Kit homes are fantastic for the adventurous type who have a generous budget and enjoy complex ‘do it yourself’ projects, or are in touch with an excellent builder. For those in need of accommodation in a shorter time frame, with tighter budgets, or are uninterested in construction the solution will most likely lay in an alternative to kit homes such as transportable buildings.

Panelfab – a Queensland based transportable building manufacturer – revealed a case study of a client who had purchased a kit home and abandoned the project after years of construction. The main issues were a lack of time, budget, and knowledge.

The project began excellently; however, the kit home soon began impending on work schedules and time management became an issue. Another problem the client faced was budget, as each step of the project was completed the next step required new materials, and the project was put on hold again. Finally a lack of knowledge to do with carpentry and electrical work meant that the client had to wait to contract a carpenter and electrician before the home could be complete.

 After realising kit homes may not be for her she purchased a transportable building. It was designed, manufactured, delivered, and installed by professionals within weeks, not months or years.

Unfortunately this case is quite common, with buyers being unaware of the commitment necessary for the setup of a kit home – they are not for the faint hearted!

Another issue kit home buyer’s face is termite infestation. Log kit homes or kit homes with wooden frames should be entirely and thoroughly treated to combat the possible invasion.

Fortunately transportable buildings are manufactured with heavy duty steel base frames which are 100 per cent termite proof!

Other issues to beware of when deciding between a kit home or an alternative to kit homes is currently the Queensland office of fair trading is investigating some of the larger kit home companies in Australia due to several complaints of homes not being delivered within reasonable time frames.

Kit home buyers are also warned about an interstate investigation into a kit home trader who has committed fraudulent acts in Queensland, Darwin, and is now believed to be in Victoria.

Kit homes are a fantastic idea for those who are aware of the complex nature of kit homes, have the budget, and want a challenge! Those who need accommodation in a hassle free, time efficient manner should look at alternatives to kit homes such as transportable buildings.