Transportable vs Custom Minor Dwellings

Both have their place, but understanding the differences will help you make the right choice for your situation.

The Big Misconception

Here's something that catches people off guard: not all minor dwellings arrive on the back of a truck. Many people think 'minor dwelling' automatically means 'transportable', but that's not always the case – or the best option.

Transportable Minor Dwellings

Transportable units are built off-site in a factory environment, then delivered to your property as a complete (or near-complete) package.

The Good Stuff:

Speed: Once manufactured, your dwelling can be on-site and ready to go in a matter of days rather than weeks or months.

Cost: Because they're built using repeated designs and factory efficiencies, transportable dwellings often come with a lower upfront price tag.

Weather Protection: Being built indoors means no weather delays during construction.

The Challenges:

Site Access: This is the big one. If you have a narrow driveway, tight corners, or limited rear access, getting a complete dwelling to its final spot can be tricky – sometimes impossible. Think about whether a large truck and crane can actually reach where you want your dwelling.

Limited Customisation: While you might get to choose colours or cladding options, the basic design is pretty much set. You're working within the manufacturer's standard offerings.

Site Requirements: Your site needs to be relatively flat and accessible. Sloping sites or unusual configurations can create expensive complications.

Custom Minor Dwellings

Custom dwellings are designed specifically for your site and built in place, just like a regular house but smaller.

The Good Stuff:

Perfect Fit: We design around your site's unique features – slopes, views, access issues, you name it. If your section has challenges, we work with them rather than against them.

Personalisation: Want specific layouts, materials, or features? No problem. We start with inspiration designs but welcome changes that work for your needs and budget.

No Access Issues: Because we build on-site, narrow driveways and tight spaces aren't deal-breakers.

Future-Proof: Custom designs can be easier to modify or extend later if your needs change.

The Trade-offs:

Cost: Custom design and on-site construction typically costs more upfront. We need input from engineers, planners, or architects to make sure everything's done right for your specific site.

Time: Building on-site takes longer than delivery. Weather can cause delays, and the design process adds time upfront.

Complexity: More moving parts mean more decisions and coordination.

Making the Right Choice

Go Transportable If:

• You have great site access (wide, straight driveway)
• Your site is relatively flat
• You're happy with standard layouts
• Speed is your priority
• You want the lowest possible upfront cost

Go Custom If:

• You have site access challenges
• Your section has slopes or unusual features
• You want something tailored to your specific needs
• You're planning for long-term use
• You want to maximise your site's potential

The Money Side

Transportable: Lower upfront costs, but remember to factor in site preparation, connections, and any access solutions you might need.

Custom: Higher upfront investment, but we work with your budget. Sometimes a custom solution actually works out more cost-effective when you factor in all the site-specific requirements.

What About Modular?

You might also come across the term 'modular', which refers to a method of construction where sections (or modules) of the home are built off-site in a factory, then transported and joined together on your property. Once assembled, the finished building looks and functions just like a traditional home.

In the context of minor dwellings, modular homes can overlap with transportable builds, but they’re not quite the same thing.

A transportable dwelling is typically built as a complete unit that’s delivered to site (and sometimes designed to be relocated again in future).

A modular dwelling, on the other hand, is made up of several large pre-finished sections that are transported once and permanently joined on-site – more like a kit of building blocks that come together to form a full home.

So while modular homes are technically transported, they’re not designed to be moved repeatedly. For smaller, single dwellings, modular can still be an option, but because of the engineering and logistics involved, it’s not always the most cost-effective compared to simpler transportable or custom-built solutions.

Next Steps

The best choice depends on your specific situation – your site, budget, timeline, and what you want from your minor dwelling.

That's where a conversation helps. We can look at your site, understand your goals, and talk through what makes sense for your situation.

Get started by booking a free phone consultation with me here. We'll talk through your options, I'll answer your questions, and help you make the right choice for your project.

Or, if you're still in research mode, read Our Guide to Building a Minor Dwelling for more helpful information.