You may not need it to reach 5 stars, depending on the rest of the house and glazing etc, but it will improve comfort of the house in summer

If the heavy drapes and pelmets are to keep the heat out, go shutters instead - they are probably cheaper and will work better.
There is a house in Hobart that…

Definately include a roof vent, and then get a quote from your builder on anticon/air cell or similiar and a quote on reflective foil insulation in the ceiling space
What else…

If it was my home I would put a ventilator and anticon.
Anticon is likely to cost $1200-$2000 extra depending upon the size of your home and roof style etc.
Which part…

Even with effective roof ventilation I would still use sarking to reflect the radiant heat.
For condensation you need a product like anticon, not just the silver paper

I was talking to a builder in Brisbane recently. They paid a considerable amount of money to have their homes tested and measured to see what worked and what didnt.
They…

I am not sure about that, he could be right.
But colorbond roofs creak and groan on timber battens too.
Common practice is for sarking to be installed between the battens and…

Yes,
Sarking is necessary with colorbond roof.
No ifs, no butts. If you live in a warmer area it would also be benificial to upgfrade to a product like air cell…

Thats why i said big picture.
Dont waste any money on ducted heating. Just get a couple of panel heaters and build your house properly.
Thats the best solution

Its easy t get confused with all the tewrminology with a TM after it isnt it.
Looks like a good system, but my understanding is that evacuated tubes with gas back…

Simeon,
People get all worked up about insulation, but its simple really.
You picked up on some good points in your comments. Thre must be an air gap to make reflective foil…

i dont know what type your dux model is, what is the model no etc

and use reflective foil unsulation to reflect the heat back into your home

Whichever unit you choose remember the big picture: if your home is designed and built well enough you will hardly have top use it anyway!

You can upgrade your wall insulation by using something like foilboard + the batts. This generally works with brick veneer or even some claddings that are screw fixed like colorbond
That…

I am sure if you ask your builder nicely they'll change your hot water system for you.
Go for a evacuated tube solar unit too, they are much more efficient than…

Favourite person No. 1:
Albet Einstein once said "Make everything as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler"
This is how I keep it simple:
Composite insulation system: Reflective foil to address…

Sarking is just the paper - silver one side and blue the other
Anticon (which is a brand name) is the same stuff, but with insulation adhered to it. The insulation…

CSIRO studies have shown if you have as little as 10% of the area of your insulation as gaps because the insulation is installed poorly (including downlights) then you can…

Have you ever been in a reasonably new home with insulation in the walls and ceilings but it still isnt comfy? Chances are the insulation has been instlled poorly, or…

Composite insulation is using 2 types of insulation.
1. Bulk insulation (like wool / fibreglass / polyester batts or polystyrene)
2. Reflective foil insulation like sarking or foil batts
Have a look at…

Hi,
Yes, you need sarking under a metal roof.
Apart from needing it with Colorbond, Reflecive foil is teh best type of insulation to keep the heat out in summer

In a report by James Fricker B Mech Eng, CPEng, MAIRAH, M.IEAust, Mr Fricker reported on the diminishing returns of insulation he provided some modelled cost savings for insulation.
The report…

How did you end up with your grey water?
Lots of plumbers and builders still think its too hard - and it is I guess until you know how it probably…

If you go 2 story you would probably have more room also to put a water tank in - that with the views will add even more value for resale!

Good luck with your new home - exciting isn't it!
You're right lighter colours will perform better thermally.
Even more importantly make sure that your builder puts the right insulation in and…

I would consider evacuated tube solar hot water.
From the research I have done they are up to 40% more effective than flat panels
there are 3 or 4 models available. Check…