NatHERS Assessments, Nationwide
NatHERS rates how well your home's design retains comfortable temperatures, on a scale of 0 to 10 stars. It's required for new homes and major renovations across every Australian state and territory.
What Is a NatHERS Assessment?
The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) measures the thermal performance of your home's building fabric -- walls, roof, floor and windows -- independent of any heating or cooling appliances. Using accredited software (AccuRate or FirstRate5), an assessor models your design against your specific climate zone and orientation to produce a star rating from 0 to 10.
The higher the rating, the less energy your home will need to stay comfortable year-round. Most Australian states now require a minimum 7-star NatHERS rating for new homes under the National Construction Code (NCC 2022), up from the previous 6-star minimum.
Who Needs a NatHERS Assessment?
- New home builds -- required in every state and territory before construction approval
- Major renovations and extensions -- where thermal performance of the altered area is assessed
- Multi-unit developments -- townhouses, duplexes and apartments each need individual ratings
- NSW projects choosing the NatHERS pathway -- as an alternative to the BASIX prescriptive method for thermal comfort
How We Deliver It
Send through your floor plans, elevations, window schedule and site details, and we'll model your design in accredited software to determine your star rating. If your design falls short of the target, we'll identify the most cost-effective changes -- often glazing specification, insulation, or shading -- to get you there without over-engineering the build.
Because we're accredited to operate nationwide, we understand how climate zone data and council requirements shift from Sydney to Perth to regional Queensland, so your rating is calculated correctly the first time.
Pricing
NatHERS pricing varies by dwelling size and complexity. Get in touch for a same-day, no-obligation quote.
Get a Free Quote →Why Work With Thermal Nest
We're accredited to operate in every Australian state and territory, so whether your project is in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or regional Australia, you get the same turnaround and the same standard of report. Across 500+ projects, every certificate and report we've issued has been accepted on first submission -- no rejections, no rounds of council back-and-forth eating into your build timeline.
We also work with your design team from early in the process rather than only stepping in once drawings are locked. Catching a compliance issue at concept stage costs a conversation; catching it after a DA is lodged costs a redesign. That's the gap we're built to close.
Frequently Asked Questions
What star rating do I need?
Most states now require a minimum 7-star NatHERS rating for new homes under NCC 2022, though some councils and the Whole of Home framework may require more. We'll confirm the exact target for your location.
Is NatHERS the same as BASIX?
No. NatHERS is a national thermal performance rating; BASIX is a broader NSW-specific assessment covering energy, water and thermal comfort. A NatHERS assessment can be used to satisfy BASIX's thermal comfort requirement.
Does a renovation need a NatHERS assessment?
Major renovations and extensions often need an assessment of the altered area, depending on your state and council requirements. Send us your plans and we'll confirm.
How can I improve a low star rating?
Common improvements include better window glazing, increased ceiling and wall insulation, improved orientation of glazing, and external shading. We'll recommend the most cost-effective combination for your design.
How long does a NatHERS assessment take?
With complete plans, most assessments are completed within a few business days. Let us know your deadline and we'll confirm a turnaround when you request your quote.
Ready to Get Started?
Same-day quotes, accredited assessors, no surprises. Tell us about your project and we'll get back to you within one business day.
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