What is the assessment price?
The NatHERS new-home assessment is $300 + GST, or $330 including GST. We review the plans and confirm the required assessment and documentation before starting. BASIX, separate specialist reports and redesign work are not implied by this service price.
What plans and specifications should I supply?
Supply the current floor plans, elevations, sections and site information, together with the proposed construction, insulation, glazing and shading specifications. Provide the appliance and system selections needed for any applicable Whole of Home assessment. Complete, consistent information helps avoid modelling delays and unsupported assumptions.
What is the difference between thermal and Whole of Home assessment?
Thermal assessment models how the design affects heating and cooling demand. Whole of Home assessment considers the applicable home's energy systems and their modelled energy performance. Which assessments are needed depends on the project's approval requirements; we confirm the required pathway before the work starts.
Is a site visit needed, and where is the service available?
New-home energy assessments generally use the building plans and specifications, so plan-based work is available Australia-wide. The project location still matters because climate and approval requirements affect the assessment. If the project needs an additional site inspection, that scope is confirmed separately.
What happens if the design does not achieve the required result?
We explain the modelled result and the design features affecting it, so you can consider appropriate changes with your designer or builder. We do not promise that every submitted design will pass. Revised design or additional assessment work is discussed before it is authorised, and final documentation must match the design being assessed.
When will I receive the certificate?
The final report and applicable certificate are emailed the same day that modelling, required information and certification are complete. You receive a secure shareable link and downloadable PDF. This is not a promise that a new project will be fully assessed on the day plans are submitted; completion depends on the assessment scope and complete project information.
Does the certificate guarantee building approval?
No. The assessment provides the energy-performance documentation applicable to the project. Your building surveyor, certifier or relevant authority determines the full approval requirements, which can include other documents and compliance matters outside this energy assessment.
Can I use an existing-home rating for a new build or renovation approval?
An existing-home rating follows a different pathway and is not a substitute for the assessment required for building approval. Tell us whether the project is a new build, extension or alteration so the appropriate energy-assessment scope can be confirmed.
What if the plans change after the assessment?
Tell us about changes to the assessed design or specifications before relying on the existing result. Changes to glazing, insulation, construction, orientation or systems can affect the outcome. We confirm whether the assessment and documentation need updating; the old certificate should not be assumed to cover a changed design.
Can a NatHERS new-home certificate demonstrate NCC compliance?
Yes, when the certificate is produced for the correct project and pathway, uses coordinated evidence and meets the requirements adopted for that jurisdiction. The certifier, council or relevant approval authority decides what must be submitted and accepted.
Does Whole of Home replace the thermal Star Rating?
No. The new-home certificate can include both a thermal Star Rating from 0 to 10 and a Whole of Home rating from 0 to 100+. They describe related but different parts of the assessed design.
Does every major renovation need the same NatHERS certificate?
No single answer applies to every project. The location, building work, approval pathway and requirements adopted by the jurisdiction determine whether a new-home NatHERS certificate or another method is required.
Is the rating a forecast of the future energy bill?
No. It is a standardised model of the proposed design under defined assumptions. Actual energy use and bills also depend on weather, occupancy, behaviour, tariffs, equipment settings and construction quality.
How is a NatHERS assessment quoted?
The NatHERS new-home assessment is $300 + GST ($330 including GST). Supply the plans and specifications so we can confirm the assessment pathway and required documents before modelling starts. Separate services and additional design revisions are agreed before work proceeds.
