TERMS AND SCOPE

Structural

This planner provides planning guidance, not engineered drawings. Ground snow load is a life-safety consideration. Structures above the thresholds identified in Section 5, in high snow-load regions, or on unusual sites require review by a qualified engineer or your local building authority. No structural member is sized here. The calculator’s structural check does not produce a result until the purchaser enters a ground snow load they have confirmed locally.

Electrical

Permanent wiring must be installed by a licensed electrician in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code and provincial amendments. Electrical load planning in this product is for budgeting and layout only.

Combustion and gas

Gas and propane appliances must be installed by a certified technician. Unvented combustion produces carbon monoxide and water vapour. Fit and test a CO detector.

Permits and zoning

Requirements vary by municipality and change over time. Confirm with your local authority before building. Nothing in this product constitutes approval, or a determination that your project is exempt from any requirement.

Prices and materials

Costs are planning estimates compiled July 2026 and vary by region, supplier and time. Verify current local pricing. A contingency of 15–20% is recommended and is built into the calculator.

Climate data

Figures are drawn from published Environment and Climate Change Canada Climate Normals and National Building Code climatic design data for regional reference locations. British Columbia values are transcribed from the British Columbia Building Code 2024, Division B, Appendix C, Table C-2. Values for other locations are compiled planning pre-fills. All describe a region, not your specific site; local microclimate can differ materially. Winter solar geometry is computed from latitude and is exact.

Yields and financial projections

Illustrative, based on stated assumptions, and not a guarantee of production or of financial return.

Skill level

Intended for a competent DIYer comfortable with framing, hand and power tools, and reading a plan, engaging professional trades for electrical, gas and, where triggered, structural work.

Licence

Single-user licence. Print as many copies as you need for your own build. Do not redistribute or resell the files.

Updates

Free updates for 12 months from purchase, delivered to the email address used at checkout.