FAQ

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


What is "Modular 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 transported to the building lot where they are installed or assembled. Manufactured homes is also often referred to as modular homes, demountable homes, kit homes, prefab homes, panelized, pre-cut, or 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 modular homes.

Are Modular Homes Guaranteed?
All modular 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, your modular home is as safe as any other house. 

How Long Does it Take to Build a Modular Home?
The factory time frame for the construction of a new modular home is approximately 30 days 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 on site depends on site conditions and weather. Once the home is delivered to site, practical completion can be achieved within 2 weeks ** on a standard home and deck. This means your modular home can be manufactured and installed on-site within 8 weeks.

How Far can You Transport My New Modular House?
Builtsmart's modular homes can be delivered NSW wide including the ACT. Please contact our office for information regarding transport logistics and levies.

Are Modular Homes built well?

Modular Homes are precision manufactured in a controlled environment making them superior in quality and construction to an on-site build. They are pre-built in a systematic environment ensuring a premium standard of product.

Modular Homes 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 guaranteeing a more sustainable and eco-friendly home. At Builtsmart our research and design team ensure that we maintain market leadership by monitoring and adopting new industry trends and constantly innovating our building techniques and work practices. We also work with our suppliers and other industry partners including developers, architects and engineers in testing new materials and methods to refine and refresh our modular housing knowledge and home design products.

Not only are our modular homes high quality, Builtsmart are continued recognised by industry and customers with their product being award winners in such organisations as the Housing Industry Association (HIA), UDIA and the CCIA.

Is site access Important?
Yes, site access is very important. Our professional team will land access early to attain its suitability for modular housing construction. Most access issues can be overcome including  marginal access on steep or narrow sites: even an island is not out of the question.

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.

** Conditions apply