Kitset construction is a building project where a supplier provides the components for a building based on an agreed design, with the customer responsible for the construction.
You will be able to complete parts of the build yourself, but you will need to hire people with suitable skills and experience for some parts of the project. You will need a Licenced Building Practitioner (LBP) to carry out the Restricted Building work or apply for an Owner Builder Exemption through your local council.
Kitsets best suit those who have the connections and the time to put into them. Think of a carpenter starting out in the trade, who doesn’t yet have the skills to build a home from scratch, but has enough know-how and good connections with tradespeople to chip away at it.
Learn more about Restricted Building Work here
The kitset pricing allows for the design and engineering of your home from the bottom plate up, and the manufacture and supply of the materials you will need to get the home to lockup stage.
Download the Kitset Buyers Guide for more info
Our range of plans are partially pre-consented saving you time and money in the planning process. It is possible to make changes to the designs, however, there will be some additional costs for design and planning. You can discuss any changes with your Lockwood Representative who will be able to give you an estimate, and timeframe for design changes.
You will need a Licenced Building Practitioner (LBP) to carry out the Restricted Building work or apply for an Owner Builder Exemption through your local council.
Find out more about Owner Builder Exemptions
It will be up to you to organise the foundations for your kitset home. What type of foundation your new home will require will largely be driven by two things;
Yes, in fact, we have included an allowance in the kitset price to prepare and lodge site consents on your behalf. Your Lockwood consultant will discuss with you what this covers as each project is unique and will have different requirements. Any additional costs will be quoted and agreed upon before work commences.
It will be up to you to arrange the final fit-out of your home including plumbing fittings, kitchen design, and floor and window coverings. We recommend using local businesses to quote and install these items.
Some of the excluded items can be quoted and supplied on request. In many cases, it is more cost-effective for you to source these items locally or from the professional that will be installing the items, such as your roofer, plumber or electrician. Talk to us about your requirements and we will be happy to help.
Delivery costs will vary depending on the size of the kitset home and where you are located. We will provide a quote for freight to your site.
You will need to arrange a hiab or crane to unload the components when they reach your site. In many cases we are able to arrange this for you; please talk to us for pricing.
Once you have received approval of your site consent and resource consent if required, we start manufacturing your kitset. This usually takes from eight to ten weeks. When manufacturing begins, you will be given a delivery date so you can coordinate the construction of your home.
The time to build your home will vary greatly depending on the size of your home, your site, the coordination of the build process, availability of tradespeople and fit-out materials. The weather can also be a factor. We would recommend allowing a minimum of 12 weeks from delivery of your kitset to completion.