Those who own real estate in Rockhampton and are considering rebuilding may welcome an announcement from the Queensland government who declared that reforms will help save thousands during construction.
Laws have been scrapped which stipulated all new homes must have rainwater tanks and solar gas or heat pump hot water systems installed.
Tim Mander, the minister for housing and public works, said these are necessary savings as the old laws just presented an added cost and all it was doing was slowing down the construction industry as a result.
"These changes will potentially reduce the cost of building a new home by more than $5000.
"Taken in conjunction with the $15,000 first home owner's grant for new dwellings, that's a massive saving for anyone planning on building a new home. People who want to install rainwater tanks or a particular type of hot water system can still do so."
The minister added that the bonus is that now owners are free to make their own decision.
But under the new system, councils are able to require mandatory installations of water tanks where they can prove the community will benefit from it.
Changes will also see existing homeowners replace broken or damaged electric water heaters with similar models.