I been getting quite a few pm's regarding purchasing transportable (or relocatable) homes (Iespecially granny flats) plus Ive sen quite a few questions posted here regarding the purchase of these types of strucures for placement in people's backyards. So, I thought I'd write an article about what to look out for if you're considering buying one, the Building Code of Australia's requirements and how to get them approved.
The most important points regarding relocatable homes (this is in NSW, I dont know how it works in other states) is to ensure:
1. That the internal wall height is minimum 2.4m (in the living and bedroom areas).
2. That the structure (usually steel-framed) comes with Structural Certification from a practicing Structural Engineer.
3. That your Local Council permits transportable/relocatable/portable buildings in your LGA
4. That the relevant Australian Standards have been met for habitable buildings, particularly if the building was shipped from overseas (usually China) because some meaterials used must be tested for toxicity etc.
I hope this thread helps those of you looking to purchase a transportable home. Ive had 4 approved for my clients and it wasn't easy. One was in Blacktown, one was in Blayney (country NSW), one in Orange NSW and the most recent one was in Wollondilly Council area (south sydney).
P.S. Most inner Sydney and (I think) even outer Sydney Council's have trouble supporting thse types of structures, especially if they're simple-lookig if you know what I mean- no articulation, no eaves (caravan-park looking).
The extended article is written here:
http://www.grannyflatapprovals.com.au/news/relocatable-granny-flats/
You can also read the NSW Department Of Planning Circular, which talks about the definitions and how the approval process works here:
http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/planningsystem/pdf/circulars/ps06_018_transportablehomes.pdf
Cheers,
Serge.
The most important points regarding relocatable homes (this is in NSW, I dont know how it works in other states) is to ensure:
1. That the internal wall height is minimum 2.4m (in the living and bedroom areas).
2. That the structure (usually steel-framed) comes with Structural Certification from a practicing Structural Engineer.
3. That your Local Council permits transportable/relocatable/portable buildings in your LGA
4. That the relevant Australian Standards have been met for habitable buildings, particularly if the building was shipped from overseas (usually China) because some meaterials used must be tested for toxicity etc.
I hope this thread helps those of you looking to purchase a transportable home. Ive had 4 approved for my clients and it wasn't easy. One was in Blacktown, one was in Blayney (country NSW), one in Orange NSW and the most recent one was in Wollondilly Council area (south sydney).
P.S. Most inner Sydney and (I think) even outer Sydney Council's have trouble supporting thse types of structures, especially if they're simple-lookig if you know what I mean- no articulation, no eaves (caravan-park looking).
The extended article is written here:
http://www.grannyflatapprovals.com.au/news/relocatable-granny-flats/
You can also read the NSW Department Of Planning Circular, which talks about the definitions and how the approval process works here:
http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/planningsystem/pdf/circulars/ps06_018_transportablehomes.pdf
Cheers,
Serge.
