Kit Homes Yearbook

Prefabricated building methods are by no means new. In fact, with each passing year they become more sophisticated and more widely applied. In the residential building arena, modular and kit homes are only increasing in popularity. Part of the reason for this is a growing awareness of the enhanced quality control, time-savings and, in some cases, cost-savings to be had. Another drawcard is the fact that prefabs are generally greener than a traditional build. Managing waste and energy consumption is easier in the controlled environment of a factory and there is also less site disruption. Building a home is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have, especially if you are in the safe hands of one of the many highly experienced kit, modular and prefab building companies we’re lucky…

Modular homes cover a range of price points but they can be a cost-effective option for those who need to keep an eye on the budget, and they offer quicker construction times. Most modular homes can be manufactured in 14 to 16 weeks and once delivered to site, can take as little as a day to re-reconnect. Other benefits included added quality assurance. A modular dwelling is constructed by a precision-driven, automated process that yields superior quality and efficiency on time and budget. They are built using one or more sections, called modules, in controlled production facilities. With a modular home, the dwelling is built off-site in a factory or manufacturing facility. The structural units, or modules, are then split up and delivered by flat-bed trucks to the site where they are…

Prefabricated and modular homes are far greener than many people may realise. Managing waste and energy consumption is easier in the controlled environment of a factory, but the benefits of the modern prefab go way beyond saving homeowners time and money, says Ashley Beaumont of Ecoliv. “Prefab homes provide a new and innovative way of living with an environmental conscience, and doing so within comfortable and functional spaces,” he says. Ecoliv is a Victorian-based company specialising in sustainable prefabs that can be transported to any location in Australia. Homes are designed to achieve a minimum seven-star energy rating and six environmental goals are prioritised during the build process: siting and design efficiency; energy efficiency; water efficiency; materials efficiency; indoor environment quality; and waste reduction. The focus is always very strongly on…

Capturing ocean views from every room, this highly contemporary, supremely comfortable Sunshine Coast home is an award-winning example of modular design and construction. The creation of Queensland’s Saltair Modular, it is home to a working couple and their three children. The brief was for a modern home designed for easy living; something that would befit the relaxed coastal Buderim vibe and make the most of the incredible views. What Saltair provided was an architecturally-designed, three-level modular home with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a powder room. The entire house was built in Saltair’s manufacturing facility, a process which took approximately 16 weeks. Then the modules — nine in total — were transported to the site, craned into place and reconnected. While the modular-build process itself was simple, the site did pose some challenges.…

The term “kit home” is hardly new, but do you really know what’s involved and what the benefits are? You may be surprised at the range of designs, from granny flats and studios to large, multi-storey family homes, the level of customisation available, and the savings that can be made. “Put in simple terms, a kit home is a package of materials that is delivered to site for the owner-builder, owner-manager or professional builder,” says Michael Christie, a Paal Kit Homes’ Housing Consultant. “The actual construction methods are similar to a traditional build but what does differ is the fact that some elements, such as frames and trusses, are built off-site in a factory to be joined together (like a huge kit) on-site. All the materials for cladding, windows, doors, roofing,…

1. Select the plan you like best and discuss with the kit home company any changes you wish to make. You will then receive a written quote. 2. Once you have accepted the quote the house plans will be prepared by the kit company for local council and the use of your contractor. 3. The next step is to lodge the plans with council for approval. 4. Once you have council approval, your contractor can construct footing and foundations to floor level and install sub-floor drainage. 5. If you’re an owner-builder, take a look at the instruction manual before you start building. 6. Now building is ready to begin, you will receive the first stage of your kit home. 7. To erect the kit to lock-up stage, follow the instructions in the construction manual. Your plumber…