What’s the difference between modular homes and conventional homes?

The major difference between modular homes and conventional homes is the way they are built. While conventional homes are built 100% on site, modular homes are built in a factory environment and then delivered to site for installation and fit-off. Plus, as the name suggests, modular homes are built in ‘modules’ for ease of transportation.

Are modular homes the same as kit homes?

No. While the end result may be similar, the way that modular and kit homes are purchased is quite different. When you purchase a prefabricated modular home, you are buying a complete home, installed onto your site and ready to move in to. When you buy a kit home, you are essentially paying for the working drawings and the raw materials – the owner is then required to handle the labour aspect of the build, including project management.

Where do you deliver your homes?

Our modular homes can be transported and installed almost anywhere within our area of service, which covers Victoria and parts of southern New South Wales. Please refer to the map on our home page to see if your land falls with our service area or contact our team directly to discuss.

How much does it cost to transport the home to my site?

The cost of delivery for your home to site is included in the base price. This is based on the most common route from our facility to your site, however, occaisionally it’s not possible to take the most common route as our trucks must take the over dimensional route. In these cases there may be additional delivery fees.

Are the permits and legal requirements the same as conventional homes?

Yes – the permit process is very similar whether you’re building a modular or conventional home. Depending on your circumstances you may require a planning permit – from our experience they are required in around 70% of builds. A building permit is required for all new homes that are built – both modular and conventional.

How long does it take to build a modular home?

Modular homes are fast to build – from the time construction starts in the factory until you move in usually takes around 14-18 weeks. This timeframe includes the factory building phase (8-10 weeks in the factory) and the on-site fit-off phase (6-8 weeks on your land).

Why should I consider building a modular home?

There are many benefits to building a modular home. They are faster to build, are often more affordable and have less of an environmental impact on your site. You have flexible options when it comes to design and it’s easy to up the energy rating and create a sustainable and eco-friendly home. You also get a complete package – your home comes with many inclusions and will be ready to move in and enjoy on completion.

Will I need to hire a local builder to complete the process or do you take care of this?

You won’t need to hire a local builder – our site team will take care of everything. While the production team are constructing your home in our factory, our site team will prepare the footings and connections on your site. They’ll get your home ready for delivery and when it arrives will spend 4-6 weeks on-site finalising the installation and adding the finishing touches.

How do I go about connecting electricity and other utilities?

This will depend on your site and is an important factor when choosing your land. If the block is serviced, consider the distance from your where your home will be built to the connections. If the land has no connections in place, you’ll need to include the added expense of connecting in your budget. Our team can visit your site to offer advice, and connections to services can be included in our scope of works.

Can I get finance on a modular home?

Yes. More than half of our clients require finance when building their new home. There can however be some challenges to obtaining finance for modular homes. Lenders can find it hard to progress payments while the home is being built off site, and may not want to release funds until the house is completed. This often comes down to a lack of understanding of modular homes, and can be overcome. Our team have helped hundreds of customers in a similar situation and are happy to share our knowledge, chat to your lender or recommend a broker who has experience with financing modular homes.

Can I alter or change standard plans?

Yes. While there are certain design parameters that need to be considered with our modular homes, we have over 40 standard modular homes designs that can be modified to better suit your requirements if required.

Do you build custom design homes?

Yes. We can custom design and build your dream home or adapt your existing design to our prefab modular home building system.

Are installation and footings included in the price?

Yes. Installation onto concrete footings up to 600mm depth is included in the base price given that your site is flat +/- 300mm over the building footprint.

What permits do I need for my home?

All new homes require a building permit and some will also need a planning permit. Planning permits, which are known as development applications in NSW, are compulsory in certain situations and must be obtained before construction begins. If your property is subject to any planning overlays, is within a bushfire zone or an area that is prone to flooding, has more than one dwelling on the block or has heritage considerations, it’s likely that you’ll need a planning permit. Building permits (or Complying Development Certificates in NSW) are issued once your home is built, inspected and found to be safe and built in accordance with the building code. All new homes, whether modular, kit or conventionally built, must have a building permit.

