News

Nordell Design/Build adds solar panels to new homes

October, 2010 By Angela Crich

Since it’s inception in 2006, Nordell Design/Build has prided itself on being committed to protecting the environment and practicing sustainable design and building methods.
“We would like to be a pioneer in the green industry, be a step ahead of the rest,” says Cassandra Nordell-MacLean, co-owner, designer and project manager.

Nordell Design/Build is the first builder in Lambton County to design a new home in line with the microfit program. Their model home, currently under construction at 1 Creekside Drive in Camlachie (corner of Egremont and Fleming) will be equipped with microfit solar panels. “Everybody wants to make a small contribution and if we all do, it’s starting to make the load a little lighter,” says Patrick MacLean, co-owner and construction manager. Under the Microfit program, the homeowner will be paid a guaranteed price (with a cheque from the government) over a 20-year term for all the electricity they produce and deliver to the province’s electricity grid. In fact, Nordell-MacLean says that it can pay for your house over a 20-year span.

It also enables the homeowner to contribute to a healthier environment by: generating  electricity from renewable sources, helping to replace coal-fired generation across the province and reducing greenhouse gases and other pollutants. It helps to create new local businesses and green jobs. “If everyone starts participating in it, it will be one of those things that people will come to expect on a new home,” says MacLean.

Nordell Design/Build has options on five lots on Creekside. Signs all say solar ready, but Nordell-MacLean says that the customer is always in charge. If they don’t want solar panels on their home, it is not a requirement. “People don’t have to do it, but we are putting it on the model, so it is an option for them,” says Nordell-MacLean.

Nordell Design/Build projects are up to 30% more efficient than a standard home. They are registered with Tarion New Home Warranty and Energy Star for new homes. Under their Green Balance program, Nordell uses the best environmentally friendly materials on its projects: materials that are safe, do not emit gas chemicals into the air, and provide ultimate durability. Paint and flooring is zero VOC or low VOC. Customers can also request insulated concrete forms and insulated panel construction. This involves two sheets with insulation in between, which provides a healthier environment for homeowners. During renovations, all leftover materials as well as appliances and fixtures are donated to local schools, programs and organizations. All unusable materials, cardboard, plastic and glass on the job sites are recycled.

They have a government-backed energy label on each home. Independent, third party licensed professionals inspect the quality of the homes. The company is licensed by the Government of Canada to build energy efficient homes. Nordell Design/Build prides itself on using as many Canadian made products as possible.  “I think it’s really, really important to support our own economy. I also like supporting other local businesses. If we can get furniture locally, we will do that. It also avoids the extra costs and gas emissions associated with transporting furniture,” says Nordell-MacLean.

Nordell MacLean was born and raised in Sarnia. She attended Northern Collegiate. Leaving Sarnia at age 18 for a higher education, she always intended to return to her hometown. After working in Toronto for an award winning design build firm, Nordell-MacLean returned to Sarnia with her husband, Patrick (who worked in sales in Newmarket). The two started Nordell Design/Build. “There are a lot of builders and contractors in Sarnia, but there’s not a lot who offer an entire package combined like we do,” says Nordell-MacLean.

Located on Lougar Avenue in Sarnia, Nordell Design/Build specializes in custom homes, interior & exterior renovations, and kitchen and bath remodeling for Sarnia and southwestern Ontario.
Using a team of registered qualified builders, designers and project managers, Nordell Design/Build creates floor plans and projects custom designed to fulfill each individual client need. They can also help with barrier free designs. “We basically hold the customer’s hand from start (the design process) to finish.

We educate them as much as possible, so there are no surprises,” says Nordell-MacLean.
“We work hand in hand with the customer through absolutely every step of the process. It makes it less stressful for the customer because they’re not having to deal with several different people and we work directly with them to make all of the choices.” Customer service is extremely important to Nordell-MacLean. “We don’t like to say it can’t be done. We always find a way to give people what they are looking for.” In fact, when they couldn’t find cabinets to suit theirs and their customer’s needs, they formed William Standen Co.

Customers are always encouraged to call Nordell-MacLean, MacLean or their customer service representative directly at any time with their questions or concerns. The model home currently
under construction on Creekside is scheduled for completion in early January. Construction on a second model home in the same subdivision will begin in the spring. For more information on Nordell Design/Build, call 337-6194 or visit www.nordelldesignbuild.com.

Nordell Design/Build is pleased to announce that we have SOLAR READY lots available!

Call today or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to find out how we can build your GREEN, CERTIFIED ENERGY STAR, SUSTAINABLE dream home!

We are pleased to announce that we have completed the design work for our new model home, which will be located in Camlachie.

It will be open the first week of January for viewing so stay tuned to get the first peek.

The new model will feature ALL new, never before seen materials, finishes and technology!

WAIT TO SEE WHAT WE HAVE IN STORE FOR 2011!!!

Any builder can claim to build energy efficient homes.

We offer:
1.    Government-backed energy label on home
2.    Independent, third party licensed professionals inspect the quality of our homes.
3.    Licensed by the Government of Canada to build energy efficient homes
4.    We take several other steps on top of energy efficient requirements to ensure an environmentally friendly home
5.    Registered with Tarion Home Warranty as well as our own warranty program in place

Call today to get detailed information on our warranty, Tarion and energy efficient homes.