FAQ

So your needing some work done? We know how exciting it can be when you're finally able to get the deck you've been wanting built, or a new fence, or your dream tiny house! But there are some things you should consider before you give the go ahead, that can help prevent any unpleasant surprises. 1. Budget This one seems obvious, but before you consult with your builder, you should have a number in mind for what you're prepared to spend, and be straight up with the builder about it. Make sure you get a quote beforehand so you won't be shocked after the build is finished. Sometimes theres unforeseen costs, but make sure the builder knows what you can afford. Then discuss things like design costs, deposits, and payment plans. Also if you're needing a loan, make sure you talk to the bank before signing off on the build. 2. Get the design right Be very clear with the designer on what your wanting, and then look at the design closely. There's nothing worse than a build being halfway done and then the client realising it's not what they wanted. 3. Permits & Consent If it's relevant, make sure you have the right counsel permissions and consent BEFORE the building begins. Depending on the project, you may need to apply and get inspections done, which can take awhile, so it pays to get the process started as soon as possible. 4. Timeframe Do you have a timeframe in mind for the project? When you do need it by? You should communicate timeframe with the builder. You may think the job will take a few days, where in reality in my be a few weeks. Sometimes theres unforeseen delays, such as bad weather, but make sure you know roughly how long the build is expected to take, to save you from the awkward "whats taking so long?" conversation. 5. The Right People Make sure you get the right builders for the job your wanting. You wouldn't hire a plumber to build your house, and you wouldn't hire a builder to fix your toilet. Ensure you're going with builders with experience and knowledge on the type of work you want.

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Our services vary in cost depending on the size and complexity of the project. We can provide a quote for you, or work to a budget. Contact Ali for more information!

If a tiny home is built on wheels or designed to be transported on a trailer, the building’s maximum dimensions are 2.5m wide by 4.25m high (from the ground) by 12.5m long, to avoid needing a special permit. The tiny home’s weight must not exceed 3.5 tonnes. If a tiny home is fixed to the land, maximum dimensions do not exist. Naturally, the bigger you build a tiny home, the less ‘tiny’ the home becomes.

While your tiny house doesn't need to be built on a trailer, we do recommend doing it that way for several reasons: When it's built on wheels, it's technically a 'vehicle' that's being built, rather than a house or building, meaning that campervan laws apply, not building code and consent. Your tiny house can be built on our trailer, delivered to your parking spot, and then removed from the trailer and put on stilts. Then if you ever need to move your tiny home, you can just move it back onto the trailer.

Depending on the zone, you may need to apply for a resource consent. Some zones allow residential flats for gentle intensification as long as you comply with site/ zone standards (i.e. setbacks, heights etc.). However, in some other areas a resource consent will be required and therefore it is important to check the rules of the District Plan and which zone you are located in before you proceed.

Financing for Tiny Homes on wheels: Vegalend https://vegalend.co.nz/ Credit One https://www.creditone.co.nz/caravan-loans-finance Squirrel https://www.squirrel.co.nz/squirrel-loans TMFNZ https://www.tmfnz.co.nz/

The Building Act defines a building as a temporary or permanent movable or immovable structure and can include a vehicle or motor vehicle that is immovable and is occupied by people on a permanent or longterm basis. A tiny house could be considered as a building or a vehicle, or both a building and a vehicle. In some circumstances you may require a building consent even if the tiny house has wheels. Tiny houses on wheels will often be vehicles e.g. motor homes, but may also meet the definition of a building if they are immovable and occupied by people on a permanent or long term basis. Each tiny house should be considered based on its own characteristics to determine whether it should be considered a building. View more information in this GOVT document: https://www.building.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/getting-started/tiny-houses/tiny-houses-guidance-mbie.pdf

Yes! If you are keen to help with the building process, or take over once we finish the frame those are both options we can discuss!

Absolutely! Using recycled and gathered materials is a great way to save you money, make your tiny house extra unique, and lower your tiny footprint!