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Frequently Asked Questions
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The correct assessment depends mainly on the building classification and proposed compliance pathway.
A NatHERS assessment is generally used for new homes, apartments and relevant residential renovations. It models the home’s thermal performance and produces a star rating based on features such as orientation, insulation, glazing, shading and construction materials.
A Section J report is generally used for commercial and other non-residential buildings. It assesses the design against the Deemed-to-Satisfy energy efficiency provisions of the National Construction Code.
JV3—formally called J1V3 under current NCC terminology—is an alternative performance-based pathway for commercial buildings. It uses computer simulation to compare the proposed design with a compliant reference building. JV3 may be appropriate when the prescriptive Section J provisions would require impractical or expensive design changes.
The building classification and required compliance pathway should be confirmed with the project’s building surveyor or certifier. If you send Sustainaspace your drawings, we can review the project and advise which energy assessment service is likely to be appropriate.
Explore our NatHERS energy efficiency assessments or Section J and JV3 assessments.
Not sure which assessment you need? Upload your plans for an initial review.
The cost of an energy assessment depends on the building type, size, complexity, documentation quality and required compliance pathway.
A straightforward single-home NatHERS assessment will usually require less work than an apartment development or a home with complex geometry, extensive glazing or multiple construction systems.
Section J fees depend on factors such as the building classification, floor area, number of façades, glazing design and the extent of the mechanical, lighting and other building-services assessment.
JV3 assessments generally cost more than standard Deemed-to-Satisfy Section J reports because they require detailed whole-building simulation. However, JV3 modelling may help avoid costly changes to glazing, insulation, façade materials or the architectural design.
The fastest way to obtain an accurate quotation is to provide:
- Current architectural drawings
- Site address
- Building use or classification
- Door and window schedules
- Construction specifications
- Relevant mechanical and lighting information
- Required approval timeframe
Sustainaspace will review the available documents and confirm the assessment scope, missing information and quoted fee before beginning.
View our residential NatHERS assessment service and commercial Section J and JV3 service.
Send us your current plans for a project-specific quotation.
The required documents and timeframe depend on the service and complexity of the project.
For a NatHERS assessment, we generally need
- Site plan with a north point
- Floor plans
- Elevations and sections
- Door and window schedule
- Glazing information
- Wall, roof and floor construction details
- Insulation specifications
- Fixed-appliance information where required
For a Section J or JV3 assessment, we may also require
- Confirmed building classification
- Commercial glazing specifications
- Mechanical-services drawings
- Lighting layouts and calculations
- Heated-water information
- Building sealing details
- Operating schedules and equipment loads for JV3 modelling
For drafting or building-design work, useful starting documents include a feature survey, certificate of title, existing plans, site photographs, sketches and a written project brief.
A complete and coordinated drawing package can be assessed much faster than documents containing missing details or conflicting revisions. Timing may also be affected by design changes, consultant coordination and the number of review rounds required.
After reviewing your documents, Sustainaspace will identify missing information and provide an expected timeframe. If you have an approval deadline, tell us when requesting the quotation so it can be considered before work begins.
Explore building drafting, house drafting and energy assessment services.
Upload your available plans and tell us your required completion date.
NatHERS and energy assessments
Questions about nathers and energy assessments.
An energy efficiency assessor examines the thermal performance of a building. For residential projects, this may involve NatHERS modelling, compliance documentation and recommendations relating to insulation, glazing, shading and construction materials.
We generally require floor plans, elevations, sections, window schedules and construction details. The exact documents depend on the type and stage of the project.
Yes. We can investigate practical design or specification changes that may improve the building’s thermal performance.
The timeframe depends on the project’s size, complexity and the completeness of the supplied documentation. We will confirm the expected turnaround after reviewing your plans.
Yes. Our energy efficiency assessment services are available for suitable projects throughout Australia.
Section J and JV3 assessments
Questions about section j and jv3 assessments.
A Section J assessment is commonly required to demonstrate energy efficiency compliance for new commercial buildings and certain commercial alterations or additions. The specific requirements depend on the building classification and proposed work.
A Section J Deemed-to-Satisfy assessment checks the design against prescriptive provisions. JV3 uses whole-building simulation to demonstrate that the proposed design performs at least as well as a compliant reference building.
That depends on the building. Deemed-to-Satisfy reporting is often simpler, while JV3 modelling can potentially avoid costly or impractical changes on more complex designs.
We commonly require architectural plans, elevations, sections, window schedules, material specifications and relevant mechanical, electrical or lighting information.
Yes. Early review is recommended because it gives the design team more options for resolving compliance issues.
House drafting
Questions about house drafting.
Yes. We can convert hand-drawn sketches, marked-up plans or early concepts into properly scaled residential drawings.
Yes. We provide drafting for extensions, additions, internal alterations and substantial home renovations.
Yes, provided the source documents are suitable and you have permission to use and modify them.
That depends on the project and local approval requirements. Additional documents may be required from engineers, surveyors, energy assessors or other consultants.
Cost depends on the building size, design complexity, available information and required level of documentation. Send us the project details for a tailored quotation.
The timeframe varies according to the scope, complexity, feedback process and required approvals. We will provide an estimated programme after reviewing the project.
Building drafting
Questions about building drafting.
Building design focuses on developing the layout, appearance, function and overall solution. Drafting converts that design into scaled technical drawings. Many projects require both services.
Yes. We can convert suitable sketches, marked-up plans and early concepts into properly scaled digital drawings.
Yes, provided the available documents are suitable and you have the right to use and modify them. Additional site information may be required if the existing drawings are incomplete or inaccurate.
Yes. We provide drafting for suitable commercial buildings, alterations and fit-out projects.
That depends on the agreed scope. We can prepare drawings for planning or building approval, but additional reports and documentation may be required from other consultants.
The cost depends on the building size, complexity, existing information and required level of documentation. Send us your project information for a tailored quotation.
Timeframes vary according to project complexity, document availability and the number of revisions. We will provide an estimated programme after reviewing the scope.
Still have a question?
Send us your plans or project brief. We’ll review the available information and help you identify the next step.