What is Manufactured Housing?
Can I obtain finance for my new Manufactured Home?
Are Manufactured Homes guaranteed?
How long does it take to build a manufactured home?
How far can you ship my house?
Are Manufactured Homes built well?
Is access important?
Does BASIX apply to transportable and manufactured homes?


What is "Manufactured Housing"?
Manufactured housing refers to homes and dwellings which are not 'stick-built' , that is, they are not constructed at the site, but are built off-site. They are factory built, and trucked to the building lot where they are installed or assembled. Manufactured housing is also often referred to as modular, kit, prebuilt, panelized, pre-cut, and mobile homes.

Can I Obtain Finance for My New Modular Home?
Yes. We can point you in the right direction as to which lenders understand manufactured homes.

Are Manufactured Homes Guaranteed?
All manufactured homes put on to land or residential sites are required to have a Home Owners Warranty Policy for the value of the construction, the same as normal site built homes. So yes, you are covered!

How Long Does it Take to Build a Manufactured Home?
The factory time frame for the construction of a new manufactured home is approximately 4-8 weeks depending on the size and complexity of the design. Site works are usually commenced while the home is under construction in the factory. The completion of the home onsite depends on site conditions and weather. Once the home is delivered to site, practical completion can be achieved within 2-4 weeks on a standard home and deck.

How Far can You Transport My New Modular House?
Timberline services NSW and the ACT only. Please contact our office for information regarding transport levies.

Are Manufactured Homes Built Well?
Many people often have a preconceived idea that Manufactured Homes are second class when compared to site built homes. This is in fact very far from the truth. Manufactured Homes are built in a controlled, systematic environment making them superior in quality and construction. They are prebuilt in a controlled environment ensuring quality control of a standard that is second to none.
They are engineered to handle the stresses of travel and built to withstand lifting and movement. The chassis and floor joists are made of steel which not only give the home a solid foundation, they, along with the treated timber frame used throughout, are immune to the effects of termites and other pests adding extra security for the new home owner. At Timberline our research and design team ensure that we are up to date with all new industry trends and developments, guaranteeing that you are provided with the best quality product and service available.

Is Access Important?
Yes, access is very important. It is best to have one of our trained staff check the access to your land early to avoid problems arising later. Most access issues can be overcome. We know the minimum requirements and can make sure the design of your new manufactured home has taken access into consideration, especially with marginal access on steep or narrow sites.

Does BASIX Apply to Modular Homes?
A BASIX certificate is required for residential developments for which an application to 'erect a building' is required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. BASIX therefore applies to any dwelling that is a 'building' as defined under that Act. BASIX does not apply if the dwelling is a 'manufactured home' or a 'moveable dwelling', as these are excluded from the 'building' definition.

To determine whether a dwelling (including a 'transportable home') is a 'building' or a 'manufactured home' or 'moveable dwelling', stakeholders will need to refer to the definitions of manufactured home' and 'moveable dwelling' under the Local Government Act 1993 (see below).

The Local Government Act 1993 defines a 'manufactured home' as:
"A self-contained dwelling (that is, a dwelling that includes at least one kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living area and that also includes toilet and laundry facilities), being a dwelling:
(a) That comprises one or more major sections, and
(b) That is not a registrable vehicle within the meaning of the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration Act) 1997, and includes any associated structures that form part of the dwelling."

'Major section' means:
"a single portion of a relocatable home, being a portion:

(a) that contains a total living space (excluding the living space contained in any associated structure) of at least 20 cubic meters, and
(b) that comprises all of the major components of that portion of the home, including the chassis or frame, the external or internal walls, the roof and ceilings, the floors, the windows and doors, the internal plumbing and wiring, the tiling, the kitchen, bathroom and laundry fittings (other than stoves, refrigerators, washing machines and other white goods) and the built-in cupboards and cabinets".

Manufactured homes are subject to provisions under the Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2005, which regulate the installation of these dwellings in manufactured home estates, caravan parks, camping grounds and elsewhere. Approval under section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993 is required when a manufactured home is installed on a normal residential allotment.

NB: The Department of Planning is currently investigating ways to improve the water and energy efficiency of manufactured homes.