Modernisation and energy efficiency
Two programmes help make Housing New Zealand's older homes more comfortable and healthy - modernisation and energy efficiency retrofits. We will contact you if your home is selected for energy efficiency or modernisation work.
Modernisation programme
This programme improves the layout of older homes, while also improving things like insulation and ventilation. Modernisation work is only done on selected state houses.
When selecting homes for this work we consider:
- the suitability of the house for modern living - such as enough bench space, or space for a microwave and fridge
- how the house could help meet future housing needs
- the cost of the work.
If your home is being modernised, we will talk with you about our plans to improve the layout of your home.
Improvements may include upgrading some or all of the kitchen or bathroom, knocking out walls to increase living spaces, or adding a deck or sliding doors.
We may also improve the car parking, security, fencing, heating and ventilation. In some homes, rooms may be added or extended.
If we modernise your home, and you pay market rent, your rent may increase as the value of the property has increased. If your rent goes up, we will tell you at least 60 days before that happens. If you pay income-related rent, any modernisation work will not affect how much rent you pay.
Energy efficiency retrofit programme
This programme improves the warmth and energy efficiency of homes built pre-1978, before insulation was mandatory. These homes often have poor or no insulation and/or use inefficient heating, such as open fires.
Making older homes more energy efficient often means lower power bills and better health for residents. Some older homes are not suitable for energy efficiency work, such as Star Flats or other multi-apartment buildings. Energy efficiency work will not affect the amount of rent you pay.
As at May 2008, about 16,500 state houses had been insulated. A Budget 2008 initiative will allow the remaining 21,000 state homes without insulation to be retrofitted by 2013 - about 12 homes a day.
Energy efficient features
If your home is having energy efficient features added, we will let you know what work will be done. This could include:
- insulating hot water cylinders and pipes, ceilings and floors
- adjusting the hot water cylinder thermostat
- fixing draughty windows
- reducing condensation and dampness.
