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.

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, your site and your budget.

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

The first step is to reach out to our team via the contact page on our website or give us a call on 1300 946 815. 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 of everything!

Can you work with my own architect or designer?

Anchor Homes primarily works with our in-house architect on all custom modular home projects, as designing a prefab modular home demands an intimate understanding of our construction methodology as well as transport and structural requirements. That said, we are happy to work alongside your architect or designer. Due to the nuances of modular construction, our team would still prepare the final drawings and documentation to ensure everything meets our precise building standards. The good news? Everything you need is right here under one roof.

Can you convert my architect's plans to modular construction?

Yes — if you have existing drawings, whether for a traditionally built home or a modular design, our in-house architect will carefully assess and adapt those plans to suit our modular building system. Some modifications may be required to ensure the design is fully optimised for our construction methodology, and our team will walk you through any changes with complete transparency. Throughout the process, we are committed to staying as true to your original design intent as possible.

Will my custom modular home look any different to a traditionally built home?

No — A custom prefab modular home designed and built by Anchor Homes is virtually indistinguishable from traditional site-built construction. Our homes are crafted and finished to the highest standards, with the full breadth of architectural styles, premium materials, and refined interior finishes available to you.

How much does a custom prefab modular home cost?

As every custom modular home is entirely unique, pricing is tailored to each individual project. The best way to understand costs for your project is to submit an enquiry on our website. From there, one of our project consultants will arrange a dedicated discovery call to understand your vision, design aspirations, and build location, before preparing a clear and transparent sales estimate for your review.

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Article

4-Bedroom Modular Home Near Mount Buller | Sawmill Settlement Project | Anchor Homes

Projects

October 04, 2024

Written by

Alana McNab

Modular Home Design - Sawmill Settlement Project (near Mount Buller) - Prefab Modular Homes - Living Room Design

"What does it take to build a high-spec, BAL-29 rated modular home in Victoria's alpine high country and have it delivered ready to live in?"

The Sawmill Settlement project near Mount Buller is a modified Tambo 15 design — a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom modular home built off-site at our Stratford factory and delivered to a remote alpine site. Here's a complete look inside, including the client's custom modifications, material choices, and what made this build unique.

4 BED • 2 BATH • BAL-29 RATED • CUBEHAUS

Kitchen & Dining

The kitchen anchors the open-plan layout with a striking contrast of Laminex Black and Elegant Oak cabinetry. This combination brings warmth and depth without losing the clean, contemporary edge suited to alpine living. Dark stainless-steel appliances and a matte black kit-kat tile splashback complete the look.

Sawmill Settlement Project - Floorplan - Anchor Homes - Prefab Modular Home Builder - 4 Bedroom Home_Dining

Sawmill Settlement Project - Mount Buller Victoria - Prefab Modular Homes - Anchor Homes_Kitchen1 A concrete-look benchtop from Laminex in 'Manhattan' grounds the palette in natural tones, while the island bench was a key client modification — converting the original run of cabinetry into a freestanding island that opens up the social heart of the home.

Love the Tambo 15 design? → View all facade options

Sawmill Settlement Project - Floorplan - Anchor Homes - Prefab Modular Home Builder - 4 Bedroom Home_Bathroom

Bathrooms & Laundry

This home boasts two beautifully designed bathrooms—an ensuite and a main bathroom—featuring a thoughtful mix of tiles to create visual interest.

Both bathrooms feature a combination of matte beige terrazzo-style tiles on the walls, paired with pewter 'concrete-look' tiles on the floor, offering a harmonious balance of textures. The shower wall in the main bathroom is finished with smaller white matte tiles, adding a fresh, clean touch that enhances the space’s overall brightness.

Sawmill Settlement Project_AnchorHomes_Laundry The laundry boasts oak-colored cabinetry and matte black fixtures, blending style with functionality. The backsplash, featuring the same white matte tiles from the bathrooms, creates a cohesive look while ensuring durability and easy maintenance for efficient laundry tasks.

Sawmill Settlement Project - Floorplan - Anchor Homes - Prefab Modular Home Builder - 4 Bedroom Home_Living

Living Room

The open-plan living area is spacious and inviting, with the kitchen and dining area seamlessly flowing into the living room. With tall 2700mm high ceilings—an exclusive feature available with the Cubehaus façade—the room feels expansive and airy.

The flooring continues the natural theme, with vinyl planks in the colour Niveus, offering durability and a subtle lime effect that brings distinctive grain patterns to the floor.

