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
  • Photos of key elements
  • Certificates of compliance
  • Maintenance logs
  • Emergency contact and response plan
  • COPE score history (trend over time)