If building townhouses with the intention of renting out for the first few years, what energy saving devices are worth installing up front? If the main beneficiary of reduced energy costs are the tenant, does it makes sense to install now? Does any potential increased rent due to having such devices cover the actual cost (depreciation) of the devices?
Hi Ladybird,
Some of the energy efficiencies will be down to the tenant (use of applicances, TV etc). However, a lot of the efficiencies are built in, so you have a lot of control over how efficient the homes will be. Depending on how far you are in the process, the properties will have an energy efficiency rating (using a software tool called FirstRate5) applied to it. The rating will depend on things like; building orientation, materials, insulation etc
Depending on what you're going to include in the build, you have control over the dish-washer, cooker, hob, air-con so make sure these meet the latest efficiency standards. Check out the ratings on this website for more guidance; http://www.energyrating.gov.au/appsearch/default.asp
Also look at the lighting you're planning to use, there are now things like CFL downlights available that have different wiring to the standard downlights (standard downlights have a 240v to 12v transformer, this is not used in the CFLs at the moment) which will save a lot of electricity usage.
You also have control over the water devices such as dual-flush toilets, the WELS rating for taps and showerheads, aerators on taps etc
Anyhow, that's all I can think of, off the top of my head. Good luck with the project
Thanks Andy.
There are subsidies available (and it is cheaper to build them in at the original construction). Speak with a QS as to what additional depreciation benefits/tax incentives may be available.
G’day,
There will be mandatory disclosure of your homes energy rating brought in in 2011. This means you’ll have basically a star rating on your sale board. In Canberra where this is already mandatory 1 extra energy star means about an extra 10K at sale time, when two properties are about the same, and the only difference in the energy rating.
Again, at construction if you spend a little more on say a hot water system that could turn into a great return.
Food for thought
Thanks. That’s good to know as it will probably be towards the end of 2011 before the home is completed, but I am in the design phase now, so I need to plan for the energy rating now.
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