What is a 7 Star Energy Rating?

As part of the process to obtaining a building permit, new homes must have a minimum 7-star energy rating. Energy ratings on homes range from 1 to 10 – 1 being the least energy efficient, and 10 being the best. An approved energy rating consultant calculates the rating based on a number of factors including size, building orientation, insulation, shading, windows, and energy efficient lighting. Our homes are all built to a minimum 7-star energy rating, and there are many building sustainability upgrades that you can choose to include to further increase this rating.

What is a BAL Rating?

If you’re building a new home in Australia, it’s highly likely a BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) rating will be required. There are six BAL categories ranging from low to extreme. A BAL report can be completed by a fire assessor or engineer and they’ll base their findings on the Fire Danger Index, slope of the site, the type of vegetation surrounding the property and how close it is to your home. Your rating will impact on a number of factors when it’s time to build – if the BAL is over 12.5 there will be special requirements relating to materials used. Our standard modular homes are built to a BAL 12.5 rating – if a higher rating is required further upgrades can be added to meet the BAL rating for your site.

Can you build on BAL 40 & Flame Zone rated properties?

Yes, we can build to BAL 40. BAL 40 construction levels are achievable with modular homes, with substantial upgrades to construction materials, which are compliant with the provisions of the Australian Standard for construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas, AS 3959. No, we are not able to build to BAL FZ (Flame Zone).

What is a Bushfire Management Statement?

A Bushfire Management Statement (BMS) is a document required for building in areas at risk of bushfires. It outlines how your home and property will meet safety rules to reduce the risk of bushfire damage. This includes things like building materials, vegetation management, and access for emergency services. It’s an important part of the planning process to help protect your home and meet local council and CFA requirements.

A Land Capability Assessment (LCA) is a detailed assessment and report that is applicable if your property is located in an area that is not connected to sewerage. It identifies site features that will assist you in developing a management plan for your on-site wastewater management that will enhance long-term sustainability and minimise environmental impacts. The LCA will determine the best place for the installation of a waste water treatment system including the location of an effluent field.

How do I know if I can get a modular home onto my property?

Our friendly team are available for advice on access and location, plus, planning and reporting requirements too. We can perform a desktop assessment from our office or physically visit your property to report on its suitability. Assessment pricing is site-specific, and you can contact our team for a quote for your property.

Do you build on concrete slabs?

Unfortunately, because our homes are prefabricated in a factory, our building system requires our homes to be built on a steel floor frame therefore we cannot build a modular home in a concrete slab.

What type of warranty do your homes have?

All Anchor Homes come with a 7-year Home Owners Warranty. Plus, we also offer a 3-month building maintenance period after handover.

How do I know if I am eligible for the First Home Owners Grant?

To be eligible for the first home owners grant you must not have previously received a grant in Australia, not owned residential property before 1st July 2000, the property must be occupied as a home for a continuous period of 12 months within the first 12 months, plus, you’ll need to meet the residency requirements. If you have a partner or spouse, they must also have not received a grant or purchased property previously.

How do I choose the best facade for my project?

When choosing a façade, focus on harmonising with your home’s interior style while also complementing the surrounding environment. At Anchor Homes, our skilled team will help guide you when selecting your façade, cladding materials, and colour scheme to work with your overall vision for your dream modular home.

Can Anchor Homes create a custom facade for my project?

If you have a few creative ideas of your own, we can work with you to bring your own unique facade to life with our in-house architect.

What is the standard ceiling height for the Cubehaus facade?

The Cubehaus facade allows for 9ft ceilings throughout.

What is included in the Hamptons facade upgrade?

