Prefab Modular Homes · Modular Home Projects · Modular Home Pricing
Most people don't realise how much you can find out before making any decisions about their build.
💡 If you're in the early stages of planning, these are probably the questions on your mind:
• What is my block actually capable of?
• What will my home-build realistically cost?
• What are my council planning requirements?
Here's the good news: getting clarity on all three is completely free, and easier than you might think, before you've made any commitments at all. At Anchor Homes, we'll guide you through each step.
Continue reading to find out how...
1. Request a Free Desktop Site Assessment ✔
Many people don't realise just how much you can learn about your block, simply by having a chat with us first.
A desktop site assessment is exactly that: a remote review of your land, carried out by our team, that looks at its potential and flags anything worth knowing early. This includes things like slope, access, or other site considerations that could shape your modular home build.
Request a free desktop site assessment >
It's a simple first step, but it's often the moment people start picturing their project as something real. And, because it's complimentary, there's no reason not to find out what your land could support before going any further.
Learn more about what we look for in our assessment >
2. Request A Complimentary Project Estimate ✔
Discover the numbers you can actually plan your project around.
After you submit a project enquiry and have your initial discovery call with us, our team can put together a detailed estimate based on what you've shared. Some builders charge for this step; with us, it's complimentary. This is often the part people are most keen to get to: the real numbers.
There's a difference worth understanding here. A base price is a great starting point, helping you see whether your budget aligns with a particular design, size, and standard inclusions. A project estimate goes further. It factors in your specific block, any required or optional upgrades, and your individual allowances, so the number you're working with actually reflects your project rather than a generic starting point, giving you something you can genuinely plan around.
Extra tip: Always check the standard inclusions when comparing builders, so you're comparing apples with apples.
For example, at Anchor Homes, delivery of your modular home is included in our base price from day one. It's a detail that often catches people off guard when comparing modular builders, as some advertise a lower base price that doesn't include delivery, only for that cost to be added later. We'd rather give you the full picture from the very start!
Learn more about how to compare builder quotes here >
3. Check Your Council Planning Requirements ✔
Here's a step many people overlook early on, and one that's completely free to take.
Before your build gets underway, it's worth making a quick call to your local council's planning department. Asking the right questions early can save a lot of back-and-forth later, and the answers can make a real difference to your timeline and budget.
You might be surprised to learn that in some cases there are no planning triggers at all, meaning only a building permit is required rather than a full planning permit. That's one less hurdle, and something worth finding out sooner rather than later. Where a planning permit is required, understanding this early gives you a clear picture of council's likely support for your project, and any cost or time implications to be aware of.
Your local council's planning department will want to know the following:
• Your site address
• The proposed location of the build on the site
• The proposed use of the building (primary home, secondary dwelling, DPU, etc.)
• The proposed use of the land (residential, farming, etc.)
With this above information, council can assess your proposal against the planning controls on the site and offer preliminary feedback on the suitability of your application. They may also highlight any building requirements under the relevant zone or overlay, and advise whether any additional reports are required to support your application, such as a Bushfire Management Statement, Landslip Risk Assessment, or Farm Management Plan.
Questions worth asking your local council:
• What is the zoning on my land, and does it permit a residential dwelling?
• Are there any overlays on my property (bushfire, flood, heritage, or vegetation)?
• Do I need a planning permit, or is a building permit sufficient?
It's also worth checking your land title for any limitations or restrictive covenants. Anchor Homes can provide preliminary feedback on these, however for anything specific, it's best to seek advice from a conveyancer or solicitor to identify any potential implications for your build.
Building With Us? We Can Handle Planning For You
If you do choose to build with Anchor Homes, you won't need to navigate the planning applications process alone. As part of our end-to-end service, we can manage the planning and permit process on your behalf during the pre-construction stage of your project.
Most of our clients are glad to hand this over to us because we work with councils regularly and we know the process inside out. We're always across every step so you don't have to be, and that's one of the best parts of building with us.
Three Starting Points, Zero Commitment Required ✔
Exploring your options should feel easy, not overwhelming.
That's exactly why we've identified these three checks to make the investigation process as simple as possible.
A desktop site assessment that shows you what your land can do. A project estimate that gives you real numbers to plan around. And a planning check that sets out exactly what council will need from you. Together, these three steps mean you can explore modular construction with genuine information, before you've made any decisions at all.
Still Have Questions? We're Here to Help
If any of this feels unfamiliar or you're not sure where to start, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Anchor Homes team. This is what we do every day, and we're more than happy to guide you through it.
Let's Explore The Possibilities For Your Project
If you've been exploring builders and weighing up your options, start the conversation with us.
Contact us today to discover what's possible for your project, your land, and your build. Let's explore how we can help bring your ideas to life!
