Building Science Hub — Starlit Homes Blog

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Deep-dive articles, translated science, and the 'why' behind every building science decision we make.

Starlit Homes

Performance-Driven Living

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

Custom homes in Southwestern Ontario typically run $300–$450 per square foot to build in 2026, before land and servicing. Here's the full line-item breakdown and what moves the number.

OF

Omar Fayoumi

Principal — Planning, Design & Building Science

· 11 min read·June 12, 2026

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