7 Stars Isn’t Enough: Choose a Builder Who Does More Than Just Meet Minimum Building Code Requirements

7 Stars Isn’t Enough: Choose a Builder Who Does More Than Just Meet Minimum Building Code Requirements

The minimum energy efficiency star rating in Australia has been increased from 6 stars to 7 stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). Yet is it really enough? 

While a home that barely skims through compliance will stand up and look decent, it may fall short in other areas that will impact your well-being (and wallet) in the long run.

Let’s take a look at what happened to our Kiwi friends… 

 

What New Zealand’s Leaky Homes Crisis Teaches Us

While builders were satisfying their compliance requirements, a lack of proper moisture management resulted in a catastrophe. 

Homes became breeding grounds for mould as condensation built up inside the walls, impacting the health of their occupants and leading to sky-high repair costs. 

Bottom line: leaky building syndrome affected an estimated 42,000 to 89,000 homes, with the cost of repairs projected to reach around NZ$11 billion.

This situation revealed a hard truth: meeting code compliance might look fine on paper, but when builders cut corners, it’s families who end up paying the price.

The good news? These issues aren’t inevitable. Plus… 

 

When You Go Beyond Compliance, You Get a Home that’s Healthier, More Comfortable and Built to Last

Make no mistake, a high-performance home — with effective ventilation, moisture management and high thermal efficiency — offers much more than a house that’s just code-compliant. Including:

  1. Moisture control: With advanced moisture barriers and well-placed ventilation, you’ll keep your home dry and healthy. This means no more dampness creeping in or mould threatening your family’s well-being.
  2. Year-round comfort: Superior insulation, paired with a well-thought-out ventilation system, keeps your home comfortably cool during summer, and cosy on winter’s coldest days.
  3. Energy savings: High-performance homes combine premium insulation with energy-efficient windows, doors, and appliances. This reduces your need for external power sources, slashing energy bills.

To get a sense of how all this plays out, let’s compare two families: the Walkers and the O’Connors.

 

What a High-Performance Home Looks Like in Real Life

The Walkers live in a standard code-compliant home.

They’re constantly battling temperature swings — freezing in winter and sweltering in summer. Energy bills have become a monthly headache, and after just a few years, they start noticing mould creeping into the corners of their bedrooms. It’s frustrating, and the solutions cost an arm and a leg.

The O’Connors, on the other hand, live in a high-performance home.

With superior insulation, their home stays at a stable, comfortable temperature all year round. Their energy bills are a fraction of what the Walkers pay, and the air in their home always feels fresh and clean. They haven’t had to worry about mould, and their maintenance costs are almost nonexistent. Plus, with careful attention to detail in construction, their home isn’t only more comfortable; it’s also holding its value much better over time.

 

The Bottom Line: Invest in Your Comfort and Health

When you invest in a high-performance, thermally efficient home, you aren’t just sidestepping the headaches of a bare minimum build. You’re creating a safe, comfortable space where the air feels fresh, the temperature is always just right, your energy bills are practically non existent – and your family is healthier.  

Of course, there’s a number of factors to consider to do it right. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide for you to download:

5 Mistakes People Make When Planning a Major Home Renovation

It’s completely free and will help you avoid the common pitfalls people face when building or renovating, ensuring you make the best choices for your family’s future.

*Disclaimer: Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. These stories are based on real events, and any resemblance to actual persons is coincidental.

 

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Simon Sachmacinski

Simon combines his passion for construction and the environment to create high-performance, sustainable homes. Growing up in Sutherland Shire in a family of builders and environmental advocates, he turned his expertise into a purpose-driven mission, transforming homes into energy-efficient sanctuaries.

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