Affordability & Value for Money: How Do They Compare?
At Energy Efficient Homes, we don’t just meet the minimum requirements of the current building code – we exceed them by following the best international practices. Naturally, you might think that building to a higher standard comes with a higher price tag. But here’s where it gets interesting.
If you look solely at the basic cost per square metre, a house built to the current building code will appear cheaper. But the real question is – what are you actually getting for your money?
When you factor in ongoing running costs (because every home has them), the initial price difference starts to shrink. Energy Efficient Homes are designed with smarter layouts – fewer hallways, fewer exterior walls, and fewer corners -which means a more cost-effective use of space. In many cases, this results in a lower build cost right from day one.
But the value doesn’t stop there. By choosing an Energy Efficient Home, you’re future-proofing your investment against inevitable upgrades to building codes. And when it comes time to sell, an Energy Efficient Home stands out, offering superior value for money and greater appeal to buyers.
A Healthier Home
Affordability and efficiency are crucial – but so is your health. Our approach is rooted in building science, focusing on creating healthier living spaces, not just better-insulated ones.
Many of our clients have reported significant health improvements after moving into one of our Energy Efficient Homes. If you or your family suffer from allergies, asthma, or respiratory issues, traditional homes might be part of the problem. Poor ventilation, high moisture levels, and elevated CO₂ can negatively impact your health over time.
Our homes are designed to control moisture and maintain optimal air quality, thanks to superior ventilation systems that ensure a constant flow of fresh, filtered air. This helps protect your health and creates a more comfortable and breathable living environment.
Unmatched Comfort – Year-Round
Imagine this: It’s the peak of summer and temperatures are soaring, but when you walk through your front door, the air is cool, refreshing, and comfortable. Now picture winter – it’s freezing outside, but inside, your home is warm, cosy, and naturally heated by the sun – at no extra cost.
Energy Efficient Homes maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature in every room, no matter what’s happening outside. And the best part? It won’t cost the Earth – literally or financially.
Our clients often share how much of a difference they feel after moving in:
In Winter:
- “We didn’t realise how cold it was outside until we stepped out!”
- “It is just so nice to be able to walk around the house without having to wear multiple layers.”
- “We have a clothes horse that we had in the garage over the summer, we put it in one of the bedrooms in the winter and it dried faster than it did in the summer.”
It’s not just about comfort – it’s about smart energy use. I remember comparing winter energy bills with my son. His bills were almost double ours, even though he was only heating a single room while our entire house stayed warm and cosy.
In Summer:
- “When it’s hot outside, it’s so nice to come inside and the house is cool and comfortable.”
- “We had a BBQ at the weekend and all the doors were open because there were plenty of people here. As it cooled down outside we closed the doors and windows, came inside and the house was just perfect.”
- “The heat recovery system just goes back into balance supplying the fresh air, it really is a joy to live in such a comfortable environment.”
The secret lies in thoughtful design – high-quality insulation, minimal thermal bridging, strategically placed high-quality windows, airtight wraps, and a mechanical heat recovery ventilation system. It’s this combination that creates homes that are not just Energy Efficient but truly enjoyable to live in – all year round.
