Are you a contractor in the Kingston area that is interested in connecting with Better Homes Kingston participants? You’ve come to the right place! 

Your work is vital to this program, and we want to support you to get connected to participants planning a variety of home energy retrofit projects and start getting the work done! Participate in our free, convenient, and short training courses, and get access to our Better Homes Kingston Portal, where program participants can easily connect with you directly to get you more business! 

About the Better Homes Kingston Program

This new program is aimed at existing single-family home, energy efficiency projects and is based on the ENERGUIDE for Existing Homes process to direct and validate energy efficient measures. 

Better Homes Kingston requires participants to reach a minimum of 20 per cent GHG emissions reductions for homes with fossil fuel heating systems (oil, natural gas, and propane), or a 20 per cent reduction in energy consumption for electrically heated homes. We need to ensure this work is done to the highest standard, so participants get access to available loans and incentives. Speaking of loans, participants in the program will qualify for up to $40,000 loans at no interest, with the option for an initial 30 per cent payment upfront to pre-pay contractors for your services! 

*The City reserves the right to have a City official or third-party contractor inspect any participating property to confirm improvements have been completed as approved through the Better Homes Kingston Program.  

Why Participate in our Training Courses? 

As a contractor, if you attend our free training sessions, led by industry leaders at Building Knowledge Canada, the City will provide you with access to the City’s Better Homes Kingston Portal that will connect you to a wide variety of new clients looking to book major home energy retrofit jobs! These modules will provide you with incredibly valuable knowledge and technical training that can set your work apart from the rest!  

In order to get direct access to program participants on the Better Homes Kingston Portal all contractors must: 

1. Attend the Better Homes Kingston: High Performance Homes Overview and Building Science Foundations Course 
2. Attend the relevant Specialized Training Course 
   • Course 2: Specialized Training for HVAC and Mechanical Trades or  
   • Course 3: Specialized Training on Building Envelop Upgrades

Please contact Betterhomes@cityofkingston.ca if you are interested in participating in our training and being added to our official list of trained contractors!

Course 1: High Performance Homes Overview and Building Science Foundations Course

Who should attend?

This foundations course is appropriate for all contractors, trades people, renovators, as well as people in management and sales positions in applicable trades. Anyone planning to take a specialized course should plan to attend this foundations course as it is a requirement to attend both courses to gain access to the Better Homes Kingston Portal.

What will I learn?

As a contractor, you know your work inside out. But you also know that technologies and standards are changing daily. After participating in this course, you will walk away knowing the key elements of a high-performance home; the EnerGuide Rating System program; the science of air, heat and moisture flow and the materials and methods to help control each, and; the benefits of seeing a home as an integrates system that can help ensure safety, comfort, durability and more! This course will also cover information specific to Better Homes Kingston, such as quoting requirements, and how to connect directly with program participants.

Course 2: Specialized Training for HVAC and Mechanical Trades

Who should attend?

This course is designed for anyone working in the HVAC and Mechanical trades, Electricians, Plumbers, especially those in general management and sales, as well as lead technicians. Renovators are also welcome to attend! It is a requirement for representatives from your business to attend both Course 1: Building Science Foundations, and this specialized course to gain access Better Homes Kingston Portal.

What will I learn?

In the past several years, residential mechanical systems have grown in complexity and scope as energy codes have mandated higher insulation levels, better windows, and tighter construction. This course will review the key building science concepts that have changed the way houses are built and identify the relevant changes to mechanical systems; and focus on the proper sizing and selection of appropriate mechanical equipment for high performance ever lower load homes. This course will cover Heating tech – heat pumps, high efficiency furnaces, water heaters, ventilation, ERV, HRV and appliances. Instructors will also dig into the opportunities to simultaneously optimize comfort, durability, safety and health. efficiency and cost will be identified.

This course will also cover information specific to Better Homes Kingston, including specific quoting requirements of the program, and how to register on the Better Homes Kingston Portal and generate sales leads from prospective applicants.

Course 3: Specialized Training for Building Envelop Contractors and Renovators

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for any contractors working on the Building Envelop including Insulation Companies, Window Companies, and General Renovators. Window installers and contractors, as well as managers, project managers and sales representatives, are all welcome should attend. It is a requirement for representatives from your business to attend both Course 1: Building Science Foundations, and this specialized course to gain access Better Homes Kingston Portal.

What will I learn?

This Course will cover the entire Building Envelop from the bottom up, including:

• Essential elements of basement insulation projects
• Air sealing and blower-door directed air sealing
• Window specifications and installation details to meet program expectations
• Insulation opportunities when re-cladding buildings
• Major renovation work
• And working on heritage buildings

This course will also cover information specific to Better Homes Kingston, including specific quoting requirements of the program, and how to register on the Better Homes Kingston Portal and generate sales leads from prospective applicants.