What is an Energy Efficiency Assessor or Building Consultant?

An Energy Efficiency Assessor or Building Consultant evaluates your home’s design to determine whether it complies with national energy standards. They provide a formal Energy Efficiency Report — including the Whole-of-Home (WoH) Assessment — which is required for building approval in VIC and QLD (and increasingly in other states under NCC 2022).

What does an Energy Efficiency Assessor do?

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


Typically, they will:

  • Conduct an Initial Assessment of your home’s design (orientation, glazing, insulation, ventilation, thermal mass)
  • Calculate your home’s NatHERS star rating and model its performance using accredited software
  • Assess heating/cooling loads, lighting efficiency, appliance selections, and renewable energy (solar PV, hot water systems)
  • Provide a compliant Energy Efficiency Report and Whole-of-Home Assessment (WoH), which includes predicted annual energy consumption
  • Recommend changes to help meet or exceed the minimum energy rating target (e.g. 7 Stars NatHERS)


These reports are submitted with your building permit or DA to demonstrate compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).

Barry's Toolbox

Don’t wait until the last minute — the Energy Efficiency Report can impact glazing, insulation, solar PV, and appliance choices. Getting it early avoids costly redesigns or compliance delays later.

What Makes a Good Energy Efficiency Assessor?

Look for assessors who:

  • Are accredited under NatHERS (e.g. ABSA or BDAV members)
  • Understand NCC 2022 requirements including Whole-of-Home (WoH) criteria
  • Use current software like FirstRate5, BERS Pro, or Hero
  • Offer early design advice to help you hit 7-Star targets efficiently
  • Communicate clearly with your architect and builder

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Energy Efficiency Assessors or Building Consultants, you’ll need:

  • Site plan, floor plans, elevations, and section drawings
  • Window and glazing schedule
  • Construction details (e.g. insulation levels, roof pitch, materials)
  • Any solar system details or appliance specifications (if available)

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

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

    It measures the predicted energy consumption of heating, cooling, hot water, lighting, pool/spa pumps, and solar PV — ensuring your home performs efficiently as a system.

  • How many stars do I need?

    As of NCC 2022, new homes typically need a minimum of 7 Stars NatHERS and a compliant Whole-of-Home outcome.

  • Can this affect my window or insulation selections?

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

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.