How to Get Your Homestar Application Approved

What’s the benchmark for a truly sustainable house? That’s the question that Homestar® certifications set out to answer. Homestar is a national rating tool, run by an independent non-profit organisation called the Green Building Council. The rating—which works on a scale of 6 to 10—is broad and comprehensive, and aims to quantify houses based on health, warmth, and energy efficiency.
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How does a house qualify for a Homestar rating?
The Homestar systems can apply to a house, apartment, or even multi-unit development. No matter which of these is being rated, the criteria are the same, and a property is ranked based on a few key categories. These are:

• energy,
• health and comfort,
• water,
• waste,
• materials,
• site,
• and home management.

 
There is also an optional eight category: innovation.
 
The Homestar rating is also divided into two phases—Design and Build. The Design rating is based on the complete final plans before construction begins. The Build rating is carried out after the project is complete, and assesses how well the design has been implemented.
 
How you can get a Homestar rating approved
Here at Craft Homes, we firmly believe that higher quality, more energy-efficient Homestar homes are the way of the future. Not only are they a huge benefit to the environment, but they also improve the quality of life for Kiwi families across the country. We think there’s no reason that homes which are healthier, warmer, and smarter shouldn’t become the norm.
 
That said, achieving the level of quality needed to qualify for Homestar isn’t easy. Thankfully, there are several ways to achieve points through the Homestar system, many of which aren’t apparent straight away. Here are our suggestions on how to best get your Homestar rating approved.

1. Integrative Design Process.
   This means the architect, builder, and client all work together from the very beginning of the design phase. This helps the construction process immensely and cuts down on disparity between the Design rating and the Build rating.
2. Aim for a specific Homestar rating.
   As we said before, even a 6—the lowest Homestar rating available—is better than most homes in NZ. This means it could be more realistic budget-wise to aim for a 6 or 7 instead of a 10. After all, every little bit counts when it comes to sustainable building. Choosing a specific rating to aim for and sticking to it can greatly ease along the building process.
3. Focus on Design.
   It’s easier to achieve Homestar points via the Homestar Design rating than via the Build rating. Most of the work is done then—the building phase only requires that you accurately follow the steps you’ve laid down in the design phase. Essentially, if you follow the plans closely, you can be sure to get the same Build rating as your Design rating.
4. Focus on Energy.
   Energy efficiency is the most important category in the Homestar rating system. The best value way to improve this is by optimising your insulation, and by ensuring that the structure is airtight.

 
Some other measures you can take to improve your application include installing mechanical ventilation to improve air quality, conserving water, and using better quality materials.
 
Want to know more about Homestar? 
The team at Craft Homes are expert Homestar Practitioners and Assessors, allowing us to undertake the full Homestar rating process. We go above and beyond the current New Zealand Building Code, to deliver sustainable building practices, and homes that function better all year round. Find out more about qualifying for a Homestar rating by contacting us today!