What's the difference between a standard house and a high-performing home?

When planning to build or buy a home, it's easy to focus on location, size, and aesthetics. But what about performance? A home's performance - how efficiently it uses energy, maintains comfort, and promotes health - can make a world of difference to your quality of life, your monthly bills and long-term maintenance, and the environment.

In this blog, we break down the key differences between a standard house built to the minimum building code in New Zealand and a high-performing home designed to exceed the minimum requirements.

Background:

There is established international building science that clearly outlines how to build a home that will perform well in winter and summer. Applying the existing building science delivers a home that is healthy and comfy for its occupants without requiring huge amounts of power to heat or cool it. We know that applying this building science to homes in New Zealand’s climate works too, because we have designed and built over 160 homes using these building principles.

Within the New Zealand building code, there currently aren’t any requirements to design or build a home that will perform well. There is no requirement to measure overheating in summer, or the risk of condensation and low temperatures in winter. When building to the minimum building code, it’s a complete lottery as to how well a home will perform and you won’t know who has won or lost the draw until the home is built.

So, what is the difference between a home built to the minimum building code and a high-performing home?

1. Energy Efficiency

Standard House:

• Built to meet the minimum building code requirements, there is no consideration at the design or build stage of how much energy the home will consumer.
• Typically relies heavily on heating and cooling systems to stay comfortable, resulting in higher energy bills.

High-Performing Home:

• Uses advanced design and materials to minimise the amount of energy required.
• Features such as high-quality insulation, airtight construction, and energy-efficient windows keep warmth in during winter and heat out during summer.
• Heating and cooling costs can be reduced by up to 90% compared to a standard house.

2. Indoor Comfort

Standard House:

• Prone to temperature fluctuations each season, with drafts and cold spots in winter, and stuffy rooms in summer.
• Often experiences condensation, moisture and mould issues, which can affect the comfort.

High-Performing Home:

• Maintains a consistent indoor temperature year-round. There’s no need to choose which rooms to heat in winter – they’re all comfortable.
• Airtight construction eliminates drafts, while high-performance windows reduce heat loss.
• Designed to regulate humidity, keeping the air fresh.

3. Air Quality and Health

Standard House:

• Ventilation is often overlooked, leading to stale and stuffy air, dust, and a build-up of pollutants.
• Moisture issues can cause mould growth, which negatively impacts health, especially for those with respiratory conditions.

High-Performing Home:

• Incorporates a mechanical heat recovery ventilation (MHRV) system that continuously brings in fresh, filtered air.
• Reduces allergens, pollutants, and humidity, creating a healthier indoor environment.
• Life changing for families and individuals with asthma, allergies, or sensitivities.

4. Construction Quality

Standard House:

• Built to the minimum code, with a focus on reducing upfront build costs rather than long-term planning.
• Often uses materials and techniques that meet short-term requirements but may require significant maintenance over time.

High-Performing Home:

• Built with precision and materials that maximise durability and energy efficiency.
• Higher attention to detail ensures long-term performance, reducing maintenance costs.
• Designed to last for generations.

5. Environmental Impact

Standard House:

• Consumes more energy for heating, cooling, and everyday use, which increases carbon emissions.
• Often constructed with less consideration for sustainable materials or waste reduction.

High-Performing Home:

• Dramatically reduces energy consumption, lowering your carbon footprint.
• Many high-performing homes integrate renewable energy solutions, like solar panels, to generate clean power further reducing the environmental impact.
• Sustainable building materials and practices minimise environmental impact during construction.

6. Long-Term Costs

Standard House:

• Lower upfront build costs but higher operational expenses every year because of the higher energy use and more ongoing maintenance.
• Over time, the price of comfort can add up.

High-Performing Home:

• While the initial investment may be slightly higher (between 9-17% more), the savings in energy bills, maintenance, and the overall comfort offset the upfront cost multiple times over the life of the building.
• Provides long-term financial benefits and peace of mind.

So, which home is right for you?

A standard house may meet basic needs, but a high-performing home offers greater comfort, health, and energy efficiency.

A high-performing home prioritises comfort, energy efficiency, health, and sustainability – and we believe these should be consider when designing and building any new home.

At eHaus, we specialise in designing and building high-performing homes that deliver on every level. Whether you're looking for reduced energy bills, a healthier living environment, or a smaller carbon footprint, a high-performing home is the smarter choice for today and the future.

Ready to experience the difference? Contact us today to learn how an eHaus can transform your life. Call us on 0800 434 287 or email us on info@ehaus.co.nz.