Plan4 l'avenir du domicile - the future of home

Allons-nous travailler en français? 

Oui, Plan4 a un expert bilingue de batiment vert, Jean Maisonneuve, pour les clients francophones. Pour le service en français, veuillez appeler Jean au 819-456-1213

 

What region does Plan4 serve?

Plan4 serves the Outaouais region - La Peche, Chelsea, Ottawa-Gatineau and nearby municipalities.

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Who uses plan4 consulting services?

Home owners, house designers and builders, or anyone planning to renovate a house. About half of our work to date has been flood remediation and wet basements. We also consult on energy efficiency, indoor air quality, ecological building and protection from other natural disasters.  Plan4 is also a good bet for anyone wondering about a house for sale.

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What is the difference between Plan4 and a building inspector?

Building inspectors examine the structure of a house looking mainly for visible defects and building code violations. Plan4 looks at the structure, efficiency, its surroundings and hazards to make your home more comfortable, durable and safe. The two services are necessary and complementary.

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When should I contact plan4?

The best time is before you get too far into the design of a house or development. But most of our houses are already built. Plan4 can help existing homes become more efficient and adapt to a changing environment too.

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How does Plan4 do a consultation for a private home owner? What are the steps?

First we will talk to you in your home (with proper COVID precautions!) about how you might adapt to save money (e.g. energy and maintenance costs). Then we will look at your home and surrounding ecology to see how they can be adjusted to reduce risk and improve environmental performance. Plan4 will then provide a report which includes detailed strategy for protecting your home, improving efficiencies and making you more comfortable. Finally, we will refer reliable contractors for any work you choose to do.

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Why the name"Plan4?"

It has a number of meanings. First is "planfor the future", and not using past construction practices and weather patterns. Then it means planning for the elements: earth, water, wind and fire. Finally, there is building to code, then there is "green" building, and then "sustainable development". Plan4 is the 4th stage - homecology.

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Who is Gary Martin?

Gary started working summers for a home builder in Guelph Ontario in the mid-80s. Since that time he completed 3 university degrees finishing with a doctorate in Environmental Studies in 2013. He has a hard time sitting still - he worked on peoples' homes pretty constantly while studying housing and sustainability for his doctorate. For Gary, a home is much more than a house: it's the most important place in the universe for many of us.

 

By his own account Gary's a pretty good amateur artist and harmonica player. He lives in Wakefield Qc with gardener extraordinaire Irene and a Chocolate Lab aptly named Jack Sparrow.