Sawmill Settlement Project - Mount Buller Victoria - Prefab Modular Homes - Anchor Homes_5 After handover, the clients opted to add a timber-panel feature wall, introducing an extra layer of texture and warmth to the room. Timber-panel features not only create visual interest but also enhance the aesthetic appeal, adding natural warmth and character to the space.

Sawmill Settlement Project_AnchorHomes_Bedroom

Bedrooms

The home’s layout is thoughtfully designed, with four bedrooms placed strategically for privacy and convenience.

The master bedroom and fourth bedroom are positioned at the rear of the home, offering a quiet retreat, while bedrooms two and three are located towards the front. This layout provides excellent zoning for family living, ensuring privacy for the master suite while maintaining a cohesive flow throughout the home.

Sawmill Settlement Project - Mount Buller Victoria - Prefab Modular Homes - Anchor Homes_9 Sawmill Settlement Project_AnchorHomes_Exterior1

Sawmill Settlement Project - Mount Buller Victoria - Prefab Modular Homes - Anchor Homes_3

Exterior

The Cubehaus façade was chosen for its bold, flat-roofline appearance and the structural ability to achieve taller 2700mm ceilings. James Hardie Axon cladding in Night Sky, applied vertically, creates a strong contemporary silhouette that blends with the dark-toned alpine bush setting. Merbau decking at the entry provides warmth and a tactile welcome.

Sawmill Settlement Project - Floorplan - Anchor Homes - Prefab Modular Home Builder - 4 Bedroom Home Design
The Sawmill Settlement Project Floorplan

Modifications & Floorplan

The Tambo 15 design served as the foundation for this project, but our clients collaborated with us to make a few thoughtful adjustments:

• Kitchen: The kitchen bench was shortened to become an island, adding both functionality and visual appeal.

• Bathroom: In the main bathroom, the shower, bath, and sink placements were rearranged for better flow.

• Hallway: The hallway was shortened to extend the laundry, creating more functional storage space.

• Bedroom 4: The fourth bedroom was made accessible from the main living area, resulting in a more open and connected floorplan.

What is a BAL Rating and How Does it Impact Housing

BAL-29 Bushfire Compliance

What is a BAL-29 rating?

BAL-29 (Bushfire Attack Level 29) means your site is exposed to a medium-to-high level of ember attack and radiant heat. Homes built in BAL-29 zones require specific materials, construction methods, and site considerations to meet Australian Standards.

Anchor Homes can build to any BAL specification — from BAL-12.5 through to BAL-40. We do not build to BAL-FZ (Flame Zone), the highest rating.

How we met BAL-29 at Sawmill Settlement

• Fire-resistant cladding - James Hardie Axon cladding in Night Sky was selected to meet BAL-29 ember and heat requirements while maintaining the home's contemporary aesthetic.

• On-site water storage - Water storage solutions were incorporated into the build to comply with bushfire safety requirements for the remote alpine location.

• Structural and interior material selections considered fire resistance at every stage

🔥 Building in a bushfire zone → Read our BAL guide

Sawmill Settlement Project - Modular Home Delivery The Sawmill Settlement Project departing our manufacturing facility.

Delivery

Our modular construction approach minimises on-site disruptions and streamlines the building process. With the modules built off-site, we avoided weather-related delays and delivered the home ready for final assembly. This method is especially beneficial for remote locations like Sawmill Settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I modify a standard Anchor Homes design like the Tambo 15?

Absolutely. As this project shows, our designs are a starting point, not a constraint. You can modify room layouts, wall placements, fixtures, and finishes in collaboration with our design team.

How long does it take to build and deliver a modular home to a remote location?

Your home is built in our off-site manufacturing facility typically over 8–10 weeks, (varies by project), then delivered to site usually within a single day. On-site assembly — final connections, fit-out, and site works — typically takes a further 6–10 weeks depending on site conditions and build complexity. Compared to a traditional build, this is significantly faster, with the added benefit of full quality control throughout construction.

What does a 4-bedroom prefab modular home like this cost?

Pricing depends on your design, site conditions, and specification choices. Download our pricing guide for a starting-point range, or contact our team for a project-specific quote based on your land and requirements.

Over To You

If you’re inspired by this modern alpine retreat, why not explore how Anchor Homes can bring your vision to life? Whether you’re dreaming of a rural escape, a family home, or something in between, our modular designs offer flexibility, speed, and bespoke solutions.