Kit Homes

Kit homes can offer one of the least expensive means of constructing your home. Even so, kit homes are not for everyone. If you are trying to decide whether or not to buy a kit home, read through the following information first:

• The advantages and disadvantages,
• Doing your research,
• Assembly.

The advantages and disadvantages

Kit homes can cost significantly less than conventional housing. These savings are the result of:

• Mass production of the frames/material,
• The components being cut to size in a factory as opposed to this being done on site,
• Delivery of all the components in one load, and also
• Reduced likelihood of theft as the building is constructed relatively quickly.

This last point suggests that kit homes can also save you time. This is often the case, as the wall frames and trusses are clearly marked and accompanied by detailed plans which ensure their erection is simple and fast. The fact that all the materials are organised for you also saves on time.

Disadvantages include that you are likely to be responsible for selecting and employing sub-contractors, unless you employ a builder or arrange for the manufacturer to assemble the home. You will also need to arrange building permits and works approvals as well as organising items and materials commonly not included in your kit (e.g. paint, tiles, cupboards, plumbing and electrical fittings, carpet, etc.).

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Doing your research

When looking to buy a kit home, spend plenty of time researching the various packages available. Some kits will offer little more than the walls and roofing, whilst others may include the fitting out of the interior. Always obtain an inventory of exactly what will be included in any particular kit.

Almost all kit home manufacturers have showrooms for display of their models (generally scaled down in size). Look over the range of plans for various manufacturers and compare not only designs, but also instruction guides, costs and quality.

Inspect several recently built kit homes. While there, try to speak with the owners and find out how easy they found the construction of the kit. Also ask them whether they would build another kit home now that they know what it all involves. Their answers could be very insightful!

When you find a kit you would like to build, read over the contract thoroughly. Check all the details concerning materials and services which are to be included with the kit. Do not rely on the salesperson's word that particular services or materials will be included, make sure they are detailed in the contract. Also, make sure that the contract guarantees the kit will meet the requirements of local authorities.

As with any contract, it is extremely important that you understand and agree with this entire document prior to signing it. If you have any concerns, consult a legal advisor.

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Assembly

The three main ways you can have your kit house built are:

• By becoming an owner-builder and sub-contracting out trade work (e.g. plumbing, electrical work and bricklaying),
• By employing a licenced builder to construct your home to lockup stage or to full completion,
• By paying the manufacturers of the kit to also build it for you.

Be aware that constructing a kit home yourself will be very time consuming. You will also need to be able to bring to the project sufficient skill, patience and energy to see it to completion. Even simple kit homes will require you to possess average workshop skills, so if you wish to build a complicated design you must have sound house building knowledge.

Read over the manual thoroughly before starting construction. If you have any questions about the building process, contact the manufacturer. Some companies may even provide short courses to teach you appropriate construction skills. And, when you commence building, do not take short cuts. If you do not follow the instructions, you risk voiding your contract warranty and could make costly or dangerous mistakes.

Read over our tips on choosing a builder should you decide to take this approach. Compare builder's quotes with the cost if the manufacturer's building service construct the kit. In either case, make sure you have a valid contract to cover all works.

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