NatHERS Assessment
for New Homes
EcoMaxHomes provides accredited NatHERS Assessments for residential projects across Australia. We deliver accurate thermal performance modelling, practical compliance advice, and reliable results — with most standard assessments completed within 24 to 48 hours.
What Is a NatHERS Assessment?
A NatHERS Assessment uses accredited thermal modelling software to calculate how much heating and cooling energy a dwelling needs to stay comfortable throughout the year. The result is expressed as a star rating from 0 to 10.
Under NCC 2022, most new residential buildings must achieve a minimum 7-Star NatHERS rating before building approval is granted.
A higher star rating means:
- Less reliance on artificial heating and cooling
- Lower energy bills year-round
- Greater comfort in all seasons
- Improved long-term property value
What Does a NatHERS Assessment Measure?
Our accredited assessors model the complete building envelope — not just individual products or materials. Every element is assessed as part of the whole dwelling design:
- Orientation — solar exposure of living areas, bedrooms and glazing
- Glazing — window size, placement, frame type and glass performance
- Insulation — roof, ceiling, wall and floor insulation levels
- Shading — eaves, awnings, balconies and external screening
- Construction type — lightweight vs heavyweight and thermal mass
- Ventilation — air movement, openings and air-leakage assumptions
- Climate — local climate data specific to your project location
This is why two homes with similar floor areas can receive very different NatHERS ratings — thermal performance is about how the whole design responds to its climate.
Who Needs a NatHERS Assessment?
A NatHERS Assessment is required for:
- New homes — detached houses and custom builds
- Dual occupancy and duplex developments
- Townhouses and multi-residential buildings
- Granny flats and secondary dwellings
- Apartments — individual dwellings modelled separately
- Substantial alterations and additions (where applicable)
Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, builder, or developer — you need a compliant NatHERS Certificate before building approval is granted.
NatHERS Across Australia - State by State
NatHERS is Australia’s national thermal rating framework. The same modelling methodology applies nationwide, but how NatHERS connects with your approval process can vary by state.
NSW
NatHERS may operate alongside BASIX for relevant residential projects. EcoMaxHomes provides both.
QLD
NatHERS applies under the Queensland Development Code (QDC MP 4.1). An eligible outdoor living area may provide a star credit toward the 7-star equivalence standard.
VIC, SA, WA, ACT, TAS
NatHERS thermal modelling connects directly with NCC energy-efficiency documentation and building approval.
NatHERS vs BASIX — What's the Difference?
In NSW, both NatHERS and BASIX apply to most new residential projects — but they do different things.
NatHERS measures the thermal performance of your dwelling design and produces a star rating based on calculated heating and cooling loads.
BASIX is the broader NSW planning and sustainability framework covering water efficiency, energy targets, and thermal comfort for residential projects.
For NSW projects, a NatHERS Assessment is typically used to satisfy the thermal comfort component within BASIX. EcoMaxHomes handles both — so you deal with one consultant, not two.
NatHERS vs Whole of Home - Understanding the Difference
NatHERS focuses on the thermal performance of your building envelope — how well the design manages heat gain and loss based on construction, glazing, insulation, orientation and shading.
Whole of Home goes further, assessing fixed appliances and household energy systems including heating and cooling equipment, hot water, lighting, cooking, pool and spa, and on-site solar generation.
Improving your NatHERS star rating requires changes to the building envelope — not appliances. Changes to hot water systems or solar panels do not directly improve your NatHERS thermal result.
EcoMaxHomes provides both NatHERS Assessments and Whole of Home Assessments for eligible projects.
What If Your Design Doesn't Reach 7 Stars?
Not every design passes on the first assessment — and that’s completely normal. If your initial result falls short, EcoMaxHomes identifies exactly which building-envelope inputs are affecting the rating and provides clear, cost-effective recommendations to lift the result.
Common adjustments include:
- Improving glazing specifications
- Increasing insulation levels
- Refining eave depths and shading design
- Adjusting window sizes or placement
- Changing roof colour in warmer climates
- Modifying construction details
Our goal is always the most practical path to compliance — not the most expensive one.
The NatHERS Assessment Process
Step 1
Send Your Plans
Submit your architectural drawings, elevations, sections, window schedule, construction details and project address.
Step 2
Documentation Review
We review your project documentation, confirm the climate zone, dwelling type and applicable compliance pathway.
Step 3
Thermal Modelling
Your dwelling is modelled using NatHERS-accredited software. We calculate heating and cooling loads and produce the thermal star rating.
Step 4
Rating Review
If the design achieves the required rating, we proceed to certification. If not, we identify the factors affecting the result and recommend practical adjustments.
Step 5
Certificate Issued
Your NatHERS Certificate and supporting assessment documentation are issued — ready for your DA, CC or building approval submission.
What Documents Do You Need to Provide?
To begin your NatHERS Assessment, we typically need:
- Floor plans, elevations and sections
- Site plan showing orientation
- Window and glazing schedule
- Wall, roof, ceiling and floor construction details
- Insulation specifications
- Shading details (eaves, awnings, balconies)
- Project address and dwelling type
You don’t need every detail finalised before reaching out. Send us what you have and we’ll confirm what’s still needed.
NatHERS Assessment Cost and Turnaround
Assessment fees depend on project type, number of dwellings and documentation completeness. EcoMaxHomes offers competitive, transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
Turnaround: 24 to 48 hours for most standard residential assessments from receipt of complete documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a NatHERS Assessment?
A NatHERS Assessment uses accredited thermal modelling software to calculate the expected heating and cooling performance of a residential dwelling and assign a star rating from 0 to 10.
Is a 7-Star NatHERS rating mandatory?
Under NCC 2022, most new residential buildings must achieve a minimum 7-Star NatHERS rating as part of the building approval process.
Is NatHERS the same as a 7-Star Energy Rating?
No. NatHERS is the national framework used for thermal modelling and rating. 7 Star is a performance outcome within that framework — not a separate system.
Do I need BASIX and NatHERS in NSW?
In most cases, yes. BASIX is the broader NSW sustainability framework. NatHERS is the thermal modelling pathway used to satisfy the thermal comfort component within BASIX. EcoMaxHomes provides both.
Is Whole of Home the same as NatHERS?
No. NatHERS rates the thermal performance of your building envelope. Whole of Home assesses fixed appliances and household energy systems beyond the thermal result.
How long does a NatHERS Assessment take?
Most standard residential assessments are completed within 24 to 48 hours from receipt of complete documentation.
How much does a NatHERS Assessment cost?
Fees vary by project type and complexity. Contact EcoMaxHomes for a tailored quote based on your plans.
What happens if my design doesn't reach 7 stars?
We identify the specific inputs affecting your result and recommend practical, cost-effective building-envelope adjustments to lift your rating.
Do I need a NatHERS Assessment for a granny flat?
Yes. Secondary dwellings in most states require a NatHERS Certificate as part of the building approval process.
Can I get a NatHERS Assessment before my design is finalised?
Yes — and we recommend it. Early assessment identifies thermal performance risks before they become costly to fix.
Does NatHERS apply to existing homes?
Standard NatHERS is for proposed new dwellings. Existing homes are assessed through a separate pathway. Contact us to discuss your project.
Get Your NatHERS Assessment Quote Today
EcoMaxHomes provides accredited NatHERS Assessments for residential projects across Australia — fast, accurate, and fully compliant with NCC 2022.
24 to 48 hour turnaround. Transparent pricing. Direct access to your assessor.