“I Want to Build a Better House — But I Don’t Know What to Ask”

At a recent event, Mark was chatting to a homeowner in Northlake who said something we hear all too often:

“I want to build a better house, but I just don’t know what questions to ask.”

It’s a fair point. The building process is full of technical jargon, big decisions, and details that can either make your home perform brilliantly for decades… or leave you with a house that costs more to run, overheats in summer, and lets precious heat escape in winter.

If you don’t ask the right questions, you won’t always get the right answers — and sometimes, you won’t even know what you’ve missed until it’s too late.

Here’s our no-nonsense checklist of smart, specific questions to ask your builder before you sign anything. These aren’t “what colour should the kitchen be?” questions — they’re the performance questions that determine how your home will feel and function for the next 50 years.

Tell Me About Your Project

Our Northlake Performance Build that performs 70% better than it’s neighbours.

1. Energy Efficiency & Temperature Control

How much energy will my home use to maintain 20–25°C year-round?
This figure tells you the actual efficiency of the build — not just the marketing talk.
What strategies will you use to prevent overheating?
Good design should keep the home cool without relying on air con.
What shading solutions will be in place?
Eaves, screens, deciduous planting — the details matter for summer comfort.

2. Heating & Hot Water

What’s the most efficient heating system for my home and climate?
What type of hot water system will we use — and is it energy efficient?
Would a hot water heat pump be better than a standard hot water cylinder?
In most cases, yes — but your builder should explain why in your context.

Ask Me A Question

3. Moisture & Condensation Control

How will we manage internal moisture?
Everyday life — showers, cooking, drying clothes — all create moisture. Without a plan to remove it, you’re inviting condensation and mould.
What’s the plan for ventilation?
Even if your home isn’t “fully airtight,” mechanical ventilation can keep it healthy.

4. Insulation

What type of insulation are we using — and what’s the R-rating?
Can we increase the insulation performance slightly without major cost?
Sometimes a small upgrade here pays for itself in reduced running costs.
Are we sealing and taping insulation to avoid gaps and wind washing?

5. Framing

What type of framing are we using — optimised or standard?
Is the design more timber/less insulation, or less timber/more insulation?
More timber = more thermal bridging (heat escaping through the structure).

6. Slab Design

Is the slab fully insulated, partly insulated, or not insulated at all?
This is often overlooked — but your slab can be a massive heat sink if ignored.

Not all glass is created equal. Knowing what glass your builder plans to use in your home is crucial.

7. Windows & Glass

What type of windows and frames are we using?
Thermally broken frames make a huge difference.
What glass is best for this location and orientation?
North-facing glazing needs different performance to west-facing, for example.
Are there glass upgrades worth considering for comfort and efficiency?
There are over 20 different types — it’s not one-size-fits-all.
Will the windows be recessed, flush, or extended out on the cavity?
This affects both thermal performance and aesthetics.

8. Building Wrap & Airtightness

What type of building paper/wrap are we using — breathable or non-breathable?
Are we installing it to prevent wind washing through the insulation?
How airtight will the home be, and how many air changes per hour?
Fewer uncontrolled air changes = better comfort, less energy loss.
Can we take steps to improve airtightness?

Lawrence and Sam working on the ceiling next to the sheltered outdoor north-facing courtyard at one of our latest projects.

9. Design Optimisation

Have we reduced south-facing windows to improve efficiency?
Is the home oriented to maximise winter sun and minimise summer heat?
Have we considered natural cross-ventilation?

10. Mechanical Ventilation

Are we including an MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) system?
Even in homes that aren’t fully airtight, MVHR can maintain fresh, filtered air without losing warmth.

Bottom line:

If your builder can’t clearly answer each of these questions, that’s a red flag. A better house isn’t just about the way it looks on day one — it’s about how it performs every single day you live in it.

At MA Building, we believe an informed client builds a better home. If you’d like to sit down and run through your plans with someone who can talk performance in plain English, get in touch.

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