News & Insights
Planning and building an Energy Efficient home involves hundreds
of tiny decisions, a lot of emotion and significant financial investment.
But that doesn’t mean it has to be stressful.
How Do You Know if a “Passivhaus” Is Actually Registered?
Posted by Jackson Digney on
There’s been a big rise in talk around Passivhaus homes lately —…
How Do You Know if a “Passivhaus” Is Actually Registered?
There’s been a big rise in talk around Passivhaus homes lately — which is great, in theory. But did you know that there’s actually passivhaus registration? The problem? The term gets thrown around a bit too loosely. And a lot of people don’t realise that not every house called a Passivhaus has actually gone through…
When Do You Want the “Oh My God It Costs WHAT?!” Moment?
There’s a point in every building journey where the real cost becomes obvious. The question is – would you rather have that “it costs what?” moment early, when you can still adjust and plan properly, or halfway through the build when things are locked in? Most people are conditioned to expect the “it costs what?!”…
Transparency Isn’t About Line Items — It’s About Leadership
“Transparency” gets thrown around a lot in building. It sounds good, and every builder says they offer it. Most clients believe that transparency is a line-by-line breakdown – a massive spreadsheet that lists every nail, tile, and downlight. In our experience, that doesn’t bring clarity. It brings overwhelm. And for the kind of clients we…
The Saddest Truth About “Energy-Efficient” Homes in Adelaide
Here it is: most energy-efficient homes marketed in Adelaide… aren’t. They’ve got a nice word or two on the brochure, and maybe some upgraded insulation or better windows — but they don’t actually perform that much better than your standard build. And homeowners don’t usually realise that until they’ve moved in. That’s when they start…
Why Starting Cheap Ends Up Costing More
We’ve seen it more times than we can count when starting cheap: a client gets drawn in by a low headline price, signs on, and then… the variations start rolling in. And strangely, they almost expect it. There’s this odd comfort in starting low and getting gradually worn down by add-ons, surprises, and compromises. Somewhere…
This One Mistake Can Undo the Benefits of Your Home’s Ventilation System and Put Your Health at Risk
You know that feeling when you step into a stuffy room? The air feels thick, almost oppressive, and you find yourself reaching for a window or a fan. Now, imagine it isn’t just one room — it’s your entire home. What you need is a ventilation system! In a high-performance home, where energy efficiency is…
Why Cutting Costs Today Could Cost You Tomorrow: Traditional vs. Sustainable Homes
Building traditional, non-sustainable homes might be easier on your wallet today. But investing in sustainability is no longer just about being environmentally conscious – it’s a smart financial strategy. Here’s why: Over the past five years, I’ve observed a significant shift in consumer priorities. Previously, most of our leads were from people simply looking for…
Don’t Hire Custom Home Builders Who Believes in These 4 Myths
It’ll stop them from using innovative building techniques to future proof your sustainable home. Imagine investing in your dream home, only to face mould issues just a few years later. Unfortunately, with many custom home builders clinging to outdated techniques and building houses like it’s the 1980s, this scenario is all too common – especially…
Why Installing High-Performance Windows Can Be a Waste of Money: Unless Your Builder Does This
Imagine spending thousands on high-performance, energy-saving windows — only to find they barely make a dent in your utility bills. Instead of a home that stays naturally cool in summer and warm in winter, you’re left with a big hole in your savings and a nagging sense of regret. This happens more than you…
