The Do-It-Yourself (DIY) method is a web-based Deemed-to-Satisfy method for completing the Thermal comfort section of BASIX. Any single dwelling (detached, attached or granny flat) can be assessed using the DIY method.
If you choose the DIY method, you will need to:
- commit to minimum insulation levels; and
- select glazing and shading to ensure that the estimated heating and cooling loads do not exceed the maximum loads determined by BASIX.
The minimum insulation requirements are based on the National Construction Code (NCC) climate zone for the nominated construction types (floors, walls, ceiling and roof).
The estimated heating and cooling loads are based on the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) climate region, as well as the nominated windows and shading and skylights.
The DIY method can only be used if:
- the conditioned floor area is not more than 300 square metres
- the dwelling is either single or double storey
- the dwelling must not contain open mezzanine area exceeding 25 square metres
- the dwelling must not contain third level habitable attic room
- the glazing area is between 10% and 40% of the conditioned floor area
- there are no more than 40 windows and glazed doors in the dwelling (combining windows of the same orientation is not allowed)
- the total area of skylights is not more than 3 square metres.
Some of the above criteria such as conditioned floor area, number of storeys and open mezzanine area will be checked against the inputs provided in the Site Details section to determine if you can choose the DIY method.
Some of these criteria will appear as commitments on the BASIX certificate if you choose the DIY method to satisfy the BASIX thermal comfort requirements.
If your dwelling does not contain any conditioned floor areas (based on BASIX definitions) on the ground floor, the ground floor is not regarded as one of the storeys subject to the limitations of the DIY method.
Only certain types of shading are available using the DIY method, and overshadowing can only be counted if it is directly in front of the centre at the base of the glazing.
The Simulation method should be used when at least one of these criteria cannot be met.