As you start planning a new home, you will encounter the term BASIX, which is short for Building Sustainability Index. Understanding this system is important, because it determines whether your new home meets the NSW Government’s sustainability targets.
BASIX assesses the water, energy, and thermal efficiency of residential home designs. It applies to all residential dwelling types and is part of the development application process in NSW.
A house with a good rating will use less power and water, and will be more comfortable.
BASIX is specific to a design and location, so the result of an assessment will vary from house to house. Even similar designs in the same estate can produce different results.
If your design doesn’t pass an initial assessment, your building designer will need to look for ways to improve the sustainability of the design. Sometimes the solution will be a minor alteration. For instance, increasing the value of insulation or changing the size of a window. Sometimes, major changes may be required.
A good building designer will consider multiple ways to meet BASIX requirements. This will ensure that the function and appearance of your home is affected as little as possible.
Your builder should also be transparent about the costs of meeting BASIX requirements. In most cases, you should know if your design complies with BASIX before you sign a contract.
At Balance Design and Construction, we know that some inclusions are always needed to comply with BASIX. So we include them as standard. Every Balance new home includes a water tank, water efficient taps and fittings, energy efficient LED lights, and quality insulation.
Sometimes we need to make changes to a design to meet BASIX requirements. We will consider multiple options and presents our client with costed options.
BASIX can be a tricky system to navigate, so you need a trusted partner, like Balance Design and Construction, to help you through the process.
The team at Balance provides expert assistance at every stage of the residential construction process, from initial feasibility analyses to final touch-ups. Our in-house design team has produced a portfolio of exceptional new home designs, and we also offer custom design services using state-of-the-art design software (including 3D renderings you can view on your smartphone or VR glasses!).
We have solutions for steep sites, beachfront lots, and unusually-shaped blocks. We take care of Council paperwork and approvals, and provide professional interior design advice to ensure your home is stylish and practical.
Seeking a construction partner for your next investment project? Balance are the Coffs Coast experts in townhouse and boutique developments, with multiple successful projects delivered over recent years, producing excellent returns for our clients.
We offer a unique service to investors, with our ability to handle every stage of your development, from early concept plans through to completion. We provide excellent value, and can even put you in touch with quality local real estate agents to help sell or rent your new development.
We also offer turnkey development solutions so investors can start earning a return sooner with less hassle.
Unfortunately, the big builders have convinced new home buyers that the only way to afford a new home is to settle for one of their standard plans or pre-arranged house and land packages. But why settle for a home designed for someone else?
A home designed to meet your specific needs may be much more affordable than you realise! At Balance, our pricing is transparent and we’ll happily tailor our designs to meet your budget and the family’s needs.
You’ve got nothing to lose – visit our display home, or give us a call today on 1300 056 298 to arrange a free consultation.