How much more does it cost to build a Passive House or energy-efficient home than a standard minimum code home?
This is a question we’re asked often. After visiting our mid-builds and show homes, many people start thinking about living in a better-designed, healthier, and more comfortable home. While everyone loves the idea, there’s often a concern that it will be significantly more expensive than a standard minimum code-built home.
Apples and…..
We believe in being upfront about costs, but the truth is, there’s no simple answer. You could estimate a rough 5-15% increase, depending on the complexity of your design and the level of performance you’re aiming for. Costs will largely depend on your desired design, inclusions, and whether a like-for-like comparison is even possible.
The reality is that you’ll be designing a very different home with a different focus from the start, making it difficult to provide a direct cost comparison.
Life is full of choices
Let’s look at it another way. Higher performance is an additional cost, but so is an extra bedroom or living area, a high spec kitchen, a balcony, fully tiled bathrooms, even the section you are considering purchasing…..etc etc
The question is what is a priority – if you were happy to forego a guest bedroom for a healthier more energy efficient home it may be cost neutral.
As well as the build focus being different, cost can also come down to choices and priorities.
However, there’s another approach to managing affordability, and it’s the way we prefer to work.
We work within your budget to achieve the best-performing home possible. It’s crucial that you, your designer, and your builder collaborate closely from the outset, ensuring that everyone understands your priorities, lifestyle, requirements, and budget.
Simply put, you have several fixed constraints that can’t be changed—like your budget, section size/shape, and family size. Then there are your build priorities, such as high thermal performance and creating a healthy home.
Clever design, multi-functional spaces, reducing wasted space, and using simpler materials can often help offset additional costs, but it all must align with your priorities and family needs. This is where communication and a deep understanding of your needs become key.
Tip – For the design build team to understand your needs; first, you need to understand what you truly want and where you see value for your family. Ideas can evolve, but your build priorities are intrinsic to the success of the project, the value you place on the outcome, and the process to get there.
Plans with set build costs
Another initiative is our high performance plan range which have clear up-front costs. We also have a show home so you can view the type of home and experience how it performs in person, plus they are all energy modelled.
You can make a qualified value based decision based on the set cost and the health, comfort, and energy efficiency benefits it provides.
Let’s work together to achieve the best outcome for you — based on your priorities & within your constraints, avoiding the murky waters of comparing apples with oranges – contact us to discuss your new home dream!
For more information download our Company Brochure, or view our High Performance Plan Range.
