Fully-Open Windows, Compliant Homes

A New Era Begins — And 10 Star Building Assessments Is Leading the Way Australia’s residential energy landscape is undergoing a major transformation. The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), long trusted for assessing new homes, is now expanding to include existing dwellings — a move set to empower millions of homeowners with clearer insights into their energy performance and upgrade potential. What’s Changing? For decades, NatHERS has provided star ratings for new builds, helping guide design decisions and improve thermal comfort. Now, through a staged rollout, the scheme is being extended to existing homes — offering assessments that consider: Thermal performance based on design, orientation, insulation, and materials Fixed appliances and their energy use On-site solar generation and storage Practical guidance for cost-effective upgrades This initiative is part of a broader push toward mandatory disclosure frameworks, where energy ratings may soon be required at the point of sale or lease. Why 10 Star Building Assessments Is Ahead of the Curve At 10 Star Building Assessments, we’re proud to be part of the NatHERS trial program for existing homes — actively seeking accreditation under the new framework. Our dual expertise as both accredited thermal assessors and experienced builders gives us a distinct advantage in this evolving field. We don’t just rate homes — we understand them. Our assessments are value-engineered to suit the unique characteristics of each existing building, ensuring recommendations are both practical and cost-effective. Whether it’s identifying insulation gaps, optimizing passive design features, or advising on appliance upgrades, our reports are tailored to deliver real-world impact. What This Means for Homeowners With energy bills rising and climate resilience becoming a priority, NatHERS ratings for existing homes offer: Clear benchmarks for energy performance Actionable advice for upgrades Potential access to green loans and incentives Enhanced property value and buyer confidence As the scheme scales up, homeowners will increasingly rely on trusted assessors to guide them — and that’s where 10 Star Building Assessments shines.

Thermal mass refers to the ability of a material to store and release heat energy. It describes the capacity of building materials to absorb heat during the day and slowly release it at night, helping to regulate indoor temperatures. Impact of Thermal Mass in a Dwelling:

For homeowners who have invested in achieving a 7-star NatHERS rating in New South Wales, effectively marketing their high-performance home can unlock significant resale value. Here are some tips from a salesperson's perspective on how to showcase the benefits of a 7+ star rated home and what information to discuss with your real estate agent to maximize its market appeal.

Embodied Energy

We have found in recent periods that some certifying authorities are not understanding the requirements around class 3 group home energy compliance. In some instances, the energy assessment has solely been completed (in NSW) as a BASIX and NatHERS assessment. The NCC states that a Class 3 Group home must demonstrate compliance against the NCC Section J.

10 Star Building assessments have invested in the latest technology to assist in completing our inspections to the highest standard.

As a Thermal Energy Assessor and Building Defect Inspector find that I am in a unique position to be able to understand the requirements of a NatHERS certificate and BASIX certificate.