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The building science hub

Plain-language articles on the decisions inside a Starlit build: airtightness, insulation, heat pumps, and what they cost.

High-Performance Homes
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home in Ontario? (2026)
Featured Article

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home in Ontario? (2026)

OF

Omar Fayoumi

Principal — Planning, Design & Building Science

Browse Topics
Feb 12, 2026
Building Envelope

Understanding Thermal Bridging: The Silent Energy Thief

Thermal bridging can account for up to 30% of a building's heat loss. Learn how continuous insulation and advanced framing techniques eliminate these hidden pathways.

OF

Omar Fayoumi

Principal — Planning, Design & Building Science

8 min
Jan 28, 2026
Building Envelope

Continuous Insulation: Why R-Value Alone Isn't Enough

Nominal R-value vs. effective R-value — understanding this distinction is critical to evaluating your builder's insulation strategy.

OF

Omar Fayoumi

Principal — Planning, Design & Building Science

6 min
Jan 15, 2026
Indoor Air Quality

ERV Mechanics: Engineering Perfect Indoor Air

Energy Recovery Ventilators are the lungs of a high-performance home. We break down the science of heat exchange efficiency and filtration.

OF

Omar Fayoumi

Principal — Planning, Design & Building Science

10 min
Dec 20, 2025
Indoor Air Quality

Radon Mitigation: The Invisible Threat Below

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Every Starlit home includes active sub-slab depressurization as standard.

OF

Omar Fayoumi

Principal — Planning, Design & Building Science

7 min
Dec 8, 2025
Energy & Net Zero

The Starlit ACH Standard: Why We Guarantee 1.5 and Average 0.85

We guarantee 1.5 ACH50 or better on every home, and our portfolio average is 0.85. Here's what those numbers mean for energy, comfort, and air quality.

OF

Omar Fayoumi

Principal — Planning, Design & Building Science

5 min
Nov 22, 2025
HVAC & Climate

Hybrid Heat Pump Systems: The Future of Home Climate

Cold-climate heat pumps paired with high-efficiency gas backup deliver optimal comfort and efficiency across Ontario's extreme seasons.

OF

Omar Fayoumi

Principal — Planning, Design & Building Science

9 min
June 12, 2026
Cost & Value

How Much Does an ADU or Garden Suite Cost in Ontario? (London-Area Guide)

Garden suites in Ontario typically run from roughly $200,000 to $400,000+ all-in depending on size and site. Here's the cost breakdown, the new zoning rules, and the rental-income case.

OF

Omar Fayoumi

Principal — Planning, Design & Building Science

8 min
June 12, 2026
Buyer's Guide

15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Home Builder in Ontario

Hiring a builder is the biggest decision in your project. These 15 questions — and the answers a good builder gives — tell you who actually knows building science.

OF

Omar Fayoumi

Principal — Planning, Design & Building Science

10 min
June 12, 2026
HVAC & Climate

Heat Pump vs. Gas Furnace in Ontario: What Actually Works (2026)

Heat pump or gas furnace for an Ontario winter? The real answer for a -25°C climate is a hybrid of both. Here's the side-by-side comparison and why.

OF

Omar Fayoumi

Principal — Planning, Design & Building Science

8 min
November 6, 2026
Cost & Value

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home in London, Ontario? (2026)

A custom home in London, Ontario typically costs $250 to $500+ per square foot to build in 2026, plus land, servicing and a $50,564 city development charge inside the urban growth area. Here is the full London budget.

OF

Omar Fayoumi

Principal — Planning, Design & Building Science

9 min
November 6, 2026
Cost & Value

Net Zero vs. Net Zero Ready Homes in Ontario: Cost and Differences (2026)

A Net Zero Ready home meets exactly the same efficiency requirements as a Net Zero home; the only difference is that a Net Zero home also has on-site renewables, usually solar, sized to cover its yearly energy use. Here is what each costs in Ontario.

OF

Omar Fayoumi

Principal — Planning, Design & Building Science

8 min
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