FAQ
Questions?Should I get an Owner Builders Licence?
Yes. Having an Owner Builders Licence is easy to get, keeps your costs down by controlling and supervising the onsite work. You will also need a White Card or National Construction Card in order to gain a basic understanding of safety matters on construction sites. You can apply to do both courses online but please ensure you enrol in the correct course, specific to your State or Territory. In some States, the White Card / National Construction Card is a face-to-face course. If you need any assistance finding a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), please get in contact with us.
What do I need to do onsite?
1. Assuming you have your Owner Builder (OB) permit, white card and building approval from the private certifier, you should also start with a Dial Before You Dig search on your property as you dont want to hit any underground service assets.
2. If search comes up clear of assets, you will need the services of a licensed concreter to put in concrete piers (footings) and set steel posts in the concrete. This will give your All Safe Habitat a foundation to be secured to, whilst keeping it off the ground and away from potential water ingress and pests. If your block is not level enough and a sit cut or fill is required, the concreter should arrange this as well.
3. Once the habitat arrives and craned using a ‘Franna’ onto the post connections, you would need a carpenter to bolt it down.
4. Then arrange for a licensed plumber and electrician to run connections to services including power, water, stormwater and sewer. Alternatively, if no water or sewer connections are available, your plumber will install water tanks and a Home Service Treatment Plant (HSTP) to deal with your water and wastewater requirements.
5. You may now want to consider arranging some louvred panels to infill and screen off the gap between the ground and the dwelling. This should be done last to ensure the panel measurements are spot on. If you want to install a deck, swimming pool, landscape and do other site works, make sure this is noted on your OB application.
Is transport to site included?
Transport can be arranged by us or by you. If you are wanting us to arrange transport of the habitat to site, please let us know at the time of quoting to ensure your fixed price is inclusive of transport, otherwise it will not be included. If you wish to arrange pickup and delivery yourself, that is perfectly okay with us and we will work in with you to coordinate this once the habitat is ready.
Do I need Council Approval?
Yes you need Council approval for both building and plumbing. However, building and plumbing approval is handled through a Private Certifier (some councils have their own in house certifiers). Do not try and handle this yourself to save money, go through a local Private Certifier who has knowledge of the local building code and regulations. This ensures your dwelling is built onsite lawfully and with regard to Council regulations.
Do you supply Plans, Forms & Certificates need for Approval?
Yes once you go ahead, you will receive plans, Form 15s for the Dwelling Base, Engineering, Framing, Glazing (Windows & Doors), Waterproofing, Insulation, Shower Screen and Electrical & Gas Safety Certificates if gas appliances are included. Once all the site works are completed, you can give your Certifier the Form 15s and arrange for them to complete a final inspection and issue a Final Inspection Certificate. This is then lodged with Council for a ‘Certificate of Classification’ as a Class 1A or habitable dwelling.
What are the deposit & payment terms?
10% Deposit – For site specific Plans and Engineering
40% 2nd Stage – To commence construction
50% Final Payment – Upon build completion
Selection, Pricing & Deposit Terms
Once you have completed Step 1, make your selection from one of our lockup ready Habitats. If you don’t have your own draftsman, we can connect you with one to create your site plan, floorplan, elevations, roof plan (including drainage), and general notes, then liaise with them to ensure all your modular floorplans, elevations, frame and base details, along with necessary forms and certificates, are submitted to the council for building and plumbing approval. At this stage, we ask for a fee of $5,000 +GST. Once your Preliminary Plans are completed, we will provide you with a fixed lockup ready price with inclusions and any optional extras, valid for 30 days. If you wish to proceed, you will need to pay a 10% deposit which is refundable if you are unable to obtain Stage 3 Approval. Please note: If your All Safe Habitat deposit has been received and is later cancelled after construction has begun or materials have been ordered, we reserve the right to sell that unit to another customer before refunding your deposit.
Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $5,000 (including GST) is required to initiate the design process.
Fixed Price Quote: Upon completion of your Preliminary Plans, we will provide a fixed price quote for a lockup, flatpack, or turnkey ready option, inclusive of standard features and optional extras. This quote will be valid for 30 days.
Final Deposit: To proceed with your approved plans, a non-refundable 50% deposit of the total project cost is required to secure materials and commence construction.
Cancellation Policy: If you cancel your order after construction has started or materials have been ordered, All Safe Habitat reserves the right to sell the unit to another customer before refunding your deposit.
Payment Terms: Detailed payment terms will be outlined and agreed upon in a separate sales agreement.
What are the warranty terms?
Structural Warranty: All Safe Habitats are proudly backed by a 7-year structural warranty, ensuring the quality and integrity of your building’s core components. Please note: Structural Warranty is reduced to 5 Years within 1 kilometer of a coastal area*.
Fixtures & Fittings Warranty: We provide a 2-year warranty on all factory-installed fixtures and fittings, offering peace of mind for essential elements within your building.
Third-Party Warranties: Rest assured, any additional warranties from our suppliers and manufacturers directly apply to your All Safe Modular Building. Should you encounter any concerns, promptly notify us for assistance.
Materials & Workmanship: We adhere to strict standards, using only new and fit-for-purpose materials in the construction of your Modular. All craftsmanship undergoes rigorous testing and quality assurance before leaving our premises.
What’s Not Covered: Please note that the warranty excludes damage caused by:
- Normal wear and tear: As with any structure, natural wear over time is expected.
- Extreme weather events: Damage resulting from severe weather conditions is not covered.
- Transportation or onsite setup: Any issues arising during transport or installation must be reported immediately.
Upon Arrival: For optimal performance and safety, we strongly recommend that qualified professionals (plumbers, electricians, construction specialists) inspect and test your building immediately upon arrival due to potential transport-related concerns.
Liability: It’s important to understand that our liability ceases once the Modular is loaded onto the truck and departs our premises.
Warranty Claims: Should you encounter an issue potentially covered by the warranty, promptly contact us. All claims will be thoroughly reviewed to determine validity and eligibility for repair or rectification.
Our Commitment: At All Safe Habitats, we take immense pride in exceptional craftsmanship and quality. Our warranty reflects this commitment, ensuring your satisfaction and peace of mind.