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CMHC Prefab Plus

CMHC Prefab Plus & Eco Plus Support

Energy modelling and EnerGuide documentation for eligible prefab and modular homes pursuing the 25% CMHC Eco Plus premium refund.

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Call: 778-867-0242

CMHC Prefab Plus provides mortgage-loan insurance and as many as four staged advances for eligible prefabricated, modular and manufactured homes. Thrive Energy supports Okanagan and BC Interior homeowners with energy modelling, Step Code compliance and EnerGuide documentation that may help qualifying CMHC-insured new homes receive the 25% Eco Plus premium refund.

What is CMHC Prefab Plus?

CMHC Prefab Plus is mortgage-loan insurance designed to support eligible buyers purchasing new prefabricated, modular or manufactured homes.

  • Financing Access: Qualifying owner-occupied properties with one or two units may be purchased with a minimum down payment starting at 5%. Different requirements apply to larger and non-owner-occupied properties.
  • Staged Advances: Financing may be released through as many as four advances covering land and site preparation, unit delivery, installation and final finishing.
  • Property and Amortization: The home must be suitable for full-time, year-round occupancy. Standard amortization is up to 25 years, although eligible buyers may qualify for 30 years through CMHC Home Start.

What is CMHC Eco Plus?

CMHC Eco Plus provides eligible homeowners with a 25% partial refund on their CMHC mortgage-loan insurance premium when purchasing or building a new energy-efficient home.

  • Eligibility: The home must be newly built, CMHC-insured and meet the applicable Eco Plus energy-efficiency requirements.
  • Energy Performance: Eligibility can be demonstrated with a recognized energy-efficiency certification or an EnerGuide rating showing at least 20% lower energy use than a typical new home.
  • Required Documentation: Thrive Energy provides EnerGuide evaluations and supporting energy documentation. CMHC reviews the application and determines final eligibility.

How BC Prefab Homes May Qualify for Eco Plus

CMHC recognizes several BC Energy Step Code certifications for Eco Plus, including Steps 3, 4 and 5 for eligible Part 9 detached homes. This means many new energy-efficient prefab and modular homes may satisfy the program’s energy-performance requirements.

Qualification is not automatic. The home must be newly built, have CMHC-insured financing and provide acceptable energy-performance documentation. Thrive Energy can confirm the applicable pathway and prepare the required EnerGuide documentation.

Building Science Alert: Foundation Types Matter

CMHC Prefab Plus distinguishes between homes permanently affixed to land and homes designed to remain movable. Homes installed on permanent foundations can be financed through a traditional mortgage, while movable homes are considered under CMHC’s chattel-financing requirements.

The foundation, site details and building configuration can also affect the home’s energy evaluation. Confirming these requirements with Thrive Energy early helps prevent documentation or compliance problems after construction begins.

Book a compliance consultation with the Thrive Energy team before pouring concrete.

EnerGuide Documentation for CMHC Eco Plus

Thrive Energy’s NRCan-Registered Energy Advisors provide the energy modelling, testing and documentation needed to demonstrate the performance of eligible prefab and modular homes.

  • Pre-Construction Energy Modelling:</b We review the architectural plans, building envelope, windows and proposed mechanical systems before modelling the home in HOT2000.
  • Airtightness Testing and Final Verification: Mid-construction testing can identify air leakage before finishes are installed. At completion, we conduct the final evaluation and update the energy model using the as-built details.
  • EnerGuide Documentation: Thrive Energy provides the applicable EnerGuide report and label for the homeowner’s Eco Plus application. CMHC reviews the application and determines final eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About CMHC Prefab Plus and Eco Plus

What is CMHC Prefab Plus?
CMHC Prefab Plus is mortgage-loan insurance designed to support eligible buyers purchasing new prefabricated, modular or manufactured homes. It allows financing to be advanced as construction milestones are completed.
What types of homes are eligible for CMHC Prefab Plus? Eligible properties may include new prefabricated, modular and manufactured homes located in Canada. The home must meet applicable standards and be suitable and accessible for full-time, year-round occupancy.
Prefab Plus allows funds to be released through as many as four advances. These may cover land acquisition and site preparation, delivery of the prefabricated unit, installation and final finishing work.
Yes. An eligible buyer using CMHC Prefab Plus to finance a new energy-efficient home may also apply for the 25% CMHC Eco Plus mortgage-insurance premium refund. Each program has separate eligibility and documentation requirements.
No. A new BC prefab home does not qualify automatically. The home must have CMHC-insured financing and meet Eco Plus energy-performance requirements through an accepted certification or qualifying energy rating.
CMHC requires an eligible energy-efficiency certificate or an energy-consumption rating demonstrating that the new home meets the program’s requirements. Thrive Energy can provide the EnerGuide evaluation and supporting energy documentation.
A mid-construction blower-door test is not automatically required for every Eco Plus application. However, it can identify air leakage while the air barrier remains accessible and help the project stay on track for its final airtightness target.
No. Mortgage financing and insurance are arranged through the homeowner’s lender and CMHC. Thrive Energy provides energy modelling, Step Code compliance support, building-science testing and EnerGuide documentation.
After confirming that the mortgage is CMHC-insured, the homeowner submits the completed Eco Plus application, eligible energy documentation and required banking information directly to CMHC. The application must be submitted within two years of the mortgage closing date.