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Building and renovating your home

If you're thinking of renovating your home, or building a new one, make sure you explore all the fantastic water and energy saving solutions available these days.

With a little bit of planning and a few clever water saving devices, you can turn your home into one of the most economical and environmentally-friendly on the block.

When building or renovating you can also check out the State Government's BASIX Building Sustainability Index home page to find out how you can ensure your new home complies with government targets to reduce water use and greenhouse gas emissions, and for water saving and other sustainable design ideas.

Before you talk to your architect, builder or designer, make a list of the water efficient features you'd like to include in your home.

Things to consider

Install a water efficient showerhead with at least a AAA-rating in your bathroom. You'll still get a great shower but use much less water and energy.
Install dual flush toilets. They use half as much water as conventional models.
Install water efficient low flow taps or tap aerators. They're more efficient than ordinary taps and reduce splashing.
Choose a water efficient washing machine, and if you are buying a dishwasher, go for a water efficient model.
Install your hot water system as close as you can to the bathroom and kitchen. This means you don't have to run the taps too long before hot water comes out.
Insulate your hot water pipes and bath to keep your water hotter for longer.
Think about installing a rainwater tank. It'll provide free water for the garden or for flushing the toilet.
Don't forget to think about ways to save water when you design your garden.

Take a look around our Interactive House for a quick peek at the things you can do to save water in every part of the home.