Three Things to Check Before Building a Modular Home in Victoria

Three Things to Check Before Building a Modular Home in Victoria Most people do not realise how much they can learn about their property before committing to a modular home project. 💡 If you are in the early planning stage, you are probably asking:

• • What can I build on my property?

• • How much will the complete project realistically cost?

• • What planning and building approvals will I need?

The good news is that you can start investigating these questions before making a major commitment. At Wingspace Modular Homes, our team can help you understand the early considerations and identify the next steps for your project. 1. Start With an Initial Property Review ✔ You can learn a great deal about your project by providing us with some basic information about your land and the home you want to build. Our initial review may consider:

• • Property location

• • Intended use of the building

• • Preferred home size and layout

• • Available site access

• • Approximate slope and ground conditions

• • Existing water, wastewater and electricity services

• • Powerlines, trees and other possible obstructions

• • Potential transportation and crane access

• • Relevant planning zones and overlays

This early conversation helps identify potential challenges before detailed design and professional assessments begin. Photos, site plans, title documents and a marked-up image showing your preferred building location can help us better understand the property. However, an initial desktop review is preliminary only and does not replace a formal site inspection, survey, engineering assessment or professional planning advice. 2. Request a Preliminary Project Estimate ✔ Once we understand your preferred home and property, Wingspace can prepare an initial estimate based on the information available. A starting price can help you compare different home sizes and designs, but it does not necessarily represent the complete cost of a site-specific project. A more useful project estimate considers factors such as:

• • The size and design of the modular home

• • Standard inclusions

• • Selected fixtures, finishes and upgrades

• • Transportation and delivery

• • Crane requirements

• • Foundations and structural engineering

• • Site access and preparation

• • Planning and building approvals

• • Water, wastewater and electricity connections

• • Bushfire, flood or other site-specific requirements

Compare more than the advertised price When comparing modular-home providers, check exactly what each price includes. A lower advertised price may exclude important items such as delivery, foundations, crane hire, installation, approvals, service connections or certification. These exclusions can make a significant difference to the completed project cost. At Wingspace, we aim to explain the inclusions, exclusions and potential additional costs as clearly as possible so you can make a properly informed comparison. All preliminary estimates remain subject to site conditions, professional assessments, approval requirements, final specifications and the agreed project scope. 3. Check the Planning Requirements for Your Property ✔ Planning requirements can vary significantly between properties—even when they are located within the same council area. Before progressing too far, contact your local council’s planning department or obtain advice from a qualified town planner. Providing clear information about your proposal can help them offer useful preliminary guidance. You should be ready to provide:

• • Your property address

• • The proposed location of the building

• • The approximate building size

• • The intended use of the building

• • Whether it will be a primary home, small second dwelling or another type of structure

• • The current use of the land

Questions to ask your local council

• • What planning zone applies to my property?

• • Does the zone allow the proposed residential use?

• • Are there any bushfire, flood, heritage, vegetation or environmental overlays?

• • Is a planning permit required?

• • Are there any minimum setbacks or siting restrictions?

• • Could additional reports or assessments be required?

• • Are there any known restrictions affecting a small second dwelling?

Some projects may not require a planning permit, but a building permit and other approvals may still be required. Council’s preliminary response is not necessarily a formal approval, so the proposal must still be assessed and documented through the appropriate process. It is also important to check the property title for easements, covenants, Section 173 Agreements or other restrictions. A conveyancer, property lawyer or appropriately qualified consultant can advise you about the legal effect of these documents. What Happens When You Are Ready to Proceed? If the project appears suitable and you would like Wingspace to begin detailed preliminary work, the next stage is our Preliminary Agreement. This stage can include:

• • A detailed preliminary report

• • A soil test

• • A site visit

• • Site plan done by a professional architect

• • Coordination with relevant consultants

• • Specific project designs

• • A detailed, site-specific project quotation

The Preliminary Agreement fee is $3,400. If you proceed with the full project, the fee can be deducted from the first project payment. If you decide not to proceed, Wingspace will charge only for the preliminary work already completed, with any eligible balance refunded in accordance with the agreement. Building With Wingspace? We Can Coordinate the Process For eligible Class 1a projects, Wingspace can provide an end-to-end service covering the modular home, delivery, installation and agreed approval and connection work. Depending on the selected package and site requirements, we can coordinate:

• • Building design and documentation

• • Engineering

• • Planning and building approvals

• • Foundations

• • Manufacturing

• • Transportation

• • On-site installation

• • Water and electricity connections

• • Required inspections and residential certification

Exact inclusions and exclusions will be confirmed in your project quotation and contracts. Crane costs and exceptional site works may be quoted separately. Three Early Checks for Greater Clarity ✔ A successful modular-home project begins with three practical checks:

1. 1. Review what your property may support

1. 1. Understand the likely complete project cost

1. 1. Identify the applicable planning and building requirements

Together, these steps provide a clearer picture of your project before detailed design, professional assessments and construction begin. Still Have Questions? We’re Here to Help Modular construction may be unfamiliar, but you do not need to work through the process alone. The Wingspace team can help you understand your options, explore suitable floor plans and identify the next practical step for your property. Let’s Explore What Is Possible for Your Property If you are considering a modular home, granny flat or small second dwelling in Victoria, start a conversation with Wingspace Modular Homes. Visit our display centre in Spotswood, Victoria, or contact us with your property address, preferred floor plan and approximate budget. 🌐 wingspace.au 📍 Melbourne-based team 🏠 Display-centre inspections available 💬 Contact us for floor plans, pricing and an initial project discussion