The Hamptons façade is an optional upgrade for the Avoca 12, Avoca 14, and Avoca 18 modular house designs. This upgrade includes: Double aluminium French doors, upgraded front door and handle, fretwork with cement sheet backing, painted timber window trim and ledges (3 sides of the home), additional area to home (1.8m2), additional gables, a portico, unlined skillion verandah, stacked stone piers, merbau decking (90mm) and linea cladding to all external walls (180mm).

Are your facades compatible with solar panel systems?

Yes, at Anchor Homes, all our standard facades are compatible with solar panel systems.

Do you design and build custom prefab modular homes?

Yes — Anchor Homes specialises in the design, construction, and delivery of fully custom prefab modular homes. With over 20 years of expertise in modular home design, we have proudly helped hundreds of clients across Australia realise their vision of a beautifully crafted, bespoke prefab modular home.

Do you have an in-house architect?

Yes — Anchor Homes is proud to have Chris Stoik as our dedicated in-house architect. With an impressive depth of experience in custom modular home design, Chris works closely and personally with each client to understand their vision and translate it into a refined design that performs beautifully within our modular building system.

Can your architect help me create a concept from scratch if I don't know what I want?

Yes — and this is where we truly excel. Many of our clients arrive with a lifestyle in mind rather than a finished design, and that is entirely welcome. Our in-house architect Chris Stoik will work closely with you through a thoughtful and collaborative design process. He will take the time to understand how you live, what you value, and what you aspire to achieve before developing a bespoke custom modular home design from the ground up, tailored entirely to your vision, lifestyle, and block.

How do I start the process of building a custom modular home with Anchor Homes?

The first step is to submit a project enquiry through our website. One of our experienced project consultants will be in touch to personally guide you through the custom modular home journey. To ensure we can direct you as efficiently as possible, we encourage you to share as much detail as you can. This includes your vision, block location, and any inspiration you may already have. From there, we take care everything!

Can you work with my own architect or designer?

Anchor Homes works exclusively with our in-house architect on all custom modular home projects. Designing a prefab modular home demands an intimate understanding of our construction methodology as well as transport and structural requirements. By maintaining the entire design process in-house, we are able to deliver exceptional outcomes with the efficiency and quality our clients expect. The good news? Everything you need is right here under one roof.

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Article

3 Smart Tips To Get The Most From Your Prefab Modular Home Build

modular costs

May 01, 2026

Written by

Alana McNab

Home Build Tips · Modular Homes · Prefab Homes · What You Need To Know Before You Build · Building Planning

Building a modular home is one of the most significant investments of your life. 🏠

And it's safe to say, getting more from that investment doesn't happen by chance...it happens through smart decisions, made early, with the right team by your side. At Anchor Homes, working alongside our clients to build smarter is something we do every single day. In this article, we share three practical ways our team makes that happen for you.

From design configuration and number of levels, to understanding site requirements, these are the conversations our team has with every client. The earlier we have them with you, the better placed we are to deliver a home that truly works for your vision, your site, and your project goals. Read on to find out more...

3 Smart Tips To Get The Most Out of Your Build

1. Fewer Modules, Same Design Vision

One of the most impactful and often overlooked considerations in modular home design is the number of modules your home requires. More modules means more manufacturing, more logistics, and more transport. Reducing that number, even by one, can have a meaningful effect on your overall investment without touching the design intent you fell in love with.

Here is a great example of this in action:
• The Portsea 16 (3 Modules): This stunning four-bedroom design is built across three modules, including a distinctive inner module that gives it a unique architectural character. For those drawn to that specific look and layout, it's a beautiful choice and well worth it. 🚛🚛🚛

• The Aspendale (2 Modules): An equally generous four-bedroom layout across just two modules with no inner module. The investment saved by opting for a 2 module design instead could be redirected toward something like a premium kitchen upgrade or a custom interior specification. The choice is yours! 🚛🚛

That's the beauty of having options. Both paths lead to an exceptional home, just in different ways to suit our clients' top priorities. It often takes nothing more than a thoughtful conversation with our team to identify which approach suits you best.

