Posted by Transportable Homes on February 5, 2012 under Transportable Homes | 
Unforeseen Cost Adds Expense to Transportable Home
Every build has an unexpected cost somewhere along the line. With this transportable home, which was modified into an office block, came an additional cost from the local Council.
The Devonport City Council (Tasmania) had a new policy come into power between the start and finish dates of the project. The cost was associated with a 2,000 litre water retention tank that the Council wanted installed with all new buildings. Why? To slow the water coming from the building’s gutters and running into the city’s storm water drains during a down-pour.
By the time the 20mm poly-pipes were connected to the tank the over all cost was approximately $1,000.
Anyways make allowances for an unavoidable cost that comes out of nowhere and is out of your control.
[This retention tank was the unforeseen cost when the Devonport Baptist Church had a 3 bedroom transportable home customised to become an office block]
Posted by Transportable Homes on January 30, 2012 under Granny Flats |
Aging Population Means Granny Flats Are In Demand.
Australia’s population is aging and with that comes the need for Granny Flats to satisfy specialised housing requirements.
Australians Want More Granny Flats
In the average year in Australia, over 240,000 people go to their computer and type in various phrases requesting a house for sale that comes complete with a granny flat on the property. These people are obviously only a segment of the population that want their older family members to remain independent yet close to the younger members of the family; for support, caring and companionship reasons.
Of course there are seniors who prefer to be independent and live within a caravan park environment as a permanent resident in their own granny flat; wishing to lease the land for 5 – 10 years in a location possibly by a river or the sea, which they otherwise could not afford.
Then, there are mature citizens who enjoy the security of gated communities and transportable homes villages, which provide a holistic approach to lifestyle, leisure and pleasure for the over 50′s. These properties provide tennis courts, bowling greens, bbq pavillions, swimming pools and club houses. Although small specialised homes are not referred to as granny flats in these communities, they are never the less the same thing.
Multiple Uses for Granny Flats Increase Their Appeal
A person living on a large block of land within walking distance to public transport in a small town or city should not discount the possibly of putting a transportable granny flat on the property. The additional accommodation has the potential to increase the properties value and broaden the appeal to buyers should it go on the market in the future. It is also important to note that buyers have multiple purposes for granny flats; choosing to utilise it for a teenager, young couple who are saving for a house, as a studio, guest house, bed and breakfast or rental.
Posted by Transportable Homes on January 25, 2012 under Modular Homes |
Habitat for Humanity Favours Modular Homes
After the floods in 2011, many members of the Ipwich community and other parts of Australia became residentially displaced. After the water receded, victims were left with either no home or a significantly damaged one, and this is where modular homes are a great solution.
Due to the generousity of the public, Pearls MiiHomes and Habitat for Humanity, three flood-effected Ipswich families are looking forward to receiving new modular homes in 2012.
Pearls MiiHome Pty Ltd is a large company in Burleigh (QLD) manufactures modular homes using a patented and unique building system that is extremely fast to erect. Ideal for emergencies as a temporary accommodation solution.
Habitat Humanity Australia (HFHA) is a non-profit organisation that is independant and their aim is to reduce housing poverty, particular for low income households. HFHA built 20 homes throughout Australia in 2011 for low income earners to build and buy. In this instance, HFHA poured resources into helping very deserving families in Ipswich who had lost their homes
Congratualtions to Habitat for Humanity and Pearl MiiHomes for joining forces and building modular homes as a viable option for this situation.
Posted by Transportable Homes on January 15, 2012 under Transportable Homes |
Find Out What Your Council Requires for Transportable Homes
Before you start building your own Transportable Home, or sharing the project with your manufacturer, you must visit your local Council as they will need to know what you intentions are and you will need permission to have you building either moved to site or built on site. Transportable Homes have very similar Council Planning requirements as a regular home, however, your area or your land may have a covenant upon it and you can only find this out by visiting your local Council.
The main objective of any Council’s Planning Office or Department is to provide guidelines for the way land within the municipality may be used or developed; using a fair and sustainable methodology.
Bearing in mind that all residents and property owners are affected by what individuals wish to do with their property, your local Council tries to regulate areas so short and long term issues are avoided. In most instances Councils will impose conditions it deems fair and equitable for all concerned to create balance between government, industry and the wider community.
