Renovations

Renovating with energy efficiency in mind

If you’re considering renovations, this is the perfect time to make design and material choices that will improve your home’s comfort, increase its value, and cut energy bills.  

Home Energy Rating shows how your unrenovated home performs and where upgrades will make the biggest difference. It could also unlock finance options that reward energy-smart choices.  

In some states and territories, you may need to show that your proposed renovation plans meet or exceed energy efficiency requirements in the National Construction Code (NCC). A Home Energy Rating (NatHERS) assessment for new homes can help you demonstrate this. Ask your builder or designer or contact your local regulators for more information.  

A Home Energy Rating (NatHERS) for new homes provides a chance for you to see how energy efficient your design is and consider ways you can improve it. You can lift your ratings and improve comfort, while also reducing heating, cooling, and future running costs with improvements such as:

• designing renovations with solar passive design in mind
• sealing up gaps in existing parts of the home  
• adding or improving shading to glazed windows and doors
• adding or upgrading insulation to ceilings, floor, and walls
• installing double glazed windows and improving window placement.

You can further boost your ratings by including energy efficient appliances, solar panels, or battery storage during your renovation.

A higher rating doesn’t just improve comfort and benefit daily living; it can also make your home more attractive to buyers and renters.

If you’re considering renovating a home with owners’ corporation rules, such as an apartment, unit, flat, villa or townhouse, there may be additional requirements to consider before undertaking the upgrades.

Check out our upgrades examples to learn about upgrades that can affect your rating.