How to get an assessment

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A rating assessment for a new home is completed before construction, using your building plans and specifications. This ensures your design (and in some cases major renovation plans) meet the National Construction Code (NCC) energy efficiency requirements.  

Assessments are usually prepared as part of applying for a building permit and typically follow a process like the example below. Builders, designers and architects often manage this process, but homeowners can also get involved.  
If you would like to request an assessment, just follow the step-by-step process below which will guide your home energy assessment journey.

1. Engage an Accredited Assessor early

Start by finding a Home Energy Rating (NatHERS) for new homes accredited assessor through an Assessor Accrediting Organisation (AAO) listed below. Engaging an assessor during the early design stage allows efficiency and comfort to be considered from the start, before plans are finalised – saving time, costs and complexity. 

2. Provide plans and design details

Your assessor will request documents such as:

  • construction drawings (plans, elevations, sections)
  • construction specifications
  • window schedules
  • insulation details
  • fixed appliance selections (heating, cooling, hot water, lighting, solar PV if planned)

The more complete the information, the more accurate the modelling. 

3. Review the results and make any adjustments

Using accredited software, the assessor models how the home will perform once built. These results help determine if the design meets the NCC’s energy efficiency requirements.

Your assessor will explain the ratings and identify design elements that influence performance – such as orientation, glazing, insulation levels and appliance choices.

If the proposed home doesn’t meet the minimum standards or you want the home to be more comfortable or energy efficient, the assessor can recommend cost-effective changes to improve the rating.

4. Receive your certificate

You will receive a Home Energy Rating (NatHERS) for new homes certificate, which includes:

  • the Whole of Home rating (0-100+)
  • the home’s Star Rating (out of 10 stars)
  • estimated annual energy use
  • the data and design inputs used in the assessment

This certificate is submitted as part of the building approval process. 

5. Build with confidenceThe assessment ensures the home is designed to perform well once built, delivering better comfort, lower running costs and compliance with Australia’s energy efficiency standards. 
Last updated
24 Jun 2026
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