Do you live in an older home and find yourself relying on air conditioning in winter or summer to regulate the temperature?
Since 2022, all new Australian homes have needed a minimum 7-Star energy NatHERS or equivalent energy rating to meet national standards. But homes created before this, particularly pre-21st century, were not designed with energy-efficient practices in mind and often struggle with keeping heat in or out.
Thankfully, there is a way to upgrade the energy ratings of old homes: plastering!
By renovating an older house with a thoughtful plastering project, owners can both reduce their overall energy costs and increase the selling value of their home in the long term.
Before 2001, all homes built in Australia were not required to meet any energy efficiency regulations whatsoever. Even though our winters are rather mild compared to other countries, years of inadequate insulation requirements have resulted in Australians feeling the chill of winter substantially more than even some of the coldest countries in the world.
The regulations were so relaxed before 2001 that many homes in Australia fell well below the World Health Organisation’s recommendations for minimum house temperature in winter. It was only in 2003 that it became required for all new homes to have a 5-Star NatHERS energy rating, and later in 2022 that 7-Star ratings became the standard.
These energy ratings don’t just affect Australians in winter, though. Poor insulation also means that summer heat can more easily enter a home, leading to year-round energy inefficiency issues for homes built in particularly variable climates.
As building practices have evolved, the option to upgrade existing homes with more energy-efficient materials has become increasingly viable. By taking this step, old houses receive multiple benefits at once; better insulation both drives down energy bills and increases the home’s value if the owner is looking to sell it.
We know how important this is at CRA Construction, which is why we implement practices that increase efficiency on all our renovation projects. Our approach to plastering isn’t just focused on aesthetic value; it’s about maximising the value of our work well into the future.
Because of the changes to insulation requirements in recent years, using high-quality and environmentally friendly plastering materials has become essential for us. These insulation options mean that our work can help homes stay warmer in winter and keep the heat out in summer, saving money for our clients.
When a client reaches out looking to improve the plastering in their home, we have several options to ensure that the work we do for them looks great while improving the home’s overall energy efficiency. Everything we do is up to current industry legislation and safety standards, including and often exceeding the minimum 7-Star NatHERS rating.
Our team will chat with you about what the best option is for your project. We’ll then determine exactly what we need to do to renovate your home to improve its energy efficiency by choosing materials that’ll keep your house well-insulated and looking great.
It won’t just be practical, though – it’ll look bloody good, too! Because our team are sticklers for smooth finishes and seamless results, we’re confident to offer a quality guarantee on all our jobs. You won’t get that with tradies or other plastering companies.
Get in touch with our plastering experts via the details below!
Phone: 0413 831 758
Email: info@craconstruction.com.au
