Designing Your Home Checklists

GENERALLY			NOTES
The home is large enough to meet the occupants requirements, but not too big to increase energy use for heating, cooling and cleaning.	YES	NO

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES			NOTES
The site allows for good solar access.	YES	NO
The character of surrounding streetscape has been addressed.	YES	NO
Sustainable landscaping and plant selection have been included.	YES	NO
Biodiversity impacts on the site have been addressed.	YES	NO
Transport and its implications on design have been addressed.	YES	NO
Noise issues around the home have been addressed.	YES	NO
Erosion and sediment control on the site have been addressed.	YES	NO
DESIGN FOR LIFE			NOTES
The home is adaptable for future changes in occupant lifestyles and accessible for all.	YES	NO
Safety and security issues around the home have been addressed.	YES	NO
Indoor air quality has been addressed with the choice of non toxic materials and finishes.	YES	NO
Bushfire risks have been addressed.	YES	NO
PASSIVE DESIGN			NOTES
The main living areas are orientated north to maximise winter sun and minimise summer sun.	YES	NO
Rooms are zoned or grouped and divided up as needed for economical heating and cooling.	YES	NO
The house is sited in a suitable location to avoid overshadowing problems from neighbouring buildings.	YES	NO
Eaves or other shading devices have been incorporated to provide shading from summer sun and allow winter sun to enter.	YES	NO
Windows located on the east or west have been avoided or minimised and provided with adequate shading.	YES	NO
Windows and doors are located to get good natural cross ventilation and to ventilate bathrooms and wet areas.	YES	NO
Windows are located and sized appropriately to provide natural daylight and winter sun penetration, while avoiding summer overheating.	YES	NO
Living area windows (minimum) or all windows are double glazed.	YES	NO
Maximum insulation has been provided in the roof, walls and floor.	YES	NO
There is appropriately designed thermal mass internally to moderate indoor air temperatures.	YES	NO
Ceilings are high enough to accommodate ceiling fans.	YES	NO
MATERIALS USE			NOTES
Materials used have low environmental impact and/or embodied energy.	YES	NO
Recycled materials or materials with recycled content have been included.	YES	NO
Local materials and suppliers have been included.	YES	NO
Building materials and appliances are durable and low maintenance.	YES	NO
Materials are designed efficiently to minimise waste, and are designed for recycling, re-use and/or disassembly.	YES	NO
Materials have been included that moderate indoor temperatures – thermal mass – and improve indoor air quality.	YES	NO
Light and dark coloured materials have been included to reflect and absorb heat as appropriate.	YES	NO
Demolition materials from existing structures have been designed for re-use, recycling or disposing of appropriately.	YES	NO
ENERGY USE			NOTES
Draughts and air leakage have been adequately sealed.	YES	NO
Heating and cooling systems are energy efficient and appropriately sized.	YES	NO
The star rating of the home is more than the minimum 5 star required.	YES	NO
The amount of lighting has been minimised and is energy efficient.	YES	NO
Appliances (whitegoods, TVs, DVDs, computers etc) are energy efficient.	YES	NO
Solar hot water has been included.	YES	NO
The hot water system has been sized appropriately for the number of occupants.	YES	NO
Renewable energy sources (such as PV) have been included.	YES	NO
WATER USE			NOTES
Taps, hot water systems and other appliances are water efficient.	YES	NO
Hot water pipes are insulated and lengths of pipes kept to a minimum.	YES	NO
Rain water storage tanks have been included.	YES	NO
Stormwater capture or retention systems have been included.	YES	NO
Outdoor surfaces and vegetation to retain water have been included.	YES	NO
Outdoor areas with water retaining finishes and vegetation are being appropriately considered to ensure no detrimental impacts from construction ie. compacted grass areas.	YES	NO
Greywater recycling systems have been considered.	YES	NO
Low water use toilets have been considered.	YES	NO