Meeting client demand for higher-performing homes is no longer a “someday” challenge – it’s happening now. With the NCC moving to 7-stars as the new minimum, more homeowners are asking: Can we go further? Can we reach 8-stars?
The good news: it’s possible. A recent Wagga Wagga build is showing that with smart design, practical choices and support from supply partners, builders can deliver 8-star outcomes without excessive cost or complexity.
Start with the design
For former The Block contestant, interior designer, social media influencer, and homeowner Katrina Simmonds, the idea of building an 8-star home came from wanting a more sustainable, energy-efficient lifestyle.
“I thought it would be expensive,” Katrina admits. “But most of the gains came from smart design, not fancy products.”
Builder Jamie Carroll of Jamie Carroll Constructions agrees.
“When you break it down, it’s common-sense stuff like slab upgrades, insulation, orientation and window placement,” Jamie says. “The design phase makes the biggest difference.”
In this case, upgrades included:
- Slab insulation to reduce heat transfer
- Higher R-value wall and ceiling insulation
- Carefully placed double-glazed windows for natural light and passive solar gain
- Raked ceilings to improve ventilation and thermal performance
The takeaway?
Engage draftspeople early, plan orientation and materials carefully, and you can achieve strong energy results without over-complicating the build.
Involve your client from day one
Katrina didn’t just want to build a home, she wanted to share the journey.
“I wanted a builder who was up for a bit of fun and willing to be part of the process,” she says.
“I found Jamie on Instagram. People said he was awesome to work with and they were right.”
For Jamie, the collaboration was straightforward.
“Katrina had a clear vision. We worked together on making it practical, keeping costs in check and still hitting 8-stars.”
The lesson for other builders: more and more of today’s clients are informed and involved. Bringing them into the process early helps manage expectations and creates advocates for your work.
Keep communication clear and consistent
Every builder-client relationship benefits from open communication, but it’s even more important in high-performance builds where details matter.
“Each week, I send an update – what’s been done, what’s next, any hold-ups,” Jamie says.
“Keeping clients in the loop avoids surprises. It’s key to a smooth build.”
Katrina agrees: “It gives us peace of mind. We know Jamie has things under control, and if something goes wrong, he’s onto it straight away.”
Work with reliable suppliers
Behind every smooth build is a strong supply chain.
“Dahlsens has been fantastic,” Jamie says. “From estimating through to site deliveries, they’ve got my back. That flow makes a massive difference.”
For Katrina, this was also reassuring.
“I didn’t think much about the supplier at first,” she says, “but once I saw how well Jamie worked with the team at Dahlsens, I felt more confident. They even visited the site to check things – there’s that extra level of care.”
With tighter thermal and material specifications, reliable supply and advice are critical. Builders can’t afford delays or guesswork when aiming for higher star ratings. That’s where Dahlsens helps with project planning support, on-time deliveries and access to quality products and advice from trusted brands.
Home owner Katrina Simmonds, builder Jamie Carroll and Dahlsens Account Manager,
Nick Carn at the 8-star Wagga Wagga project
Keep it real
Katrina and Jamie wanted the home to be aspirational, but also achievable for everyday families.
“We haven’t gone overboard,” Katrina explains. “It’s a four-bed, two-bath home. We spent where it mattered, like raked ceilings in the living, and kept the rest practical.”
Jamie agrees.
“Delivering energy-efficient homes doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel.
It’s about making smart choices, not expensive ones.”
Advice for builders
Jamie’s message to other builders preparing for 8-star requirements is simple: “Get involved now. It’s where the industry’s going, and it’s better for homeowners. With the right design and supplier support, it’s achievable without blowing the budget.”
Katrina adds: “Builders, don’t just show the glossy end photos.
Clients want to see how you work and how you communicate. That’s what makes them trust you.”
Lean on support
This Wagga build proves that high-performing homes can be delivered without high stress or cost blowouts.
The key is:
- Good design and early planning
- Strong collaboration with clients
- Clear communication
- Reliable supply and expert advice
At Dahlsens, we’re here to help builders achieve 8-star outcomes.
Whether it’s sourcing the right insulation, windows, cladding or structural timber, or providing whole-of-house solutions, our team works with you to keep projects on track and budgets under control.
If your clients are asking about energy efficiency, talk to Dahlsens.
Together, we can recommend solutions that can help you bring their 8-star dream home to life.
