ARG ENERGY ADVISOR SERVICES
BC Step Code and Vancouver Energy Checklist Compliance for Builders
Expert Step Code and City of Vancouver Energy Checklist compliance support for builders throughout Greater Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast. Pre-construction modeling, documentation, mid-construction and as-built verification handled professionally.
From Problems to Solutions
Make friends with Step Code! We show you how to use Step Code to build a more comfortable home and avoid permit delays.
What We Provide
ARG Energy works with you to design energy efficient and comfortable homes on budget that exceed Step Code and Energy Checklist targets. Our services include:
- Complete pre-construction energy modeling and compliance documentation
- Municipality-specific reports formatted for fast permit approval
- Municipality-specific documentation preparation
- Mid-construction reviews to ensure you stay on track
- As-built verification and occupancy permit support
Why Early Planning Matters
The energy model is a key element in your house building plan to deliver a comfortable, energy-efficient home. Early stage Energy Advisor participation anticipates problems to save money and time later. Plan early to speed up permit submission processes.
Get Step Code SupportOur Process
Step Code compliance involves three stages throughout your project. We support you at each stage to ensure smooth permit approval and final occupancy.
Stage 1: Pre-Construction Compliance (Before Building Permit)
We create comprehensive energy models and compliance documentation before you submit for your building permit.
What Happens
- Review your architectural drawings and building specifications
- Create detailed energy model using regulation software
- Document building envelope specifications (insulation, windows, air barriers)
- Document mechanical systems (heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water)
- Project airtightness performance based on your construction methods
- Prepare municipality-specific compliance report
Timeline: 1-2 weeks from receiving complete architectural drawings
What You Receive
- Complete energy modeling report showing Step Code compliance
- Building envelope and mechanical system specifications
- Airtightness projections
- Municipality-ready documentation package formatted to local requirements
- Support responding to any permit review questions
Optional: CSA F280-12 heat loss calculations to determine heating/cooling system sizing
Stage 2: Mid-Construction Review (Recommended, but May Be Optional)
Mid-construction review ensures your building is on track to meet Step Code requirements before drywall closes everything in.
FYI Note only: some municipalities require it, others do not
What Happens
- Site visit to review building envelope components
- Verify insulation and air barrier installation
- Review mechanical system installation
- Conduct blower door air leak testing
- Identify and address any issues before they’re hidden
Timeline: Schedule when envelope is complete, before drywall installation
What You Receive
- Building envelope verification report
- Blower door test results and air leak identification
- Step Code compliance path review
- Recommendations for any corrections needed
- Mid-construction reports as required by municipality
Optional: Whole-building fogger air leak test for comprehensive leak detection
Stage 3: As-Built Verification (Required for Occupancy Permit)
Final verification confirms your completed building meets Step Code requirements for occupancy permit approval.
What Happens
- Site visit to inspect completed building components
- Photograph key elements for documentation
- Conduct final “as-operated” blower door test
- Verify all mechanical systems, insulation, and windows match specifications
- Prepare as-built compliance report
Timeline: 1-2 weeks (schedule in advance; some municipalities require inspector to witness blower door test)
What You Receive
- Visual verification with photos
- Final blower door test results
- As-built documentation of all energy-related components
- Final Step Code compliance report for occupancy permit submission
- Municipality submission support
Optional: NRCan Builder registration support, EnerGuide Label
What is Integrated Design Process (IDP)?
Integrated Design Process is an optional early-stage planning service that brings energy considerations into the design phase—before architectural drawings are finalized.
Why IDP Matters
If you were building a car, would you plan body penetrations halfway through the build? The same logic applies to homes. Early planning for building envelope integrity and mechanical systems prevents costly changes later.
Why IDP Includes
- Participation in design meetings with your architect
- Early identification of energy efficiency opportunities
- Planning for envelope penetrations, air barriers, and thermal bridging
- Mechanical system integration planning
- Design recommendations to exceed Step Code targets cost-effectively
When to Consider IDP
Best for custom homes, complex projects, or builders aiming to exceed minimum Step Code requirements. IDP can identify savings that offset the service cost.
What’s Included
Pre-Construction Compliance Package
- Initial project review and municipality requirement verification
- Complete energy modeling using HOT2000 software
- Building envelope and mechanical system specifications
- Airtightness projections and compliance report
- Municipality-ready documentation with permit review support
Mid-Construction Review
- Building envelope and mechanical system verification
- Blower door air leak testing and identification
- Step Code compliance path review and corrective recommendations
As-Built Verification
- Final site inspection with photographic documentation
- Blower door testing to confirm Step Code compliance
- Building envelope and mechanical system specifications
- As-built documentation of all energy-related components
- Final compliance report for occupancy permit submission
Optional Services
- Integrated Design Process (IDP) facilitation
- CSA F280-12 heat loss calculations
- Design change compliance evaluations
- Workarounds to avoid electrical service upgrades
Why Choose ARG Energy
ARG Energy specializes in Step Code compliance for builders throughout Greater Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast. As NRCan Registered Energy Advisors, we provide fast, accurate energy modeling and documentation that keeps your projects on schedule—helping you build more comfortable, energy-efficient homes without breaking budgets.
Clear Communication
Practical Solutions
Comprehensive Analysis
Ongoing Support
What Our Clients Say
Serving Builders Across Greater Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast
We provide Step Code and Energy Checklist compliance services for builders in Burnaby, North Vancouver, New Westminster, Surrey, Richmond, Delta, West Vancouver, the City of Vancouver, and throughout the Sunshine Coast including Gibsons and Sechelt. The City of Vancouver uses Energy Checklists under the Vancouver Building By-law (VBBL) rather than Step Code — the compliance process is similar but the metrics and documentation are different. Step Code requirements vary by municipality — see our Step Code Requirements by Municipality reference for current requirements in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Step Code compliance add to my project cost?
ARG Energy’s Professional Step Code compliance and energy modeling services are affordable. We identify options to improve energy efficiency and home comfort that add value to the project. Please submit plans to receive a prompt response with a detailed fee quote. Plan to save money and energy.
Delays cost more than compliance — see how to meet municipal Step Code requirements to understand what’s involved before your next permit submission.”
What if my design changes during permitting?
Minor changes may not require immediate updates to the energy model. They can be addressed at the Mid-Construction stage. Significant changes to the building envelope or mechanical systems do require revisions to ensure compliance. We assess each change and update documentation quickly if needed.
Can I use the same energy model for multiple similar projects?
If you are building the same design in the same municipality, we can adapt the existing model for much faster turnaround and reduced cost.
What if the building fails the blower door test?
We work with you to identify and seal air leaks, then re-test. Detailed pre-construction specifications help prevent failures by setting clear expectations for your trades.
How far in advance should I contact you?
Ideally during the design phase, but we can work with projects at any stage. Earlier is better for identifying potential compliance issues to allow more options to remedy.
Not sure where to start? Learn how BC’s Energy Step Code works for a plain-language overview.
Get Started Today
Do not let Step Code or Energy Checklist compliance slow down your project. We ensure your documentation is complete, accurate, and municipality-ready. Use the compliance process to build better homes on budget. We serve builders across Greater Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast.
