What should I include in a scope for an energy efficiency assessor?

Summary: Rates the home's thermal performance and energy use so it meets the NCC energy requirements (or BASIX in NSW).

Why it matters: New homes in most states must meet a 7-star NatHERS thermal rating plus a Whole-of-Home energy target. Failing late can mean changes to glazing, insulation or orientation.

Minimum scope by stage

• Concept: early advice on orientation, glazing, shading and insulation before the design is fixed
• Building approval: NatHERS thermal assessment with stamped plans and certificate (or BASIX certificate in NSW); Whole-of-Home assessment where adopted; list of specifications that must be built; one round of advice if the rating falls short
• Construction: re-rating if products or design change (e.g. windows, insulation, roof colour, hot water, solar)
• Completion: confirmation the built home matches the certificate, in the form your certifier needs (in NSW, BASIX commitments are checked before the occupation certificate)

Options

• Extra re-ratings after design changes
• Higher-performance targets (e.g. 8+ stars)
• Condensation management advice
• Air-tightness (blower door) testing

Meetings and site visits: Desktop only. Engage at concept stage, not after drawings are finished.

Watch-out: Requirements differ by state (NT and Tasmania differ from the rest). See state notes. Product substitutions during construction can invalidate the certificate.