Blog

    The building science hub

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

    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
    Free Resource

    Get the 2026 building science guide.

    Everything in the Hub, organized — the standard we build to, the science behind it, and what it means for your home. One read, the whole picture.

    Read the 2026 Guide