Does This Apply to Converting a Traditional Design to Modular Too?

Yes! Some clients come to us with existing plans for a traditionally built home they'd love to see reimagined in modular form. After assessing the feasibility of the conversion, the most important thing our team focuses on is how many modules the design will require. That number shapes everything to ensure an efficient build. Our team will work through your plans carefully to identify every opportunity to perfect the ideal number of modules without compromising your design intent.

Some conversions need very little adjustment to get there; others benefit from a more considered rethink. Either way, our team is prepared and ready to assist! If you have plans you'd like us to assess, get in touch and we'll talk you through it.

2. Make Sure Your Design and Block Work Together

One of the most important things our team focuses on early in the process is making sure your chosen design is the right fit for your chosen block. It sounds straightforward, but it's a step that's easy to overlook when you're excited about a design you love. Your block has just as much influence over your build as your design does, and understanding that relationship early can make an enormous difference to how your build comes together.

Here are three common examples to consider:

• ↕️ Double Storey vs. Single Storey: All double storey modular homes require a crane to place the upper modules onto the lower structure. Single storey homes (in many cases, subject to your block type) often do not, making for a more streamlined delivery and install by truck alone. Both are fantastic options, but the investment involved in each is meaningfully different and worth understanding early. Read more →

• 📐Sloping Block vs. Flat Block: A sloping block can be a beautiful canvas, but it often requires excavation, site cuts, retaining walls, or elevated piers to prepare it for a new home. A flat block is generally simpler to work with and avoids many of those additional site requirements. Read more →

•🔥 Low BAL vs. High BAL Rating: A low Bushfire Attack Level rating like BAL-12.5 means you can use standard material selections throughout your home. A high BAL rating requires upgraded, BAL-compliant materials across the entire build, which has a meaningful impact on your overall investment. Read more →

Every block tells a story, and our team knows how to read it. That's precisely why our free desktop site assessment is one of the most valuable things we offer. Let us take a look before you get too far ahead.

3. Get Your Land Assessed Early

Whether you already own a block or are still exploring land and weighing up your options, this is one of the most valuable steps you can take, and it costs you nothing.

Our free desktop site assessment gives you a clear, informed picture of what your chosen block will actually require to build on. Below are a few examples of insights a desktop assessment can typically uncover:

• 🏗️ Crane requirements: will your block's access or design necessitate a crane?

• 🌳 Tree removal: are there obstacles that need to be cleared before construction can begin?

• 🛣️ Road or utility management: will roads need temporary closure, or power temporarily redirected?

• 📐 Site slope: a sloping block may require additional site works, which can shape your overall build strategy.

• 🔥 BAL rating: a high Bushfire Attack Level rating requires upgraded, BAL-compliant selections, which is an important consideration to understand before committing to a site.

Building To Your Project Budget

One question our team will always ask early in the conversation is: what is your investment scope for this project? The reason is simple.

Without knowing your scope, we cannot accurately recommend the right design or the right specifications for your situation. Building you a beautiful home within your project budget is important to us, and our team will work closely alongside you to make sure your vision fits within it. Sometimes that means fine-tuning a design, exploring smarter configurations, or identifying where a small change creates a really exciting opportunity. There is almost always a great solution to be found, and helping you find it is exactly what our team is here for.

Let's Build Something Exceptional Together

The path to your dream modular home doesn't have to be complicated.

With the right guidance, the right design decisions, and an experienced team behind you it can be one of the most rewarding journeys you'll ever take. At Anchor Homes, we're here to make sure it is.

Whether you're just starting to explore your options, you've found a block you love, or you're ready to choose a design, we'd love to hear from you. Contact the Anchor Homes team today to speak with one of our project consultants. Let's have an conversation about what's possible, and start building something you'll love for a lifetime.