Updated:
28.3.2025
I
f your house is cold, damp, or difficult to heat, you may have found it hard to truly feel at home. Afterall, a home is more than just a place to sleep — it’s where we gather with family, unwind after a long day, and create lasting memories.
We often hear about Healthy Homes Standards in the context of rental properties, but creating a warm, dry, and well-ventilated space isn’t just for landlords. A healthier home means fewer winter chills, lower power bills, and a space that feels good to live in — whether you own it or rent it.
The good news? Making small changes can have a big impact.
Find out how much it costs to upgrade five key areas of your home, and which tradies you’ll need for the job.
Healthy homes have more street appeal, and less repairs and maintenance in the long run.
What is the Importance of the Healthy Homes Standards?
A warmer, drier home = better health
If you’re waking up with a scratchy throat, wiping condensation off your windows each morning, or spotting mould in the corners of your home, it’s a sign your indoor environment isn’t as healthy as it could be.
Moisture inside the home can create the perfect environment for mould and mildew, which can lead to serious health implications, such as respiratory issues and even respiratory disease.
Small changes like improving ventilation, upgrading insulation, or investing in a proper heat source can make a huge difference. A warm, dry home isn’t just about comfort; it’s about breathing easier, staying well, and creating a space where you and your family can thrive.
Lower power bills with better energy efficiency
When the temperature drops, it’s tempting to blast the heater and hope for the best — until the electricity bill lands with a thud.
Keeping your home warm doesn’t have to mean draining your bank account.
Heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture control and draught stopping can lower power bills, and lead to a warmer home, reduced energy bills, and smaller carbon footprint.
Protect your investment & increase property value
Your home might be your biggest financial asset. Making Healthy Homes upgrades isn’t just about comfort; it’s about protecting your property’s long-term value.
Well-insulated, energy-efficient homes are in high demand; and for good reason.
They stay warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and may cost less — features that prospective buyers are actively looking for.
Even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, improvements like better insulation, proper heating, and moisture control can prevent costly repairs and maintenance down the line.
Older homes are especially susceptible to dampness and difficulty heating.
What are the Healthy Homes Standards?
The Healthy Homes Standards are widely recognised rules designed to make private rental properties warmer and drier.
However, these guidelines for landlords can also apply to owner-occupiers, and create a benchmark for any homeowner looking to create a healthier, more comfortable living space.
The Healthy Homes Standards focus on 5 key areas:
Hire a professional to carry out your Healthy Homes assessment.
How much do Healthy Homes jobs cost?
In 2024, Builderscrack saw high demand for ventilation jobs, from simple rangehood installations to external vents, with the majority being quoted under $1,000.
The majority of insulation jobs fell between $1,000 and $2,000, as they typically involved multiple areas of a home, or required ceiling and underfloor access.
Jobs over $2,000 typically addressed multiple key areas in one visit, such as installing heating and range hoods.
Install a reliable, energy-efficient heat source into your home
What tradies want you to know about Healthy Homes
We asked Alex from Kaiser Property, an insulation expert from Auckland, about his experience on Healthy Homes jobs.
Alex stated that many homeowners assume their insulation is fine — until they check.
“A lot of people don’t realise their ceiling insulation isn’t up to standard or that underfloor insulation with old foil isn’t compliant,” Alex says.
That’s why a Healthy Homes assessment is a great first step — you can do it yourself, rely on a property manager, or hire a professional.
“Assessment is something that can be done in an hour, but when it comes to installation, a professional can save you time and future issues,” Alex explains.
Most 2-3 bedroom homes can be insulated in a day using reliable materials like Earthwool or Pink Batts for ceilings and polyester blanket rolls for underfloor.
When choosing a tradie, going for the cheapest quote isn’t always the best move.
“You want someone with demonstrable experience in Healthy Homes upgrades, ideally someone that can guarantee or certify that their work meets or exceeds the standards,” Alex advises.
“I’ve completed many Healthy Homes projects through Builderscrack,” Alex adds.
“The key is understanding all specifics of the 5 sub-standards and choosing the right materials and team to ensure an effective and lasting solution.”
Photos: Supplied by Alex, Kaiser Property
Who do I hire for my Healthy Homes job?
The Healthy Homes legislation allows homeowners to carry out work themselves only where a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP), Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) or Licensed Gas Worker (LGW) is not required. However, you must employ licensed workers when it comes to restricted work.
These are the key tradespeople you’ll need for your Healthy Homes upgrade:
Ensure you ask for a Code of Compliance (CoC) certificate, or Record of Work (RoW) for any restricted building work, and keep it on file for future maintenance.
A healthy home means you and your family can thrive.
Key Takeaways
A healthy home isn’t just about meeting rental regulations; it’s about creating a warm, dry, and energy-efficient space for you and your family. By improving insulation, heating, and ventilation, you can support your health, lower energy bills, and protect your home.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards a healthier, more energy-efficient home, find an experienced tradie on Builderscrack today to help you get started.
A big thank you to Alex from Kaiser Property for sharing his insight on Healthy Homes.
