Purchasing a transportable home offers a fantastic way to create a space that suits your needs—whether it’s a cozy getaway, a holiday cabin, or a permanent residence. These homes provide flexibility and convenience, but there are several factors to think about to ensure a smooth setup and long-term satisfaction. From foundations to sewer connections, this guide covers the key considerations for buying a transportable home in New Zealand.

At Cosy Cabins, we specialise in simplifying this process, guiding you every step of the way with our expertise and personalised support.

1. Planning Your Project: The Basics

Start by laying the groundwork for your project with these essentials:

Project Address and District Council: Regulations differ across regions, so identifying your local council (e.g., Auckland Council, Queenstown Lakes District Council) is crucial. They’ll outline requirements for consents and compliance.

Land and House Area: Measure your land area and the size of the transportable home (in square meters) to ensure it fits and meets local zoning rules.

At Cosy Cabins, we assist in gathering this information and coordinating with your local council to ensure everything is in order, making the planning phase straightforward.

2. Foundations: A Stable Base

A transportable home needs a solid foundation to ensure safety and durability. Key considerations include:

Survey and Geotech Report: A survey and geotechnical report assess ground stability and site suitability, helping determine the best foundation type.

Foundation Type: Depending on your land, you might need piles, a concrete slab, or pad foundations, especially if the ground is uneven or unstable.

Cosy Cabins manages the survey and foundation process, ensuring your home is securely placed without any unexpected challenges.

3. Utility Connections: Power, Water, and Waste

Connecting your transportable home to essential services is a vital step. Here’s what to consider:

Fresh Water

Town Supply Connection: If available at the boundary, you can connect to the municipal water supply.

Bore: For rural sites, drilling a bore provides an independent water source which will need to be tested at a laboratory for potable (Drinkable) Suppy

Wastewater

Boundary Connection: If sewer lines are available, you can connect directly.

Septic Tank and Field: For off-grid sites, a septic system with a drainage field is a common solution.

Power

Grid Connection: Connecting to the grid at the boundary is straightforward if power lines are nearby.

Off-Grid Solar: For remote locations, a solar system offers sustainable energy independence.

Internet

Chorus: Often available for urban or semi-rural areas.

Starlink: A reliable option for rural sites, providing high-speed internet via satellite.

Cosy Cabins oversees these connections, ensuring your home is fully functional from the moment you move in. We’ll evaluate your site and recommend the best options for your setup.

4. Safety and Compliance: Firefighting and Council Requirements

Safety regulations and council obligations are essential for transportable homes in New Zealand.

Firefighting:

Many councils require firefighting water storage, such as installing two 2,500L tanks on-site. This ensures emergency preparedness, particularly in rural areas.

Council Fees

Financial contributions may be required, depending on your district. Contact your local council for a detailed list of requirements, as they vary by region.

With Cosy Cabins, we handle the paperwork and coordinate with councils to ensure compliance, so you can settle into your new home with peace of mind.

5. Additional Features for Comfort and Functionality

Beyond the essentials, consider these elements to personalise your transportable home:

Base Boards

Base boards around the perimeter of the unit provide a neat finish and added protection.

Decking

A hardwood deck (like Kwila) between 15-30 square meters creates a lovely outdoor living space, perfect for enjoying New Zealand’s scenery.

Appliances

Equip your home with essentials like a washer, dryer, dishwasher, oven, fridge-freezer, and microwave to make it move-in ready.

Drapes

Roller blinds offer privacy and style, enhancing your home’s comfort.

Furniture

Plan for furniture that suits your needs and aesthetic preferences.

Gas Bottles

For cooking or heating, you’ll need gas bottles, with rental and usage to factor in.

Cosy Cabins offers guidance on these additions, helping you customise your home to fit your lifestyle.

6. Landscaping and Hardscaping

Enhancing your site with landscaping or hardscaping creates an inviting environment:

Landscaping: Adding plants, a lawn, or garden features makes your property feel complete.

Driveways, Paths, and Patios: Hardscaping elements ensure easy access and durability.

We can coordinate these finishing touches, ensuring your property complements your new home beautifully.

7. Key Assumptions to Understand

When planning, keep these assumptions in mind:

Planning Permissions: Ensure you have the necessary consents for your site.

Ground Stability: A geotech report confirms your land is suitable.

Service Provisions: Check if utilities are available at the boundary.

Subdivision Covenants: Some areas have restrictions on home placement.

Site Access: Ensure there’s a clear path for delivery.

Financing: Decide if you’ll pay cash or need a bank drawdown.

Project Management: Oversight keeps everything on track and avoids costly over-runs

Cosy Cabins takes care of these details, providing a seamless experience from start to finish.

8. Why Choose Cosy Cabins?

Setting up a transportable home involves many steps, but Cosy Cabins makes it effortless. With over 40 years of experience, our team manages everything—from navigating council requirements to ensuring your utilities are connected. We’re a Government Licensed Building Practitioner, so you can trust the quality of your home.

Our customers, like Wes and Maria Hughes, appreciated the flexibility to customise colours and designs during the build process, while Trevor Greeves valued the smooth process and excellent after-delivery support. We can also streamline the entire project under a fixed-price package, giving you clarity and confidence.

Ready to Get Started?

Buying a transportable home is a rewarding journey, and with thoughtful planning, you’ll be enjoying your new space in no time. Consider the factors above—foundations, utilities, safety, and finishing touches—to ensure your project runs smoothly. For more advice tailored to your specific site and needs, contact the experienced team at Cosy Cabins.

Call us at 0800 297 397, email sales@cosycabins.co.nz, or visit www.cosycabins.co.nz to start planning your dream home today.