Island
Efficient
Homes
Energy-efficient custom homes, built for life on Vancouver Island
Island Efficient Homes specializes in thoughtfully-planned, energy-saving ICF homes and small businesses that are as remarkable as the Island they’re built on.
Insulated Concrete Forms
Homes you’ll love living in
Island Efficient Homes has embraced a new style of home construction, known as insulated concrete forms, or ICF.
Our homes are built using hollow extruded polystyrene ‘blocks’, which are assembled on site and filled with concrete to create full-height exterior walls. This method, combined with our meticulous craftsmanship, results in solid, comfortable dwellings that are extremely energy-efficient.
Reducing your ongoing energy consumption and cost is only one of the many benefits of ICF construction. As you’ll learn on this site, ICF dwellings are more comfortable to live in, quiet, and easy to maintain.
We believe ICF is the future of custom homebuilding.
These are homes that are built for generations.
These are homes you will love living in.
“Work was done in less time than quoted and he left our property clean and tidy after a job well done.”
“We are so impressed with the quality of work, attention to detail and especially the transparent communication.”
Vancouver Island Living
The natural choice for the Island
We’re surrounded by lush beauty on Vancouver Island, and build homes in a way that respects both our clients and the environment at large.
By building with insulated concrete forms, we’re providing our clients with comfortable, long-lasting structures that consider the environmental and financial costs associated with running their home. These dwellings and businesses keep your heating and cooling costs down, which means more money in your pocket, and less resources consumed.
You don’t need to have an energy-conscious mindset, or want a specific Energy Star® rating or LEED certification to appreciate the comfort, strength, and quiet of an ICF-built structure. These are beautiful, functional spaces for everyone to live and work in.
By building in an environmentally-friendly manner we’re doing our small part to protect our slice of paradise here on the West Coast, and hope to encourage a shift towards education and more green building in the industry as a whole.
We realized early on just how important it is for us to reuse, recycle, and reduce waste in the building industry. Today we use planning and patience to construct green buildings for people in Nanaimo and central Vancouver Island to live and work in.
Finding a trustworthy contractor can be difficult. It’s nerve-racking handing over hard-earned money and believing someone will do what they say, on time, and on budget. We’re here to answer any questions, and work hard at building strong relationships based on communication and a strong commitment to our craft.
Quick facts about Island Efficient Homes
Island Efficient Homes is a multi-generational family business based out of Nanaimo, BC. Led by Levi Sarauer, we’ve worked hard to establish roots in our community and build a business that thrives on word-of-mouth and repeat clients.
We’re fully licensed & insured
Island Efficient Homes is a licensed custom homebuilding company with current qualifications and insurance, and we proudly warranty all of our work.
We’re passionate about conservation
Our focus right from the beginning has been building custom homes that are as energy-efficient as possible, while still offering a reasonable price point.
We’re insulated concrete form specialists
Starting with our very first build we’ve adopted the ICF method of construction, which meets and exceeds all aspects of quality home building.
We offer an end-to-end experience
We can take care of the entire home design and building process, and particularly love transforming a raw bit of land into a dream dwelling.
We bring extra value to every job
Our in-house excavation and interior design divisions work together seamlessly on new construction and renovation projects, saving you time and money.
We’re big on building relationships
From our clients to our suppliers, employees to subcontractors, building strong relationships is just as important as building homes and small businesses.
6 benefits of insulated concrete forms
After a great deal of research, we chose the ICF-method of building homes and commercial buildings right from our first project. We chose ICF because of the many benefits that insulated concrete form structures offer, both to their occupants and to the environment. Here are 6 reasons we think you’ll agree we made the right choice.
Saving on Resources
Reduced energy consumption
ICF homes are built with extremely high levels of efficiency. Heat loss is minimal during cool months, and your home stays cool in the summer. Reduced energy consumption saves you money, month after month.
Pollen-Proof
Improved air quality
Vancouver Island is particularly beautiful during the summer months, but if you suffer from allergies, not everything is rosy. Fortunately, ICF homes prevent pollen and other allergens from penetrating the perimeter.
Don’t Sweat It
Less moisture in the air
We may live in a rainforest, but your the inside of your home shouldn’t feel like one. Thanks to the construction methods and materials used in ICF, humidity levels are considerably lower, so you can safely unplug your dehumidifier.
Dial In Quickly
Easier on HVAC systems
When you want to raise or lower the interior temperature, ICF homes heat up quickly and cool down fast. Your heating and cooling systems get less of a workout, and you spend less time waiting for the right temperature.
Peace & Quiet
Fewer outside noises
Sounds coming from outside are reduced to a whisper when you’re in a home built using insulated concrete forms. In fact, the homes we build are a whopping 50% quieter than traditional lumber-framed homes.
Built for Generations
Enduring construction
ICF structures are seriously tough. They significantly outlast wood-framed buildings, and won’t rot or decay. Your family and belongings are better protected from severe weather, earthquakes, fires, and landslides.
Learn more about building with ICF
For answers to questions about insulated concrete forms, check out our dedicated FAQs page. If you’d like to learn more about building a home or commercial business with ICF, see our new construction page.