Check with your Planning Office to see what your requirements are before you start anything as any unauthorised development without consent can result in legal action and fines.
In most cases your local Council will have most, if not all, of the documentation, regulation and fees on their website for you to download and view. However, always remember Council websites sometimes are not updated frequently, and therefore it is your sole responsibility to contact your Council directly and discuss your plans to have a transportable home on your property; thus ensuring you have the most current forms and guidelines.
Posted by Transportable Homes on January 8, 2012 under Manufactured Homes, Transportable Homes |
A Copy of the Manufactured Homes Agreement
The Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003 requires that park owners fully disclose important information to prospective home owners using the Manufactured Homes Form 1 – Home Owner’s Information Document (PDF).
The home owner’s information document gives prospective home owners for a site in a residential park information to help them make an informed decision about entering into a site agreement. The information document also ensures both parties clearly understand their rights and responsibilities under the proposed site agreement. This helps reduce the possibility of misunderstandings. When organising site agreements with a new resident, or assigning a home owner´s interest to a person, park owners must complete this information document. Park owners need to complete all relevant information including:
- the address and real property description
- the park owner and manager´s name and business address
- details of any authority (approval, consent, licence or permit) issued under law that is necessary for park operation
- details of the communal facilities
- an outline of the park owners and the home owners basic responsibilities
- how site rent may be varied the ways in which a site agreement may be terminated
- how a home owner may assign (transfer) their interest in a site agreement
- information relating to dispute resolution processes and how site agreement disputes may be resolved
- the recommendation that the home owner seek independent legal advice before entering into or agreeing to the transfer of a site agreement.
Additional information: Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003
Please get all up to date information from the
Queensland Government Office of Fair Trading.
Posted by Transportable Homes on December 31, 2011 under Manufactured Homes, Transportable Homes |
Thinking about Putting a Manufactured Home in a Queensland Residential Park?
The future of manufactured homes (transportable homes) in residential parks is being revamped by the Queensland Government; The Department of Communities, to be exact. The Department of Communities wants to know what you think about the financial and social risks of people living in residential parks, whether you are a -
- manufactured home owner,
- prospective manufactured home owner,
- residential park owner (existing and prospective), or
- general community member.
The Department of Communities is looking at specific information regarding the preservation of existing residential parks fro manufactured home, how to increase the number of new parks as demand is increasing, and termination rights of home owners.
This is you opportunity to tell the department what you know about transportable homes in residential parks in Queensland, share you ideas, and give you opinion as it is possible that a new policy may be created that is more acceptable to all.
Go to the Department of Communities Queensland website and fill in the form online or print it out, fill it in and post it.
Important: All responses must be submitted by 31st Jan 2012.
Click the image below to be directed to the Manufactured Homes Survey
Posted by Transportable Homes on December 28, 2011 under Granny Flats |
Granny Flats, Are You Allowed One?
Here in Australia the population is aging and the need for small housing options and granny flats are increasing in demand. The primary reason being because granny flats enable older family members to maintain their independence safely and reside closer to family.
Granny Flats in NSW
In many States, the Australian Government is making it easier for families to build a granny flat or small dwelling on their property. For example, a policy was released in 2009 allowing home-owners with a block larger than 450sqm and a 12 meter plus frontage to be allowed to seek approval to build a Granny Flat on their property (NSW Dept of Planning – view policy)
Getting Granny Flat Planning Permission
To find out exactly what the conditions are regarding putting a granny flat on your property, visit your local Council Planning Department. Make sure you get the name of the person you speak to as you may need to contact them again in the future with more questions or clarification.
Try to have a clear idea of what you wish to build on your property; size, location on your block, etc. This will assist the Planning Department as they will know what you would like to do and they will be more able to assess if what you want is achievable on your block of land.
Granny flats keep family closer
Posted by Transportable Homes on June 18, 2011 under Transportable Homes |
Home Loans Australia
You will probably find after speaking to various lending institutions confusion and frustration will prevail. The word to keep in mind is RISK. This little word will determine the lending institutions attitude towards your proposition.
