Kitset homes- What you need to know

It is important to realise that it is highly unlikely that you could build a comparable kitset home cheaper, or to a higher standard, than a reputable builder can build you a new home (unless you have the relevant expertise).

Consider these factors before you start:

1. LEGAL

You will be solely responsible for ensuring the home meets all council and building code requirements and the on-going structural and weatherproofing obligations- even if you’ve sold the home! You are also responsible for health and safety on site, and for ensuring that the home is granted a Code Compliance.

2. QUALITY MANAGEMENT

For any work you are not planning on doing yourself, you will need to get quotes from, and then manage all sub-trades. These may include builders, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, bricklayers, roofers, drain-layers, carpet installers, kitchen installers, insulation installers, tilers etc., ensuring they arrive on-site at the appropriate time- this takes careful coordination, even if you are not in a hurry. You will need to make sure that their work is up to both your expectations and building code requirements.

3. FINANCIAL

Make sure you are certain of exactly what is included in your kit and what other items and labor will need to be paid before the building is complete. The financial implications could be serious if you fail to understand the extra costs that are involved. Typically, the cost of a kitset home only covers materials used above the foundations.

4. WHO BUILDS THE HOUSE?

Some people fall into the trap of buying a kitset, then contracting the kitset company to build the home for them, thinking this will save them money. This is the same process you follow when employing a building company to build a home for you, except you won’t necessarily have the same level of service or the same quality assurances.

5. THERE ARE OTHER COST-EFFECTIVE OPTIONS

Signature Homes are able to provide you with a range of expertly crafted pre-designed plans, providing the perfect foundation to guide you towards building the home of your dreams. Our Smart Collection offers modest yet modern havens or our Pacific Collection gives you a flexible and functional luxe family home. If you are struggling to find land to build on then a House & Land package might be the answer.

Once you have selected that perfect plan, which embodies the needs for your new home, we will help turn your dreams into reality through our up-front and honest build process. We will also provide you with peace of mind through our comprehensive guarantees.

Knowledge and expertise go along way when building a new home. Signature Homes has over three decades in the game so we can help you pick out the perfect design and match it with the perfect construction team to suit your needs. When you build with Signature Homes your local team is with you every step of the way.