Budgeting
GOOD DESIGN DOESN'T COST THE EARTH, POOR DESIGN DOES
People believe that good design always costs more.
This is not true.
Good design features can reduce building and operating costs through simpler construction, better planning, durable materials and energy efficient appliances.
Decide what best suits your budget, lifestyle and home location.
Cost is usually the main consideration when choosing what to include and what to leave out. The fact sheets contain building advice to suit particular budgets and lifestyles.
Creating the perfect sustainable home is beyond many budgets but there are effective options that are free or actually save money. Some low cost actions will rapidly repay a small initial extra investment.
There are often design options that have very little impact on building or renovation costs. Enjoy a more comfortable, healthy and affordable home. Choose features important to you. Be flexible where necessary and always keep the big picture in mind.
Any additional cost of good design features will be quickly repaid from savings in energy, water and maintenance bills." "Any additional cost of good design features will be quickly repaid from savings in energy, water and maintenance bills."
Free or inexpensive solutions for all homes
- Shade east and west facing windows with an external shade-cloth blind in summer.
- Seal doors and windows to exclude draughts, you'll feel the difference.
- Fit efficient showerheads and taps, you'll save money without changing your habits.
- Gradually replace your old light globes with energy efficient compact fluorescent globes.
- Mulch garden areas to reduce water costs.
- Install electric timers and movement sensors for when you forget to switch things off.
- Check energy ratings before buying appliances.
- Plant a shade tree and watch it grow.
- Recycle and make garden compost - your plants and the environment will love it.
- Re-use laundry water to water your garden.
Low cost items
- Add insulation to save on heating and cooling bills and be more comfortable.
- Add insulated skylights with sun control to save on lighting bills - your indoor plants will flourish.
- Use heavy drapes with pelmet boxes to reduce heating bills in winter, and cooling costs in summer.
- Install a solar or gas hot water service - they are better for the environment and can save you money.
- Shade windows from the summer sun with a covered pergola.
Medium cost items
- Install new windows or doors when renovating to improve light and ventilation. In most Australian climate zones you will benefit from free heat from the sun.
- Add an extension to collect winter sun and cool summer breezes.
- Use high performance windows to decrease energy bills and increase comfort.
- Recycle your waste water by installing your own treatment system to reduce excess water bills.
- Capture free energy from the sun and wind.