Kairon Homes | Custom ICF Home Builder Ottawa

Kairon Homes provides custom home builds and renovations in Ottawa and surrounding areas. 

Every dream home has a different timeline. If you are interested in discussing a project with us and are curious about how long it will take, visit our Contact Us page to send us email, call, or text!

Kairon Homes was founded in 2015. 

All in-person quotes and estimates are free! Visit our Contact Us page or scroll down below to send us an email, call, or text!

Kairon Homes offers custom luxury home builds using ICF or traditional wooden frames, as well as renovations. Specialty Services include Water Radiant Heating, Radon Proofing, and Telecommunications Installation. To find out more about our services, check out our Services page.

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are a building system using interlocking foam blocks (like LEGOs) as molds for reinforced concrete walls, floors, or roofs, providing permanent structure, insulation, and a vapour barrier in one step. These forms, typically made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), stay in place after concrete is poured, creating a strong, airtight, and highly energy-efficient concrete wall with significant thermal mass, reducing heating/cooling costs and improving disaster resistance.

1. The ICF blocks are stacked to form the exterior and interior load-bearing walls.
2. Steel rebar is installed inside the forms to add strength.
3. Concrete is poured into the hollow core of the blocks.
4. Once the concrete cures, you’re left with a solid reinforced concrete wall sandwiched between two continuous layers of insulation.

• Continuous insulation on both sides of the wall (minimal thermal bridging)
• Significantly lower heating and cooling costs
• More consistent indoor temperatures
• Fewer drafts, cold spots, and hot zones
• Works exceptionally well with radiant floor heating and heat pumps

• Reinforced concrete core resists high winds, hurricanes, and tornado-level forces
• Excellent fire resistance (concrete + foam do not support combustion)
• Resistant to rot, mold, and moisture damage
• Not vulnerable to termites or pests
• Long structural lifespan with minimal degradation over time 

• Fewer air leaks = better control of indoor air quality
• Reduced infiltration of dust, pollen, and outdoor pollutants
• Less chance of mold growth due to moisture control
• Ideal for controlled ventilation systems (HRVs / ERVs)

• Potential insurance discounts due to fire and storm resistance
• Higher resale appeal for energy-conscious buyers
• Lower lifetime maintenance and operating costs 
• Better performance during power outages (slower heat loss)
  

ICF has higher upfront costs due to specialty labour and certifications required, but significantly reduced longterm costs associated with utilities, maintenance, and insurance. 

Electrical work in Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) homes is generally faster and simpler than traditional framing, involving cutting channels directly into the EPS foam insulation to house wiring, which is then secured with foam adhesive or simply pushed into place. Electricians use specialized hot knives or chainsaws to cut foam for outlet boxes and wire runs, which are typically secured to plastic ties embedded within the foam. Once installed, the channels are sealed with spray foam to maintain insulation and airtightness. Ceilings and interior framed walls are wired just like a traditional home. This method keeps the wiring fully protected while preserving the energy efficiency and durability that ICF construction is known for.

In an ICF home, plumbing is carefully planned to protect the strength and energy efficiency of the concrete wall system. Most water supply and drain lines are installed in interior framed walls, floors, and ceilings, just like in a traditional home. Exterior ICF walls typically do not contain plumbing within the concrete core. If needed, small channels can be cut into the interior foam layer only, then sealed to maintain insulation and airtightness. Drain lines are placed beneath the slab before the concrete is poured, ensuring proper slope and long-term performance. This approach helps prevent freezing, reduce heat loss, and maintain the durability and efficiency homeowners expect from a custom ICF home.

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil, and it can seep into buildings and accumulate indoors, posing a significant risk for lung cancer, especially with long-term exposure, as it's invisible and only testing can reveal its presence.

Radon-proofing in a home (RRNC - Radon Resistant New Construction) is most effective (and cost-efficient) when installed during construction. A typical system includes:

1. Gas-permeable layer: A gravel layer beneath the basement or slab allows radon to move freely under the home rather than build up pressure.
2. Sealed foundation: Cracks, joints, and penetrations in the concrete slab and foundation walls are carefully sealed to limit gas entry.
3. Radon vent pipe (rough-in): A vertical pipe is installed from beneath the slab and routed through the house to the roof, providing a path for radon to safely vent outdoors.
4. Future-ready design: If testing later shows elevated radon levels, a small fan can be easily added to activate the system (called active radon mitigation).

Why homeowners choose radon proofing: 

• Protects indoor air quality and occupant health
• Required or strongly recommended in many Canadian regions
• Low cost during construction compared to retrofits later
• Adds peace of mind and long-term value to the home

Water radiant heating (also called hydronic radiant heating) is an energy-efficient home heating system that uses warm water flowing through tubing to heat your living space—starting from the floor up.

Flexible PEX tubing is installed beneath the floor (typically in a concrete slab or under finished flooring). Warm water is circulated through the tubing from a boiler, water heater, or heat pump. As the floor gently warms, heat radiates evenly throughout the room, creating consistent, comfortable temperatures without blowing air.

Why homeowners choose water radiant heating:

• Even, comfortable heat: No cold spots or temperature swings
• Energy efficient: Operates at lower water temperatures than forced-air systems
• Quiet operation: No fans, ducts, or drafts
• Improved air quality: No dust or allergens being circulated
• Design freedom: No visible vents or bulky ductwork
• Ideal for cold climates: Excellent performance in Canadian winters

Kairon Homes offers concrete flooring and traditional wooden framed flooring.