For Contractors
Helping Dufferin County homeowners complete energy‑saving retrofits.
BetterHomes Dufferin works with local contractors to deliver high‑quality home energy upgrades. This page outlines how the program works, what’s expected, and how we support you.
Authorized Representation
BetterHomes Dufferin maintains strict standards regarding program representation. Contractors and participating service providers may not claim to represent, act on behalf of, or hold an exclusive partnership with BetterHomes Dufferin.
Do
- Provide your clients with accurate information. Always check this website for details.
- Tell your clients about eligibility criteria and encourage them to apply.
- Tell your clients about program benefits.
- Encourage clients to reach out to BetterHomes Dufferin staff if they need assistance completing program forms.
- Share promotional material created by BetterHomes Dufferin. Digital and print copies available upon request.
Do Not
- Provide your clients with false or misleading information.
- Confirm your client is eligible for financing or grants. Only BetterHomes Dufferin staff can do this.
- Represent yourself as affiliated with BetterHomes Dufferin or Dufferin County.
- Complete program forms on behalf of your client.
- Create your own promotional material with the BetterHomes Dufferin name and logo.
About BetterHomes Dufferin
BetterHomes Dufferin is a property‑linked financing program that helps homeowners complete energy‑efficient retrofits through low‑interest loans from Dufferin County.
Dufferin County provides a low‑interest loan (2.5% fixed rate, up to 20 years) to allow the homeowner to undertake the renovations. At least 80% of the funding must be used for energy efficient measures, and up to 20% can be used for other eligible costs.
Contractors play a key role in helping homeowners plan and complete eligible upgrades that achieve at least a 25% energy reduction.
How The Program Works for Contractors
Before You Quote
Homeowners must complete the early steps before you provide pricing:
- Application approved by the County (address + tax check, primary residence verification)
- Pre‑retrofit EnerGuide assessment completed
- Homeowner receives guidance from a Retrofit Coach to plan their renovation
Providing Quotes
- Homeowner contacts contractors to request quotes
- You provide quotes directly to the homeowner
- Homeowner submits your quotes with their Funding Request Form
- Funding is allocated based on eligible measures and program rules
Renovation Phase
Once the homeowner signs their loan agreement:
- They receive 50% of project costs upfront
- They hire the contractor(s) of their choice to complete the renovation
- You complete the work as quoted
- All required building permits must be obtained
After Renovations
- You provide final invoices directly to the homeowner
- Homeowner completes a post‑retrofit energy assessment
- Homeowner submits final invoices and the Project Completion Form
- Remaining 50% of project costs are released
Eligible Measures
Contractors can deliver a wide range of upgrades, including:
Building Envelope
- Attic, wall, basement insulation
- Air sealing
- Windows, doors, skylights
Mechanical Systems
- Heat pumps (air or ground source)
- High‑efficiency HVAC
- HRVs/ERVs
- Thermostats, controls, ductwork
Water Heating
- High‑efficiency water heaters
- Drain water heat recovery
- Solar hot water
Renewables and Storage
- Solar PV (roof or ground mounted)
- Battery storage
Other Eligible Work
- Electrical upgrades
- EV chargers
- Flood prevention
- Health and safety improvements
- Permit and energy assessment costs
Ineligible Work
- Appliances
- Cosmetic upgrades
- Routine maintenance
Incentives Homeowners May Receive
Contractors don’t administer incentives, but knowing them helps you guide clients. BetterHomes Dufferin incentives are deducted from the loan balance after renovations are complete.
Income‑Qualified Incentive
Interest‑cost rebate up to $10,000
Energy Reduction Incentive
$100–$5,000 grant based on actual energy reductions
BetterHomes Dufferin incentives can be stacked with external incentive programs.
Building Permits
Funding approval is not a building permit. Work completed without proper permits will not be financed.
Examples of work requiring permits include:
- Basement finishing/insulation
- Window/door resizing
- Changing primary heating system
- Rooftop solar PV
Training and Workforce Development
Training can help you and your team upskill. You can also look to hire workers with these certifications.
- Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) – LEED Certifications
- Passive House Canada
- Built Green Canada
- Building Knowledge Canada
- Canadian Construction Association – Low Carbon Training Program
- Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI)
- Builders for Climate Action (Embodied Carbon)
- Assiniboine College – Green Building & Retrofitting Certificate
- Canadian Institute for Energy Training (CIET) – Energy Advisor and Energy Manager training
How We Support Contractors
- Dedicated program email support
- Energy coaching for complex projects
- Marketing materials (handouts/info cards)
Have questions?