Brunette Stripped Bare

So, the hubster and I are about to begin building a home for the second time. The first time around we were newbies, we hadn’t lived out of home for very long, we were a little clueless. This time around, we know what we want, where we should spend the cashola and where we should cut-back and do things ourselves once the home is complete.

Last time, we told ourselves that we would get someone to install downlights (I have included an image for your viewing pleasure) for us once the home was complete. Building companies charge through the nose for this, I think because it’s a fiddley job and well, because they can. Anyway, we told ourselves with the first house we would do it when we moved in, then when it came to the crunch we didn’t. To expensive, too many other things to spend the money on. But I really love the look of them. So for this house, we decided we would go ahead and get the Builder to install. We can afford it this time around.

I also want this house to be more energy efficient. I’m not looking for a carbon neutral place straight away - baby steps, people. I just wanted a few bits and pieces, like a Solar Hot Water system and lights that are energy efficient. Do you know how difficult this is?! It seems builders are pretty slow on the whole ‘global warming’ thing and have done sweet fuck all to prepare themselves for questions from more environmentally-minded customers. Even Joe Schmoe ones like me. I’m no greenie - if I’m completely honest I’m probably more out to save myself a few bucks than cool the globe. More efficient = cheap to keep!

They directed us to use 12v halogen downlights (now, halogen = bad, mmmkay?) throughout the house. I’m asking them, “are these compatible with those fluroscent downlight globes?” - blank stares. So then we look at 240v downlights (only because I’m wondering… why does that one look different to the others?), “and what bulbs do these hold? Halogens or standard? Are they compatible with fluros?” - again, blank stares. I can get fluroscents for either, it turns out. But I’ve only worked this out myself once I’ve gotten home and done a tonne of research online. I just think it’s kind of disappointing. Builders have certain environmental standard they have to adhere to by law, but I do think they should be able to advise customers on further energy-saving selections for new homes if people are trying to do the right thing.

In the end, I think we’re going to go for 240v downlights, and then use CFL (compact fluroscent fluroscent) light globes in them. You can get a huge variety of CFL lights now for all sorts of fittings. They’re more expensive per bulb, but last around 10 times longer and use only 20% of the power. Cheaper in the long run. There’s also less to go wrong, because they require no transformers in the ceiling space (12v downlights require this to transfer the 240v power running through the home to a 12v level in the light itself). Although, it’s going to be fucking painful forking out over $600 for light bulbs for the first fit-out!