Residential Home COPE – Risk Scoring Template
This template is designed for engineering, insurance, underwriting, council, or owner self-assessment use.
Scoring Method
- Score each factor 1–5
- 1 = Low risk / Best practice
- 5 = High risk / Poor or non-compliant
- Weighting optional (noted below)
C — Construction (Weight: 30%)
| Factor | 1 | 3 | 5 | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary structure | Reinforced concrete / masonry | Mixed materials | Lightweight untreated timber | |
| Roof type & condition | Metal/tile <10 yrs, compliant | 10–25 yrs, minor defects | >25 yrs, poor condition | |
| Fire resistance | Rated assemblies, AS 3959 compliant | Partial protection | No fire-rated elements | |
| Build quality | Certified, QA records | Minor defects | Known structural issues | |
| Maintenance status | Proactive & documented | Reactive | Deferred / neglected | |
| Security (physical) | Reinforced doors/windows | Standard locks | Minimal security |
Construction Sub-Score (avg): ___ / 5
O — Occupancy (Weight: 20%)
| Factor | 1 | 3 | 5 | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use type | Owner-occupied | Long-term rental | Holiday / vacant | |
| Occupancy pattern | Permanent | Intermittent | Unoccupied long periods | |
| Occupant load | Appropriate | Slightly high | Overcrowded | |
| Supervision | Daily presence | Weekly | Rare / none |
Occupancy Sub-Score (avg): ___ / 5
P — Protection (Weight: 30%)
| Factor | 1 | 3 | 5 | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoke detection | Interlinked, AS 3786 | Battery only | None / non-working | |
| Fire suppression | Extinguishers + water | Partial | None | |
| Security systems | Monitored alarm + CCTV | Local alarm | None | |
| Water supply | Dedicated + pressure | Mains only | Limited | |
| Emergency access | Excellent | Moderate | Poor | |
| Proximity to services | <5 min | 5–15 min | >15 min |
Protection Sub-Score (avg): ___ / 5
E — Environment (Weight: 20%)
| Factor | 1 | 3 | 5 | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bushfire exposure | BAL-LOW | BAL-19/29 | BAL-40/FZ | |
| Flood risk | Outside zone | Low probability | Flood overlay | |
| Wind zone | Low | Medium | High / cyclone | |
| Hazardous industry | None nearby | Moderate | Close proximity | |
| Crime zone | Low | Average | High |
Environment Sub-Score (avg): ___ / 5
Overall COPE Risk Score
Weighted Total Formula (example)
Total Risk = (C × 0.30) + (O × 0.20) + (P × 0.30) + (E × 0.20)
Interpretation
- 1.0 – 2.0: Low risk / resilient
- 2.1 – 3.0: Moderate risk
- 3.1 – 4.0: High risk – mitigation recommended
- 4.1 – 5.0: Critical risk – action required
Australian Standards Compliance Checklist (Residential COPE)
This section can stand alone as a compliance audit appendix.
Construction Standards
Structural & Materials
- ☐ NCC (BCA) Volume Two – Residential compliance
- ☐ AS/NZS 1170 – Structural actions (wind, earthquake, snow)
- ☐ AS 3600 – Concrete structures (if applicable)
- ☐ AS 1684 – Timber framing
- ☐ AS 2870 – Residential slabs & footings
Bushfire
- ☐ AS 3959 – Construction in bushfire-prone areas
- ☐ BAL rating assessed and documented
- ☐ Ember protection to vents, roofs, subfloors
Roofing
- ☐ AS 1562 – Sheet roof and wall cladding
- ☐ AS 2050 – Installation of roof tiles
- ☐ Fixings rated for wind region
Fire & Life Safety
- ☐ AS 3786 – Smoke alarms installed, interconnected
- ☐ Smoke alarms on each level and near bedrooms
- ☐ Fire separation between dwellings (if applicable)
- ☐ Fire blankets/extinguishers installed and accessible
- ☐ Egress paths clear and compliant
Security & Electrical
- ☐ AS/NZS 3000 – Electrical wiring rules
- ☐ RCDs installed and tested
- ☐ External lighting for entry points
- ☐ Security doors/windows meet minimum strength standards
Plumbing & Water
- ☐ AS/NZS 3500 – Plumbing and drainage
- ☐ Backflow prevention where required
- ☐ Adequate fire-fighting water supply (rural / bushfire areas)
Environmental & Site
- ☐ Flood overlays checked (local council)
- ☐ Finished floor level above flood immunity where applicable
- ☐ Soil classification assessed (reactive / saline)
- ☐ Stormwater managed away from foundations
- ☐ Vegetation management compliant with bushfire planning
Occupancy & Use
- ☐ Use consistent with planning approval
- ☐ Rental properties meet state tenancy safety requirements
- ☐ Holiday or vacant properties have monitoring plan
- ☐ Insurance policy aligns with actual use
Optional Appendix (Recommended)
- Photos of key elements
- Certificates of compliance
- Maintenance logs
- Emergency contact and response plan
- COPE score history (trend over time)