FAQ’s

+ Why choose a Prefabulous home?

Prefabulous is your designer and your builder in one! The concept evolved from experiences, ideas and trends in contemporary architecture, flashes of inspiration from mid-century classics and our very own design flair. This defines the pure excitement you feel when you walk into a Prefabulous home. We listened and launched in 2019 to a resounding demand for a new vision of great design & construction.

Prefabulous constructs your project in Wagga Wagga and before you know, it’s delivered to your doorstep. There is certainty around the construction quality, finishes and fittings. The cost is a fixed price and we co-ordinate your DA approval with Council. Our customers love the stressless process and limited disruption on site, with installation completed within days.

+ Is my site suitable?

Elements of your site, whether residential or rural, are unique. Therefore, providing us with as much information as possible is extremely helpful. Understanding the terrain, orientation, and soil type is important. Initially, we are looking for space on your street or within your site to park a large truck, and possibly also a crane. Power lines, steep narrow sites, and heavily treed areas can challenge our ability to deliver and supply you with the home or POD. That's why we ask so many questions upfront! If your site is suitable, we can arrange a site inspection.

+ What is included in a Prefabulous Home or POD/Granny Flat?

We design the whole building and cleverly conceive a unique Prefabulous interior. Everything from the walls, windows, kitchens, bathrooms, carpets, tiles, taps, flooring, lighting, handles, finishes, joinery trims and paint are all included. The homes are uniquely fabulous – not a project home, not a kit home, simply Prefabulous.

+ Who manages the DA (Development Application) with Council?

From your site survey we create your site plan and co-ordinate your (DA) development application with your local Council. We also engage a town planning consultant to minimise delays. On average a DA application can take 4 weeks to prepare and a further 6-8 weeks for the approval. In a nutshell Council determines if your plans meet the criteria, zoning requirements, laws, policies and legislation of your local area and we ensure your project meets this council’s requirements.

+ What happens after the DA Approval from Council?

Once we receive DA approval, we finalise your fixed price ‘Building Contract’ and commence the build. We install the footings on your site and move the completed house to your land, ready for occupation. A DA is not required for Granny Flats or PODS that meet the criteria in NSW – Complying Development for Granny Flats.

+ Is a Survey & Soil Test important?

Great buildings have great foundations. A soil test will tell us what is in the ground and determine how to construct your footings. For rural sites without town services, a septic plan will be specified based on the soil conditions. Councils will ask for a survey of the land for the Development Application (DA) so you do need one. In the early planning stages, our Project Manager and Architect require the boundary and contour survey. It’s a good idea, if you are serious about your project making headway – contact Catherine at Prefabulous M: 0477 118 820 and she can recommend a GEO technician for your local area.

+ What are our Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Ratings?

We can build up to BAL 29 – For ratings higher than this level we would be pleased to discuss this with you. All sites will need to be assessed by an accredited BAL Assessor. Contact Catherine at Prefabulous M: 0477 118 820 and she can recommend a BAL Assessor for your local area.

+ Prefabulous Modules

Prefabulous homes are light, spacious and generous. Larger homes are built in sections and joined together on site. Our modules come in 3.5m, 4.2m and 5m widths and can be up to 17 metres in length. Distance and roads may also determine maximum widths and lengths.

You can create a great home from one large module and expand later as families grow and change. The options for friends and families to create a unique lifestyle are endless.

+ How much space do I need for a Granny Flats or PODS & what is the latest rules & legislation?

Granny Flats can be constructed on your site in advance of the main residence under new legislation. These changes were made in 2020 to provide accommodation for residents while their main residence is constructed.

Approvals for PODS and Granny Flats can take up to 20 days under ‘Complying Development’ under State government regulations and do not require Council approval subject to minimum requirements and zoning. Prefabulous can co-ordinate the approval process for you. For rural zoning - Granny Flats and secondary dwellings can be constructed via a DA Process.

