What Is an Energy Efficiency Assessment?

An Energy Efficiency Assessment measures how well your home design performs in terms of thermal comfort and energy use. It evaluates how your building materials, orientation, insulation, windows, and appliances will contribute to your overall energy consumption once built.


As part of this process, your assessor will also complete a Whole-of-Home (WoH) Assessment, which looks at predicted energy use across systems like heating, cooling, hot water, lighting, and cooking. The goal is to ensure your design meets minimum performance standards under the National Construction Code (NCC) and your state’s sustainability regulations.



You’ll receive a formal Energy Efficiency Report with a star rating or compliance summary. This report is submitted to your certifier or local authority and is required before you can start construction.

What does an Energy Efficiency Assessor do?

Your Energy Efficiency Assessor will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, an Energy Efficiency Assessor will:

  • Analyse your design, orientation, window placement, and material choices
  • Use thermal modelling software to generate a star rating or compliance certificate
  • Complete the Energy Efficiency Report and Whole-of-Home (WoH) Assessment
  • Identify areas to improve performance or reduce energy use
  • Provide a formal report that can be submitted to your certifier or building authority


This report must be prepared and finalised before construction can begin.

Tip: Provide Final Drawings Only

Your assessor will base their rating and recommendations on your building plans. To avoid delays and rework, wait until you have your final architectural drawings before requesting quotes for this task.

What Makes a Good Energy Efficiency Assessor?

Look for an assessor who offers:

  • Accreditation with a recognised scheme (e.g. NatHERS, ABSA, BDAV)
  • Experience working with homes of a similar size, design, or climate zone
  • Clear, actionable feedback and advice
  • Prompt turnaround and willingness to adjust reports if needed
  • Fixed or milestone-based pricing with clear inclusions


If you're working with a Building Consultant, confirm that they’re qualified to issue energy efficiency reports under your state’s legislation.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To request quotes for your Energy Efficiency Report and WoH Assessment, you’ll need:

  • Final architectural drawings (including elevations and floor plans)
  • Site orientation and shading information
  • Glazing specifications (e.g. window sizes and materials)
  • Details on insulation, walls, roofing, and ventilation
  • If known, proposed heating, cooling, lighting, and hot water systems


These details help your assessor generate an accurate and compliant report.

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 3–5 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is this report mandatory for my build?

    Yes. An energy efficiency assessment is a requirement under the National Construction Code (NCC). Each state has slightly different reporting requirements, but all new homes must meet a minimum energy performance standard.



  • What is a Whole-of-Home (WoH) Assessment?

    It’s a broader assessment that looks at the total predicted energy use of your home, including systems and appliances. It’s now a standard requirement for most new homes and must accompany your energy rating certificate.

  • Do I need a NatHERS certificate or something else?

    Yes — glazing ratios, insulation levels, and even window orientation all affect your star rating. Your assessor may suggest adjustments.


    A NatHERS Certificate is a mandatory document that shows how energy efficient your home design is. It gives your home a star rating out of 10, based on factors like insulation, window placement, and climate zone.


    The certificate is issued by an accredited assessor using NatHERS-approved software and is required for building approval in most states. It confirms your home meets the minimum 7-star energy rating under the National Construction Code.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.