These are some resources I’ve consulted many times through our build.
Books
The Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka
Home by Design by Sarah Susanka
- Sarah Susanka’s books are all about building smaller, cozy homes with flexible spaces that emphasize quality and liveability.
A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander
- This is a neat book that catalogue the qualities that make a home feel nice to live in.
Website and Blogs
- Lots of articles and information about green building techniques and products. US based.
- Articles and information about green building and materials. Includes Canadian content.
- Blog about a building a net-zero house in rural Saskatchewan
- Blog about building a passive house near Kingston, Ontario
- Blog about building a passive house in Ottawa, Ontario
- Blog about building an off-the-grid house near Wakefield, Quebec
- Blog about building a passive house in Torbay, Newfoundland
- Blog about building a passive house in Ottawa, Ontario
Land Research
We’re in Ontario and much of this information is province-specific.
Real estate apps
- Apps that give you access to sales data like Redfin or HouseSigma provide valuable information when looking for land
- Information about wetlands and watercourses.
- If you’re in Ottawa, the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has a mapping tool that you can use to identify evaluated and non-evaluated wetlands by property parcel.
- In Ottawa, RVCA is also responsible for septic system approvals. In other municipalities, septic approvals may be through your municipal building department or health unit.
Your Local Building Department (here’s Ottawa)
- Can provide information about zoning restrictions and setbacks for your property, as well as development fees, and the local building permit process.
Your Local Municipality (GeoOttawa)
- Some municipalities have mapping tools that allow you to find information about your property. GeoOttawa includes everything from zoning, to Official Plan info, garbage pickup and other useful info.
- It’s also a good idea to review your Municipality’s Official Plan to identify potential future impacts to a property you’re considering purchasing.
- Search land and property records in Ontario.
Government of Ontario Well Records
- Maps wells in Ontario. If looking at rural properties, it can be useful to look at neighbouring properties’ well records for information about soil characteristics and typical wells in the area.
Marlborough Forest House 