Does it cost extra to modify a standard floor-plan?
Transportable Homes Video – Tracey talks about costs associated with standardised floor-plan modification.
Minor changes to a transportable homes floor-plan can be accommodated but may still require a drafting fee. Small changes to Standardised Floor-plans may be –
changing to a plastered ceiling instead of exposed beams
requesting a shub (shower and bath-tub combined) instead of a standard shower
upgrading the kitchen and changing the layout
changing the position of lights, light switches and power points
having a larger than normal fridge/freezer space
Drafting fee amounts depend on the complexity of the alteration to the plan. Structural changes are normally most expensive. More complex and/or larger changes could be –
adding, deleting or moving a door
adding, deleting or moving windows
extending the length of a bedroom
turning two small bedrooms into one large bedroom
changing the roof pitch or design for aesthetic purposes
Note: Every building contractor is different. It is a good idea to ask what the fees are for changing one of their standard floor-plans before you start modifying. Good building contractors will have a fair idea of the extra costs you will incur as they may have made similar alterations to the floor-plan before.
No longer are they a prefabricated box with no character. Today, relocatable homes have everything a traditionally built house has to offer, … and more.
In the past five years, technology has accelerated in the portable homes industry to cope with the growing demand for affordable housing that is be every bit as ‘normal looking’ as a regular home but delivered on site in double quick time. Hence, modular homes have become trendy, modern living spaces with light, airy rooms that integrate indoor and outdoor living.
Every design, from open-plan studios to luxury 3-storey architecturally designed abodes with serious attitude. Thanks to the vast array of building materials available for transportable homes, architects can now let their imaginations go wild with little or no restrictions.
Transportable Homes are not a new idea. In 1910, Sear-Roebuck sold over half a million relocatable homes throughout the United States of America over a thirty year period. In the beginning this affordable housing was plain and humble. However, after much refinement the designs of these portable homes offered became very attractive; featuring 2-storey options with continuous balconies and verandahs. For just over USD$1200, 2-storey pre-manufactured homes with 3 bedrooms were in hot demand by soldiers returning from the war.
Today, technology has pushed the modular homes industry to dizzying heights where there is very little transportable homes can not feature. The size and shape only determining the number of modules to be transported and assembled. Portable homes have advanced so far that the concept is being used in some of the most unexpected industries like the Queen Mary II. Where the ship’s designers chose to integrate modular concepts by having the passenger rooms and VIP suites made in individual pods which were lifted into place as the world’s most expensive luxury cruise liner was being built.
Yes, Relocatable Homes are faster to build and assemble. And yes, they are in many cases substantially cheaper than traditional building options. But, are relocatable homes best for your unique situation? There are many things to consider; transportation, number of modules, distance from the pre-manufactured homes factory, local builders and so on.
To learn more about whether or not portable homes are ideal for you, click Are Relocatable Homes Best For You and read some essential questions to ask your manufactured homes building contractor, your local builder and yourself.
Things to Ask Your Local Builder about Transportable Homes
There are many things to consider and take into account when buying and relocating a portable home. If your block of land is situated a long distance away from the pre-manufactured manufacturing plant, you may have to use a local builder to assemble the modules, join the components of the transportable home, coordinate utilities and sign the project off. It is essential to make sure you know the right questions to ask so you have a hassle free relocatable homes experience. To find out more click Ask Your Relocatable Homes Building Contractor; and get your FREE copy of the Transportable Homes Information Guide.
When embarking on the Transportable Homes journey you will find a huge array of choices. From floor-plan to exterior paint; or whether or not to have decking. The greater majority of pre-manufactured homes building contractors will have a standardised set of floor-plans and designs to choose from, however you can alter standardised plans or have your own floor-plan built. When altering floor-plans, you will incur costs and depending on the complexity and materials of your modification; such adjustments could cost anything from a couple of hundred to thousands. To avoid problems and have a hassle-free relocatable homes experience, find out more by reading the Transportable Homes Specialist web-page and links dedicated to everything Transportable Homes.
Choosing a Good Builder to Build Your Relocatable Home
When choosing a builder to construct your relocatable home, don’t go with the first building contractor your find. Shop around. Ask plenty of questions and don’t be afraid to hire a good builder that has to travel a bit further than you would like.
Check out the following link to read about some do’s and don’ts when it comes to choosing a good builder for any portable homes project you may be considering.
Why Transportable Homes are Cheaper than Traditionally Built Homes?
Pre-manufactured homes are an attractive housing solution because of their affordable cost savings.
Fast and Efficient Assemble-line Production
A transportable home is like any other product that is mass-produced by the factories.
Automation
Many parts can be built by machines on an assembly line; cut and constructed fast.This eliminates human labor which can be costly, susceptible to errors and slow in comparison. Relocatable homes are produced like a car with less human intervention.
Less Wasted Building Materials
Most items of the transportable homes are pre-designed and fabricated using standardised designs; saving on waste material during production.
Less Time
Therefore, portable homes are built within hours and minutes rather than in days and months.
Bulk Purchasing and Volume Discounts
The building materials used in the transportable homes is purchased at wholesale prices, directly from the manufacturers and suppliers; much cheaper than a local builder buying building materials for one house at a time.
High Quality, Less Problems
Portable Homes are built in a controlled environment where everything is checked by the experts and engineers. With so many of an individual design being produced, building systems are constantly improved. This kind of expertise is not available to the traditional home buyers as each and every home is a one off and this is where ‘issues’ and delays occur.
Transportable Homes are Permanent Housing Solutions, … until moved again.
Transportable pre-manufactured homes are built to completion and delivered via truck, however they are a form of permanent housing. It is only where the home is constructed and how the modular home is delivered to its destination that makes it any different from a other permanent houses built on your land by a builder.
Relocatable homes are approved by engineers and
have to come up to the Australia Building Code Standards. Portable homes have to meet the same certification and gain the same approvals as regular houses built using traditional methods, even more because they may have to be moved several times during their lifetime.
This is a blog website with valuable information about the transportable homes industry within Australia. Written independently by Tracey Carter, an avid fan of modular homes.
The Purpose of this Website
1. Give you as much information as possible so you can make informed, confident decisions when contemplating buying a transportable home.
2. Broaden your horizons; so you can look at a traditionally built home and recognise the very real potential for it to be constructed using modular building methods.
Answering Your Questions
There are many advantages and benefits to buying relocatable homes; and many questions needing to be answered. Some of the questions answered in this website include:
Can I use my own floor-plan and design?
How big can I build a relocatable home?
Can I make alterations to a standardised granny flat plan?
Can I build a 2-storey modular home?
How do I personalise my new portable home?
How quickly can I get a prefabricated house?
Can I have disabled facilities included in my granny flat?
Who looks after the building permits and Council?
What are my insulation options?
Can I have a granite bench top?
Can I change the oven and range-hood combination?
… and much more!
You will find all your answers on this website about –
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