If you are to buy a existing home then at the point of purchase an existing house is transferred from one owner to the other. A very straight forward process. If you buy a relocatable home then there are things like progressive payments, paying for a house that is not finished or does not have the value of the borrowings at that point (more risk at least as far as the standard lending institution is concerned).
The builders will want payment before your house leaves the factory and banks only lend on a house that is completed and fixed on its final site.
There are horror stories of houses being started by a builder and progressive payments being made, then the builder sells the house to a buyer with a shorter delivery time and the house that is legally the banks at that point is gone and there have been occasions when the house has not been replaced.
Now, do not be put off.
1: Remember relocatable homes are the single biggest growth sector in the building industry and set to grow enormously for decades ahead.
2: Traditional lending institutions are very slow to change and have outdated attitudes.
3: There are now a growing number of new more efficient lending institutions catering for relocatable homes, this and present political moves to free up the banking sector will make financing much easier.
4: There is a big variation in lending institutions and you must compare one against the other and keep hunting for the right one for your situation. If you don’t get what you want from the bigger banks then there are a few smaller ones that are very keen to get your business. You must shop around.
You must make very sure that the builder or company building your house is financially secure and has a good reputation. Ask previous customers about them and speak to the appropriate people to make sure they are financially stable and reliable.
Posted by Transportable Homes on May 4, 2011 under Transportable Homes |
Where to find used transportable homes for sale.
In this section on where to find used transportable homes we will outline the more obvious pointers and pitfalls in an attempt to give some guidance to finding used transportable homes for sale to suit your lifestyle and finances.
There are often used or second hand transportable homes available and you may be tempted to advertise in the ‘wanted’ column to find yourself something to suit your individual needs.
This may well lead to a suitable structure at a very attractive price. However the quality, condition and structure of any second hand transportable home will need to be carefully checked out. If you do not have a good understanding of house structure you would be advised to get someone you trust in the building trade to check it out and give you a written inspection document as your decision makes the difference between a bargain and an expensive mistake. Don’t be afraid to hire a good building inspector, as it could be money well spent.
To purchase a transportable home from a house removal or house transport operator has advantages in that the house is usually already in a transport operators yard. This makes inspection a lot easier and can give a lot better perception of the general condition.
If you choose to buy privately then it is probably best that you consult thoroughly with a trusted house removal company on all aspects including hooking up utilities.
Used transportable homes that can be moved in one piece are a more attractive buy than the added cost of having to split and rejoin. If however you manage to buy at the right price then the cost of Read more of this article »
Posted by Transportable Homes on April 18, 2011 under Transportable Homes |
How to Save Money When Relocating a Transportable Home.
Five things to look for:
1: Transportable homes need easy access and good site contour (not too steep) to save unexpected costs.
2: Transport operator with the right equipment eg: hydraulic trailers and good hydraulic jacking tools.
3: The shortest route with the least obstructions (bridges, over-passes, over-hanging power lines and trees).
4: Try to keep the distance from utilities as short as possible.
5: Use a good reputable relocatable homes transport operator.
6: Make sure the house is being moved directly from the place were it was constructed to your site and not from a storage area or another site as this means double handling and possible storage costs.
Hydraulic trailers mean that the trailer carrying the house has the ability to raise and lower itself to remain level. It will just back under the house and simply lift itself up and drive away.
Chances are your house builder will be well aware of who is the right transport operator for the job but remember the rule, ask around. Speak to previous customers.
You should be aware also there are considerable rules governing the transport of large loads eg: the time of day, pilot vehicles, possibly a police escort and Road Transport Authority approval.
Your council may also have odd rules and regulations that need to be checked.
Some councils are tough and others are very easy to deal with. For example: a bond paid until final inspection then refunded when passed inspection. Also you may have to pay for any damage caused while being transported through streets and maybe a bond to the electricity company for moving or repairing power lines. Choose your route carefully.
You may save money by insuring the builder or the transport operator are responsible for the setting up and placing of the house on the foundation or footings as opposed to an independent operator.
It is always advised to come to some arrangement with your transport operator and whoever is responsible for foundations, that a suitable portion of the payment is withheld until after final inspection.
