Background
In Australia
under the
NatHERS guidelines, advanced
software programs such as
FirstRate 5 can
be used to assess the expected thermal
properties of a proposed dwelling - this
enables owners and builders to obtain a
House Energy Rating or Thermal Assessment.
When you may need a Thermal Assessment
In most
Australian states Thermal
assessments are required as part of the
Construction Certificate application process design approval and regulatory process
for extensions and new buildings. In
NSW these assessments are required for the
Development Application stage (via
BASIX).
How to get a Thermal Performance Assessment
A Thermal
Performance Assessment should be obtained
before finalising the design plan for your
new home as the assessment may show that the
plans require modifications prior to
submission to the Local Authority for
certification and approval.
ecoBright®
qualified ASBA Thermal Performance Assessors
can easily complete an assessment when you
forward a PDF copy of your plans to us.
How long will it take & How much will it
cost?
Typical
turnaround is around 3 days depending on
work load - but this will be confirmed at
the time as it depends on
complexity and the number of levels in your
building.
Developers or Builders completing
many units all of similar size and features
can expect a lower unit charge - we invite
enquiries from anyone building or
considering to build a new home.
What's
the Next Step?
Contact us
now...we can confirm costs and any other
information required once you contact us -
remember - our quotes are free and you are
under no obligation to use our services.
Minimum information required
to obtain a Thermal Assessment is:
|
Building Detail |
Information Required |
|
Plan of dwelling |
A PDF copy of the
dwelling's plans - we prefer
email as it's faster - however
please be mindful that plans
bigger than 5MB should be sent
in parts or sent through an
online file sharing software
site such as
YouSendIt. Contact your nearest
ecoBright® office for
more assistance. |
|
Orientation |
True north and
the relationship of your
building to true north. While
this may seem obvious, many
plans either don't show a North
point, or it is difficult to
determine which direction the
dwelling is orientated in. |
|
Zones |
Names of rooms
and spaces shown on plans. |
|
Fixed Shading
e.g. pergola verandahs, etc |
Location and
dimensions of any fixed shading. |
|
Eaves |
Width and offset. |
|
External Walls |
Proposed material
and construction type if not on
plans. |
|
Internal Walls |
Proposed material
and construction type if not on
plans. |
|
Windows &
Skylights |
Proposed type. A
window schedule is very helpful,
particularly if window
dimensions are not clearly
visible from plans and
elevations. |
|
Roof |
Proposed material
and construction type if not on
plans. |
|
Ceilings |
Proposed material
and construction type if not on
plans. |
