Energy Advisor FAQ For Part 9 Builders
Builder FAQ for BC Part 9 energy advisor work: Step Code reports, HOT2000 modelling, blower-door testing, F280, TECA ventilation checklists, and as-built closeout.
These questions cover the practical decisions builders face before permit, during framing, and near occupancy. The answers are written for Part 9 new construction, not homeowner retrofit audits.
Use this page to choose the next step. Before permit, start with Step Code compliance reporting, HOT2000 modelling, CSA F280 calculations, and TECA ventilation checklist support when the builder needs it before a mechanical contractor is selected. During framing, use mid-construction blower-door testing. Near occupancy, focus on final testing and the as-built energy report.
To get a quote, send drawings, the project address and municipality, the current stage, target permit or inspection date, and any AHJ forms or comments already received. Apollo returns a quote broken down by stage within one business day.
Start before design assumptions are locked.
- Share the drawing set, municipality or AHJ, and target permit date
- Confirm whether the project needs Step Code, Zero Carbon Step Code, F280, TECA ventilation checklist support, or other permit-stage documentation
- Keep envelope, glazing, mechanical, and ventilation assumptions consistent between drawings and reports
- Ask for scope by phase so the builder knows what is needed now and what can wait
Use site checks before details disappear.
- Book mid-construction airtightness testing while the air barrier is still visible
- Record construction changes that differ from the permit model or drawings
- Coordinate mechanical and ventilation changes before they affect final reporting
- Keep the builder, designer, site lead, and energy advisor working from the same assumptions
Close the file with final inputs ready.
- Schedule final airtightness testing when envelope penetrations and exterior openings are complete
- Have mechanical equipment accessible and documented if it is part of the project file
- Send construction changes before the as-built report is finalized
- Include AHJ comments or forms with the closeout request
Send enough information to price the right scope.
- Drawing set or shared drive link
- Project address, municipality or AHJ, and builder/applicant contact
- Current stage: design, permit, framing, mid-construction, final, or occupancy
- Target dates and any Step Code, F280, TECA, ventilation, or as-built instructions already received
What builders ask before booking.
How early should I bring in an energy advisor?
Before permit submission. That gives the model, F280 calculations, TECA ventilation checklist inputs, and Step Code package time to influence the design.
What does Apollo need to quote?
A drawing set or share link, project address, municipality, builder or owner contact, project stage, and schedule.
What is the difference between pre-construction and as-built reporting?
Pre-construction reporting shows the design path before permit. As-built reporting documents the completed home, final airtightness result, and commissioning information.
Do I need a mid-construction blower-door test?
In Penticton, mid-construction documentation is part of the Green Build / Step Code workflow. On any new build, the test is most useful while the air barrier is still visible and leaks are still repairable.
What happens if the mid-construction result is poor?
That is the point of testing early. Apollo finds the leaks while the blower door is running so the builder, site team, or insulator can seal them before drywall.
What is HOT2000 used for?
HOT2000 is used to model the home energy performance and support Step Code compliance reporting.
What is CSA F280?
CSA F280 is the residential heat loss and heat gain calculation used to support mechanical sizing.
Can Apollo complete the TECA ventilation checklist?
Yes. Apollo can complete or coordinate the TECA ventilation checklist when the builder needs permit-stage ventilation documentation, especially before a mechanical contractor has been selected.
Is HRV design always required?
No. HRV or ERV design is a separate optional scope that only applies when the builder wants support and that equipment is part of the selected project strategy.
Which communities does Apollo serve?
Apollo is based in Penticton and serves the Okanagan-Similkameen, including Naramata, Summerland, Oliver, Osoyoos, Keremeos, and Princeton.
Can I submit Apollo reports directly to the AHJ?
Apollo provides reports to the builder or applicant for the project file. Submission process depends on the AHJ and permit workflow.
Does Apollo do retrofit or existing-home audits?
No. Apollo focuses on Part 9 new construction for builders, designers, and owner-builders, not existing-home retrofit audits.
How fast can I get a quote?
Apollo aims to return a quote, with the base compliance package and applicable add-ons priced by stage, within one business day after receiving drawings and project basics.
Send the drawings and project basics.
Jesse Cummings reviews the file and returns a quote - base compliance package and applicable add-ons, priced by stage - within one business day after receiving the drawings and project basics.