Understanding the 7-Star Energy Rating
Understanding the 7-Star Energy Rating
The 7-star energy rating is now the new minimum — but that doesn't mean it's easy to achieve. This guide breaks down what it really takes to hit compliance, what it could cost, and why most builders only deal with it after it’s too late.
Because building shouldn't feel risky.
What Is the 7-Star Energy Rating?
The 7-star energy rating is part of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) and measures a home's thermal efficiency — how well it maintains comfortable temperatures without excessive heating or cooling. A 7-star home uses significantly less energy, saves money over time, and offers better year-round comfort.
It's also now the minimum standard for new homes in many Australian states.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
How Builders Can Achieve 7 Stars
Achieving a 7-star energy rating is about good design, smart orientation, and thoughtful material selection — all locked in from the beginning.
Key factors include:
- Orientation and Design: Positioning the home to maximise sunlight and airflow
- Insulation: High-performance insulation to minimise heat transfer
- Windows & Glazing: Energy-efficient, properly placed windows with low-E or double glazing
- Thermal Mass: Materials that absorb and release heat gradually
- Sealing & Draught Proofing: A tight building envelope
- Efficient Systems: Heating, cooling, and lighting solutions that don’t overwork
- Solar Power: Integrating rooftop solar panels to reduce grid dependence and boost long-term efficiency
But all of this only works if planned upfront.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
When Is the Rating Assessed?
Here’s the catch: most builders submit the design for energy rating just before contract — or even after the contract is signed.
That means:
- The floor plan is already locked in
- Energy compliance becomes a retrofit exercise
- Any changes now are costly, especially if major features like windows or voids need redesigning
This is where major budget blowouts can happen — and most clients don’t see it coming.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Why 7-Star Can Blow the Budget
Designs not originally intended for 7-star performance can be costly to bring up to code:
- Window and glazing upgrades
- Reworking voids or removing them entirely
- Additional shading, overhangs, or external screens
- Extra insulation or construction detailing
These aren't cheap tweaks. And builders rarely allow for them early — especially in display home designs.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Voids and Glazing: Beautiful, But Problematic
Many of the most eye-catching display homes — especially those with large voids, big windows, and open layouts — were built under older 6-star rules.
They wouldn’t pass today.
That means your favourite design might look amazing in the showroom, but once it’s modelled for 7 stars, you could be told:
Once compliance modelling is done, here’s what clients are often told:
- Void removed: The feature can’t be retained under 7-star compliance
- Window size reduced: Oversized glazing fails performance modelling
- $30K+ glazing upgrade: Often not included in the builder's initial pricing
At that point, you’re either compromising — or spending more than expected.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
The Emotional Trap That Leads to Blowouts
This is the most emotional purchase most people ever make.
You invest weeks of time. You picture yourself living there. You believe it’s close to finished.
Then, compliance hits — and you’re too far in to back out.
You stretch. You justify. You pay.
Because no one explained the rules to you early.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Guardian Tip: You Can Have the Design You Want — If You Plan For It
Want the voids, the glass, the open layout? You can absolutely have it — but only if you design and budget for 7 stars from the start.
That’s where we help:
- Energy compliance factored in from the very first concept
- Realistic costing early in the process
- No surprise blowouts late in the build
We work with you to make sure what you fall in love with is actually what you can build.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
What to Ask Your Builder Early
Avoid surprises by asking the right questions early in the process:
- Has this display home been updated to meet 7-star requirements?
- When do you submit the design for energy assessment?
- Are the costs of energy compliance included in the base price?
- Will I be asked to change my design later due to rating failures?
- If the design fails, who absorbs the cost of changes — me or the builder?
- Can I get a preliminary energy rating report early in the design process?
These answers will tell you whether your builder is truly designing for compliance — or just hoping to patch it up later.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Looking for land in an Estate instead?
This guide covers land in knock down rebuild — but if you're purchasing within an estate:
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Worried About 7-Star Surprises?
Get expert guidance before you commit to a plan — and avoid costly redesigns later.