Government Loan
$40,000 interest-free
Greener Homes Loan
for Renovations
Greener Homes Loan
Interest-free loans of up to $40,000 are available from the federal government to help homeowners pay for the cost of retrofits.
With a 10 year, interest-free repayment term, homeowners may opt in to the loan when pursuing retrofits like insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and more.
Energy advisors play a key part in the delivery of the loan.
Booking an energy evaluation is a requirement to qualify for the loan.
How much can I save?
Compared to a typical renovation loan, how much money would you save with a Greener Homes Loan?
On a 10-year renovation loan of $40,000 with a rate of 7%, you'll pay roughly $15,700 in interest. With a $40,000 Greener Homes loan, you'll pay $0.
How to Apply
Greener Homes Loan
Step 1
Schedule your pre-retrofit evaluation
Before you can submit an application, you must have an energy advisor evaluate your home. Retrofits must be recommended by the energy advisor to be eligible for a loan.
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Call 604-629-8300
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Email service@homestep.ca
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Submit our webform
Step 2
Obtain quotes from contractors
Once you've decided on your retrofits, speak with contractors and obtain at least 1-3 quotes for each retrofit. In addition to being legible, all quotes must:
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provide a detailed summary of the costs of the work to be completed
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identify any deposits required by the contractor
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include the name and contact details for the contractors completing the work
Important: Do not start any work until your loan application has been submitted. Retrofits started before submitting your loan application are not eligible.
Step 3a
Do-it-yourself (DIY) retrofits
Before you begin, know which retrofits require a licensed and trained professional.
If you are completing any retrofits yourself, you must provide a detailed summary of all materials excluding labor. All products must be purchased in Canada, or from an online distributor located in Canada. Keep all receipts.
Step 3b
Submit your loan application before starting any work
To submit your loan application, you will require:
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Pre-retrofit evaluation file number
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Government issued photo identification (ID) with your address.
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Property tax bill or assessment
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Detailed quotes from contractors or a complete material and rental estimate from suppliers
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Proof of income and employment.
To begin your application, use the Greener Homes Loan Portal. The CMHC offers a loan application assistance service, free of charge.
Step 4
Complete your retrofits and keep your receipts
Start your work and make sure to keep copies of all your receipts and invoices along the way.
Step 5
Get your post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation
Once your retrofits are complete, schedule a post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation. Afterwards, we will upload the results of your post-retrofit evaluation to confirm which retrofits have been completed.
Step 6
Request final loan advance
Once the post-retrofit evaluation is submitted, you must use “Request Funding” option in the portal. You will be asked to upload all final invoices for the completed work
Important: If the final costs are higher than the initial estimate, the loan amount will not increase.
Step 7
Receive your loan amount
You will receive an email confirming the final loan amount after approval.
The funds (minus the advance if you received one) will be deposited into your bank account within 10 days of approval.
Step 8
For details, see government website
Eligible Rebates
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Heat pumps
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Heat pump water heaters
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Solar photovoltaic systems (solar panels)
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Air sealing
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Home insulation
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Windows and doors
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Thermostats
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Resiliency measures, including:
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Basement waterproofing
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Crawlspace moisture-proofing
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Roof membrane/underlayment
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Thermostat upgrade
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For details, see government website
Eligibility Requirements
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You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or non-permanent resident who is legally authorized to work in Canada
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You must own the home and it must be your primary residence
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You have a pre-retrofit evaluation and have not yet had a post-retrofit evaluation
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Your pre-retrofit evaluation was completed on or after April 1, 2020
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You have not started the retrofits for which you are seeking a loan
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You have a good credit history and are not in:
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a consumer proposal
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an orderly payment of debt program
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a bankruptcy or equivalent insolvency proceeding
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There are additional provisions for Northern and off-grid communities and Indigenous group applicants.
Questions
When will I receive the loan?
The loan and grant amounts are provided to homeowners after work has been completed and you complete the post evaluation.
You may be eligible to receive up to 15% of your loan funds in advance to pay for eligible upfront costs.
Is there a deadline to receive the loan?
Yes, you have 12 months from your loan application to complete the work and request your final loan payment.
Is my loan amount impacted by rebates?
No, you can get the full loan amount in addition to any rebates you qualify for.
For example: A qualifying project costing $20,000 with a $5,000 rebate would still receive $20,000 as an interest-free loan.
Tell us about your project.
Book directly over the phone or
submit our online form.
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