When looking at showhomes in the Adelaide hills we noticed that none have DG. Now I am keen to have energy efficient home and DG keeps cool in as well as heat. We did ask but the sales rep looked at us like we were mad (he might have a point .but I digress). Well has anyone out there got or specified DG I know it can be supplied- and how much hassle /extra cost was it?

It is available out here if you look for it but bear in mind the benefits are somewhat compensated for by having single layer uninsulated walls.

Found the following on another thread...it may be of help.

Went to the "home improvement" thingie at the showgrounds today and came across a guy who installs real life double glazed windows (the real upvc thing....not those magnet type things that you stick on your frame.)
He's a Scot, named Paul McCabe, and has been here for 11 months.
I said I'd give him a plug.......

Aus Scot windows
Tel : 08 8322 0752
Mob : 0405 327 226

and he gets his kit from http://www.everglaze.com.au/

Graham :cool shake:

Can you not get better insulated walls. We are heading for the Adelaide Hills and I know they specify higher insulation in building regs there but is this not good. It is not as if it is tropical. It is a mediterranean climate really and houses in the med are better than that (at least the new build).

I didn't see many solar panels either people in Bury (Lancs) have 'em so I expected them to be everywhere. I know they are promoting evironmental awareness but are the builders interested?

I want to do my bit AND save a bit of dosh in the long run anyone been dealing with a Developer who is interested in this stuff?? Or is it like the UK where if you want anything but a wimpey (or any other big developer) boring box built you pay through the nose?

Rammygirl

We noticed this also when we looked at some showhomes. I'd definately want to upgrade to UPVC if I were building a house. Not only for the added insulation but to cut down on the outside noise too.
With so many Brits and Europeans moving there, I'm sure it will be big business soon.
I've put Aus Scot windows in my favourites and will check them out when we decide to build.

Deb

Hi

If you want insulation you need to go for an older style property that is double brick skin. I think all the new builds are of brick veneer type.

Lesley.

Debs

PM,D you

Keith ;)

Rammygirl!
To answer your question, most homes in the Adelaide hills are insulated in the roof only . . . not the walls so much. It has never been council regulations to insulate walls.
As far as I know, building regulations in the hills region only varies from building regs in the city itself by allowing for bushfire probability.
If you really want to do your thing for the environment, then don't live in a big city for starters. They are environmental disaster areas where everything is under two feet of concrete or bitumen! . . . . so heading for the Adelaide hills is a good starter.
We cater mainly for heat, not so much for cold.
You build with wide verandahs to keep the hot summer sun out.
Plant vines on your north and western sides to provide shade in summer . . . cool . . . and in winter-time, with the leaves having fallen off the vines and the sun at a lower incline, the sunlight in winter can filter thro' the pergola holding the vine stalks into your house giving it a "heat boost".
Install a wood heater and grow your own firewood for heating in the dead of winter.
Don't use electricity that involves burning coal or nuclear.
Install a solar panel to heat your hot water for nine months of the year and save on your electricity bill.
Recycle plastics and bottles to the local tip (Recycling Centre)

mmm, not too sure of the logic of this.....Adelaide became a big city because people moved there and built stuff.............. so if people head out to the hills and build stuff...............


However...
http://www.sustainable.energy.sa.gov.au/pa...tID=7&tempID=38
has a lot of info on sustainable energy

and
http://www.greenandgoldenergy.com.au/
is looking interesting although still largely in the development phase...

I thought all new builds were offered the option of wall insulation. I know we were when we built in 1991 for a price of course.

Our base cost included only a minimum amount of insulation - though we've paid extra to have it increased - and I'll probably add more to the roof space when it's finished (and before the spiders get there!) :D