Descriptions
The assessor you select should:
- Be accredited as this ensures minimum standards, a mandatory professional development program, a code of practice and regularly audits to uphold quality.
- Have several years energy rating experience as it takes many months to become proficient.
- Undertake at least 40 assessments each year – part timers find it hard to stay current.
- Undertake at least 40 assessments each year – part timers find it hard to stay current.
- Have worked on similar projects to yours.
- Have an engineering or building industry background.
- Have adequate professional indemnity insurance ($1 million for small projects; up to $5 million for large projects).
Principal David Gradwell is a BDAV accredited assessor (12/1451); has been in business since 2007; undertakes more than 150 assessments annually; has assessed projects from home additions to 100+ unit developments and has a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil, Honours).
New Buildings
The BASIX Certificate for a new building has three sections – water, energy and thermal performance. The water and energy parts of the BASIX tool ensure that the development meets the prescribed targets relating to water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. These parts of BASIX apply to single dwellings, attached townhouses and large multi-unit projects. The thermal performance section of BASIX examines the energy efficiency of each dwelling. All dwellings – from single level homes to large multi-level buildings can be assessed using computer modelling software. Single dwellings can also be assessed using a DIY tool within BASIX. For most projects, Gradwell Consulting recommends the use of computer modelling as it more accurately predicts the thermal performance of the building. This can mean a large saving in the cost of construction.
Alterations & Additions
The BASIX Certificate for an alteration and addition is a simplified version of the full BASIX Certificate required for new buildings. BASIX still stipulates key efficiency measures but only the glazing information is as detailed as that required for new buildings. BASIX does not allow the use of computer modelling for an alteration and addition.
Selecting an Assessor
Principal David Gradwell is a BDAV accredited assessor (12/1451); has been in business since 2007; undertakes more than 150 assessments annually; has assessed projects from home additions to 100+ unit developments and has a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil, Honours).