The minimum site requirements for a granny flat approval in a residential setting as a complying development includes:

  • The property must have a minimum area of 450m².
  • Property must be zoned residential.
  • Your property needs to be a minimum of 12 metres wide
  • Maintain a 3.0m setback from the rear and 0.9m from side boundaries.
  • Maintain a distance of 3.0m from any existing trees that are over 6m in height.
  • Maximum 60m² internal area for your granny flat
 
 

+ How does a Prefabulous Home or POD touch the earth?

Our engineered steel bases are built incredibly strong and durable with Australian made steel.

On your site we install concrete footings and a galvanised steel footing system. When the house arrives the steel base is welded to the footing system. For removable homes or PODS on land that is leased or located in a caravan park - The footings can be bolted as an alternative to a weld.

+ What interior schemes can I choose from?

Our Interior design team has created 3 schemes for the internal finishes – Contemporary, Hamptons and Eco. These selections include the flooring & paint colours, benchtops, vanities and all the fittings like taps and appliances.

Find Your Style

+ Do you do custom design?

We have a range of designs to offer you. But for something special you can choose to create your own architecturally designed home. This is a specialised service we offer. A bespoke home will require a longer planning phase and will extend the time taken to achieve a completed home, however the results are exceptional with your own designer and builder under one roof this is a fabulous combination.

+ Where are your Display Homes?

We have a number of Display homes open for inspection and a variety of projects under construction in our Wagga Wagga facility. Come along and see for yourself what sets us apart from everyone else. Contact Catherine M: 0477 11 88 to make booking.

+ What about financing?

If you require bank finance for a Prefabulous home, this is a specialised form of lending during the 12 week construction period and we recommend you speak to a broker or bank who has experience in prefabricated buildings off site. Once the home arrives on your site - your bank or lender will recognise the enhanced value of land & a new building. To request further information from us please email catherine@prefabulous.net.au

*12 weeks represents a standard construction

+ What extra costs do I need to budget for?

We recommend to allow an additional 10% (approximate only) of the building cost to complete your project, these items may include but are not limited to:

  • Development Application (DA) Fees: Every local Council has their own fee structure in NSW, on average $3000 - $6000 is a typical cost. Complying development for Granny Flats under 60sqm do not require Council approval.
  • Site Preparation & Access: It is your responsibility to clear any trees and prepare the site for footings and house delivery for all weather access. We can assist with this advice. Some sites require very little preparation.
  • Services to the new home: It is your responsibility to bring services to the new home and engage your local electrician and plumber to make the connections to the house. We find this is a straightforward process – the homes arrives with a meter box and gas water heater already installed (electric optional available) and our houses are fully wired and plumbed ready for your local trades to connect.
  • Engineering report: Irregular sites like steep, rocky or in flood zones may require additional reinforcement and engineering detail.
  • Crane Hire: Cranes in your local area come in all shapes and sizes and may be required to travel longer distances to reach your site, most sites do not require a crane, but we do advise you to set aside a contingency for crane hire. This can be advised upon during your site visit.
  • Extra delivery cost: Larger modules on some roads may require an escort vehicle. We try to anticipate all the variables with your delivery and work with an excellent and reliable service to advise us in advance and include these costs in your building quote. Depending on location, traffic management (police escort) may be required.
  • Landscaping & Driveways: Allow some budget to complete your home with landscaping and fencing if required and possibly a driveway. Local trades can work with you to complete these smaller projects.
  • Subfloor Enclosure and stairs to ground level: Depending on the levels and location, stairs can be omitted. A Subfloor enclosure can be arranged locally and may be required for BAL compliance.
  • Carports: We plan to offer a carport option. Watch this space! These plans are in the design phase.
  • Solar: Our homes can be built solar ready.
  • Aircon: Different climates require different air conditioning. We can coordinate the supply and installation of your heating and cooling requests.

These FAQS are subject to change are intended as a guide only, we recommend you seek your own advice and clarification regarding legislation and additional costs. 

There are always plenty more questions please feel free to enquire with us or give us a call.