Buying an energy-efficient property off the plan
If you are buying a home off the plan, it means that you agree to purchase a home that's yet to be built. Your decision will be based on the building plans and discussions with the developer or builder about the design and included features.
Being unable to physically see an apartment or house prior to buying can make it hard to get a sense of key elements such as light and ventilation. Considering key principles of energy efficient building design can save energy, water and money, while creating a more enjoyable and comfortable home. Knowing what questions to ask your builder is crucial to making an informed decision.
Questions to ask your builder or developer
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Does the property have adequate access to sunlight?
- Are the living areas facing north?
- Is there any overshadowing?
What NatHERs star rating is the property?
Does the property have energy efficient lighting and lighting controls?
- Ensure living areas, including kitchen and bedrooms, do not require any artificial lighting throughout the day.
Does the property have energy efficient heating and cooling appliances?
- Are there fans for example?
- Is there sufficient shading from the summer sun?
- Are there external fixed and/or flexible shading devices?
Does the property provide onsite renewable energy generation?
- Such as solar panels or solar hot water systems?
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Does the property have adequate bike parking, and is it near amenities and public transport?
For residential developments, is there at least one secure bicycle parking space per dwelling and one visitor bicycle parking space per four dwellings?
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Does the property have natural ventilation?
Is the basement carpark naturally ventilated?
- Is carbon monoxide monitoring used to control the speed and operation of ventilation fans?
Does the property allow you to dry washing outdoor (in a courtyard for example)?
- External drying spaces give the occupant the opportunity to use sun and wind to dry clothes rather than electrical appliances. Apartment buildings could provide retractable drying racks on individual balconies or a common clothes line on the building's roof terrace.
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Is there onsite management of food waste and garden waste?
Does the property provide recycling facilities that are at least as convenient for building occupants as general household waste facilities?
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Does the property have water efficiency labelling and standards (WELS) rated fittings within one star of best available?
Does the property have a rainwater tank, sized to capture the vast majority of otherwise discharged rainwater, and plumbed to a consistent year round water use, such as toilet flushing?
Does the property have low water-consuming plants?
- Is there a green wall, living wall or vertical garden or roof?
Does the property use non-potable (not of drinking quality) water to supply any irrigation systems?
Does the apartment block have separate water meters in individual dwellings and non-residential areas within the same development?
Does the property cover as much area as possible with vegetation to maximise thermal benefits?
- For green roofs, maximise the planting area for greatest stormwater benefits.
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What type of window frames and glazing treatments have been used?
Zero Net Carbon Homes
A zero net carbon home combines energy efficient building design and fixed appliances, with a solar energy system to help reduce running costs, increase comfort and curb carbon emissions.
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Building or renovating?
If you're building a home or undertaking a renovation, you might like to refer to our list of questions to ask your builder, architect or installer.
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