly cover the Laurentians, Lanaudières, the Eastern Townships, Montérégie and Greater Montreal. We serve regions where we have permanent teams and know that we will be able to provide service and attention that meets your expectations. Consult our Contact Us page to view our serviced territory. If you have any ambiguity about your sector, call us so we can discuss it with you!

You should allow a minimum of two months for project planning and at least four months for construction. 

However, the time required for construction varies from one house to another (dimensions, finishes, features, etc.), from one lot to another (constraints, access, relief), and even from one city to another (permit issuance period) or from one season to another (weather constraints). Your advisor will give you an overview at the planning stage, and as the start of construction work nears, your construction project manager will give you a schedule. Regular follow-ups will also be carried out throughout the project.

The project has three main stages:

1. Project analysis: finding a concept that meets your needs and budget. Free of charge, except for the site visit.
2. Architectural phase: choosing a plan from our portfolio or creating a customized plan with our architectural department.
3. Construction phase. 

Find out more

• “Turnkey” means we take care of the job from start to finish. 
• “Ready-to-finish” means we deliver the house to you after the drywall and jointing stage.

You manage or take care of interior finishes (floor finishes, interior doors, mouldings, priming and painting, built-in furniture and staircase finishes) while Belvedair takes care of the following: site services, excavation, foundations, framing, roofing and siding, interior partitions, mechanical systems (ventilation, plumbing, electrical), and so on. In short, we take care of everything that impacts your home's energy efficiency, quality and sustainability.

To ensure the quality and energy efficiency of the home, our services include more than just the construction of the framework alone . The house’s mechanical systems (plumbing, ventilation, electrical) and exterior cladding are closely linked to the integrity of the envelope and therefore impact the durability and energy efficiency of the house. That is why Belvedair always takes care of these features.

Yes, our ecological homes are covered by the Garantie Construction Résidentielle (GCR) warranty plan. Learn more

The extra cost of building an energy-efficient home is estimated at around 4% for the building envelope. However, the energy savings generated are greater than the additional mortgage payment. 

The cost of purchasing an ecological home is higher, but the costs associated with its use and maintenance are significantly lower than with a standard home. By buying an ecological home, you’re investing in your health and your future!

You have to add the cost of the land and its preparation for construction, as well as all related services: clearing, driveway, excavation, well and septic systems, electrical hook-up, and landscaping. Taxes (GST, QST) are also added to the price. 

Finally, if you opt for a “ready-to-finish” home, you will need to budget for interior finishes.  

Yes. The foundation is always included in the price of our homes, for both “turnkey” and “ready-to-finish” projects.

Belvedair does not offer plans for sale. We are an eco-contractor first and foremost!

Yes, we can make adjustments to the plans to suit your land, lifestyle and needs. Modifications can be minor or major; depending on the case, your consultant will advise you of the possibilities. We also have an in-house architecture department. If you are interested in a custom architectural project, Belvedair has been specializing in this type of project since 2007.

Yes, you can send us your plans. Our team will study them and give you an estimate if the plans are consistent with your project. It is not unusual for a plan to require modifications for budgetary or ecological reasons. In such a case, wet will assist you and provide solutions.

Yes, you can take a tour of our model homes at our monthly open houses in the Eastern Townships and Laurentians. Go to the Open house section to see our upcoming events and follow us on Facebook! 

Novoclimat is a program that encourages the construction of energy-efficient buildings. Novoclimat contractors are trained and certified, as are the program's evaluators trained and mandated by Transition énergétique Québec (TEQ). In addition, each home meets rigorous standards and is inspected twice by an independent evaluator to establish its energy efficiency. Novoclimat also provides financial support ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 for certification.

This certification is a guarantee of quality, comfort and confidence.

Learn more about Novoclimat

Yes. Écôm in Saint-Côme and Les Quais du Sommet in Labelle both allow short-term rental.

Absolutely! It’s Belvedair’s specialty!

Yes, Belvedair visiting your plot is one of the first steps of the project. We charge $400 for a visit.

No, we have chosen not to be the only builder authorized on our lots. 

If you wish to use another builder or build your own home, you will simply have to comply with an architectural charter designed to ensure that:

• the houses blend in with their surroundings;
• surfaces not affected by the work are maintained, and that the affected areas are restored using natural, sustainable landscaping;
• the overall appearance of the homes is harmonious to ensure value for the owners.