There are a few things to consider before you enter:

• Decide which projects you've completed in the past 24 months you’d like to enter.
• Seek the homeowner’s permission.

Next, follow these easy steps:

• Visit our Awards section and select the region where the project was located.
• Choose your Awards program for entry fees, closing dates, categories, etc.
• Select the category that best defines your project. If available, you’ll also need to work out which sub-category or price point your project fits into based on the project price.
• Book your professional photographer and check the photographic requirements.
• Review the checklist and ensure you have digital copies of each item to upload into your entry.
• Finally, check that you comply with the conditions of entry and submit your entry.

An outstanding project is only one element of what it takes to win an HIA Award. Presenting it well is just as important. Make sure you include all the required information to give your entry the best chance of success.

It is essential to complete all questions on the online entry form. This includes uploading all the items and images. If you are entering your project in multiple categories, ensure you provide the information relevant to the category entered. Read the entry checklist for each HIA Awards program.

Your project price must reflect the entire cost of the project as viewed by the judges. This is inclusive of your contract price, variations and all works supplied or carried out by owner/others. Your project price must include GST, site works, all extras, final PC and provisional sum adjustments. Do not include land price and the cost of removable appliances such as fridges, microwaves, etc. Here’s the project price definition.

If the project was built for yourself, staff, friends, or family, the entry must include a contract price reflective of what you would charge the general public for the same project, including builder margins.

Do I need to include the cost of the pool and landscaping in my project price?

Landscaping and pools are not to be included unless they form a structural component of the home.

How do I determine the Kitchen/Bathroom or Outdoor Project price when it was included in a whole home contract?

Begin by reviewing the building contract, specifications, and any supporting documentation that outlines Prime Cost or Provisional Sum items and list the items for the project. These often include cabinetry, plumbing, tiling, stonemason, and/or additional trades or landscaping features.

The project price will include the entirety of the project to be viewed by the judges. This could include things like a butler’s pantry or pool house. Please do not include the cost of removable appliances.

This breakdown will need to be provided on a company letterhead, stating the project price.

All photographs should show different aspects of the project, including unique features. They should be taken by a professional photographer. Images in landscape orientation are preferred for the awards presentation. Your first photo should be the front elevation of the project, in landscape orientation.

Supplied images must be actual digital images of the home. Images cannot be digitally enhanced to alter the project and 3D rendered images are not permitted. Images must be high resolution, a minimum of 300dpi and submitted in .jpg format with a maximum file size of 20MB.

Suggested daytime images: 

• Streetscape/front elevation
• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Living area
• Outdoor
• Points of difference e.g. cellar, environmental features, storage solutions
• Apartment complex: foyer, common area, recreational facilities

How many images do I need to submit?

• Housing entries must include 10-15 images
• Kitchen & Bathroom entries must include 6-15 images
• Renovation entries including renovated kitchens and bathrooms must submit 4-10 ‘before’ photos in addition to the above images.
• People & Business Award entrants must submit up to three (3) images.

Read the photographic requirements including details about copyright and professional photography options for each region.

Do all my photos have to be in landscape format?

Although not required, landscape orientation is preferred for the awards presentation and marketing.

A video of your project is not a requirement of entry. If you wish to upload videos, you have the option to upload two. It is advisable to provide landscape and portrait format.  Any videos you submit should be taken by a professional videographer/photographer.

If your project is successful in progressing to the Australian Housing Awards, a video would be highly advisable to showcase the project to the national judging panel. The video can be uploaded if/when you are successful as a finalist in the Australian Housing Awards.

You cannot directly enter the Australian Housing Awards. The first step to participating in the national awards program is entering your project in the relevant regional HIA Awards category. Regional winners progress to competing in the Australian Housing Awards. Categories include:

• Apartment Complex
• Apartment of the Year
• Bathroom of the Year
• Bathroom Design
• Custom Built Home
• Display Home
• Kitchen of the Year
• Kitchen Design
• Outdoor Project
• Project Home
• Renovation / Addition Project
• Residential Design
• Spec Home
• Specialised Housing
• Townhouse Development
• Townhouse of the Year
• Apprentice
• Professional Small Builder / Renovator
• Professional Medium Builder / Renovator
• Professional Major Builder
• Start-up Business
• Emerging Builder.