Energy Ratings.
We use the latest energy rating software, to provide the best rating for your plans and location.
First Rate 5 - Energy Ratings.
Accurate - Energy Ratings.
Note: The previous version of First Rate (4) was only suitable for energy ratings on buildings built below the Tropic of Capricorn. The new version 5 no longer has this limitation. Accurate energy ratings are useful for all locations, and more complex designs.
For a quote using the latest energy rating software please contact us.
Submit your plans easily online.
We supply certificates for all buildings that achieve 5 stars or more.
Other Services
- We also do assessments of existing buildings for energy efficiency.
- Provide reports and recommendations on designs.
GST will be applied to all services.
Pre Home Rating Consultations.
A good idea is to talk to us before plans are finalised, so that any changes needed can be made at minimum cost and inconvenience. Contact 5stars4u by email to arrange a consultation.
Pre rating your plans can save you money, and pick up any potential problems that may stop your plans from reaching the energy rating needed for plan approval. We can also make suggestions to further improve your designs that could help you save money by reducing your home energy consumption.
Pre Rating consultations discount
If you have a pre rating consultation, a discount will apply to your energy rating.
Information About House Energy Rating.
Why you need to have an Energy Rating for your new home.
On the 1st July 2003 Western Australia adopted national energy efficiency measures. This means that all new homes have to comply with the energy efficiency requirements to gain council building approval. Currently a 5 star rating is required to get building approval.( This may be increased in the future ) There are presently two ways of complying with the requirements.
- Follow the deemed to satisfy criteria.
- Have your plans rated by an accredited assessor using First Rate house energy rating software.
This is a good option as it allows plans to be adjusted to achieve optimum performance in both summer and winter. A home with some passive solar features should also result in a saving on your energy bills.
If your plans do not meet the required rating a report will be generated that suggests ways to reach the needed 5 stars or higher. Quite often some small design changes are all that is needed. Examples are changing the eave width or perhaps window sizes, sometimes changing the amount of insulation. In more challenging cases tinted or thermal glass may help, or shading devices for some windows.
Each house is treated in an individual way, as each site and its surrounding are unique, and every design may perform differently if facing to different points of the compass. We also take into account the shading effects of nearby buildings and solid fences. This is why we recommend a consultation at the sketch plan stage, so that any problem areas can be spotted and rectified early on, before the expense of full working drawings is undertaken.
The Energy Rating Process.
To do a rating on your design we need 3 copies of the plans, including floor plans, elevations, a section and a site plan showing north and any shading objects within 20 meters, such as buildings and fences. A completed questionnaire is also needed. The questionnaire is available on this website to submit online or to print out.
When the rating is finished you will get back two copies of the report and two copies of the plans stamped with the official stamp, signed and dated, showing the star rating achieved. This is what you will require to put in to council for your building approval. For your personal records a certificate will be issued for all homes achieving a rating of 5 stars or more. A selection of hints that could be used to improve your rating, if required, will also be provided.
