Commonly Asked Questions About ECH Modular Homes
Yes. All of our modular homes are built to meet Australian Standards for plumbing, electrical and structural safety.
Here’s what that means in practical terms:
- Electrical: All electrical components meet AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) and carry full SAA Certification.
- Plumbing: All plumbing products and materials are WaterMark certified, as required under Australian law.
- Structure: Our frames and building materials comply with the relevant National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards for structural performance.
- Inspections: Each module goes through multiple quality checks before it leaves our factory.
So yes — our homes are built to the standards required for safe, compliant living in Australia.
Our modular homes come in a range of sizes, built around standard 20-foot and 40-foot module formats, with several expandable options depending on the model.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what we offer:
- 20-foot modules: Ideal for compact cabins, studios and offices. These are typically delivered at 3m wide, with optional expansion panels that increase the internal space once installed.
- 30-foot expandable homes: A popular mid-size option. When expanded on site, these reach approximately 5.85m × 7.3m × 3.2m, giving you a comfortable living space.
- 40-foot modules: Used for larger designs or multi-room layouts. Delivered at 3m wide and can be expanded to up to 3.4m wide depending on the model.
- Custom sizing: We can combine multiple modules or adjust designs to create larger homes, wider rooms or unique layouts.
All homes are designed to maximise space while staying within standard transport regulations for safe delivery across Australia.
Yes. All of our modular homes can be customised so you get a layout and finish that suits your needs.
Here’s what you’re able to personalise:
- Layout: Adjust room sizes, change the internal flow or choose a completely different configuration.
- Kitchen & bathroom: Select your preferred fittings, benchtops, cabinetry styles and layouts.
- Flooring & finishes: Choose colours, textures and materials that match your style.
- Extras: Add storage options, windows, doors or other features to make the space your own.
We work with you throughout the design stage to help create the exact space you want — whether that’s a small cabin or a larger, multi-room layout.
s a registered builder, ECH Modular Homes provides the same statutory warranties as any traditional home build in Victoria and New South Wales. These warranties are set by law and cover both structural and non-structural aspects of your home.
Victoria (Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995):
- Structural defects — 10 years
- Non-structural defects — 2 years
New South Wales (Home Building Act 1989):
- Major (structural) defects — 6 years
- Other (non-structural) defects — 2 years
These warranties protect you against major structural issues, as well as workmanship and minor defects, giving you long-term peace of mind with your new modular home.
Yes — we partner with developers and builders to offer bulk pricing and support for large orders. This is ideal for projects in regional and remote areas, as well as student accommodation, hotels, aged care, holiday parks, or for developers and builders who have multiple customers needing modular solutions.
For more details on how bulk orders work and typical applications, visit our Developers and Builders page.
- Modular homes are professionally built in a factory, delivered to site in large finished sections, and installed quickly with minimal onsite work. They’re fully engineered, high-quality, faster to build, and meet all Australian building standards — just like a conventional home.
- Kit homes are DIY-style packages where the materials are delivered flat-packed, and the owner (or their builder) constructs the home onsite. They are generally cheaper upfront, but require more trades, more time, and more project management.
- Conventional homes are built entirely onsite, using traditional construction methods. They allow full customisation but usually take longer, rely heavily on trade availability, and can be affected by weather delays and higher labour costs.
Yes — we deliver Australia-wide, including regional and remote locations. No matter where your project is based, we can coordinate transport and onsite installation to ensure your modular home arrives safely and efficiently.
Yes — ECH Modular Homes can manage the entire permitting process for you, including all required reports, council submissions, and compliance checks.
This typically includes:
- Building permits
- Planning permits
- BAL assessments
- Land Capability Assessments (LCA)
- Bushfire Management Statements (BMS)
- Any other reports or approvals required by your local council
We take care of the paperwork and approvals so you can focus on designing your new home.
Yes — almost all modular home projects require a building permit. This confirms your home meets structural, safety, and construction standards. ECH Modular Homes organises this for you as part of our permitting process.
You may need a planning permit, depending on your council’s rules, zoning, overlays, bushfire requirements, or environmental conditions. ECH Modular Homes can assess your site and advise you, and we handle the planning permit application if it’s required.
A BAL rating (Bushfire Attack Level) measures how much bushfire risk a building site is exposed to, including ember attack, radiant heat, and potential flame contact. It’s determined by factors like surrounding vegetation, land slope, and local fire-danger conditions.
BAL ratings range from BAL-LOW (lowest risk) through to BAL-FZ (Flame Zone – highest risk). Your BAL rating helps determine which building materials and design features are required to meet bushfire safety standards for your site.
- BAL-LOW — Very low risk
- BAL-12.5 — Ember attack risk
- BAL-19 — Moderate heat exposure
- BAL-29 — High heat exposure
- BAL-40 — Very high heat
- BAL-FZ (Flame Zone) — Extreme flame contact
ECH Modular Homes can build in a wide range of BAL-rated areas. Contact our team for a free site assessment to understand what safety standards your project requires and how we can best assist.
Yes — ECH Modular Homes can build in BAL-40 and, in many cases, BAL-FZ (Flame Zone) areas. These higher-risk zones require specialised design, materials, and construction methods to meet strict bushfire safety standards.
We assess each site individually and can advise you on the exact requirements for your location. Contact our team for a free site assessment so we can confirm what’s needed and how we can help.
A Bushfire Management Statement (BMS) is a report required for building or developing in bushfire-prone areas. It outlines the bushfire risks on the property and explains how the proposed home will meet safety and planning requirements.
A BMS typically includes:
- An assessment of surrounding vegetation and bushfire hazards
- The required BAL rating for the site
- Defendable space and vegetation management requirements
- Access and water supply considerations for firefighting
- How the building’s design and materials will comply with bushfire safety standards
A Land Capability Assessment (LCA) is a report used to determine whether your block of land can safely and effectively manage on-site wastewater (such as from a septic system). It assesses the soil, slope, drainage and environmental conditions to confirm what type of wastewater system is suitable for the property.
An LCA typically includes:
- Soil testing to understand how well the ground absorbs and filters wastewater
- Assessment of slopes, drainage, vegetation and nearby waterways
- Recommended type and size of septic or treatment system
- Required wastewater dispersal area (e.g., trenches or irrigation)
- Any site limitations or design requirements for safe wastewater management
- An LCA is often required by council before building in rural, regional or unsewered areas.
All new homes in Australia must now meet a minimum 7-Star energy rating. Energy ratings range from 1 to 10, with higher ratings meaning better natural energy efficiency and comfort.
A 7-Star energy rating shows how well a home maintains comfortable temperatures with minimal heating or cooling. It’s based on factors like insulation, ventilation, window performance, and overall thermal design.
Why this matters for modular homes:
ECH Modular Homes are designed to meet or exceed 7-Star standards through:
- High-quality insulation installed throughout the structure
- Double-glazed windows that improve thermal performance and reduce heat loss
- Steel frame construction, which provides strength while supporting efficient, well-sealed building envelopes.
These features work together to deliver a home that’s cheaper to run, more comfortable year-round, and fully compliant with Australia’s current energy-efficiency requirements.
Yes — ECH Modular Homes can be designed for off-grid living. We can work with you to include options such as solar power systems, battery storage, rainwater collection, septic or wastewater treatment systems, and other off-grid essentials to suit your location.
We’ll assess your site and help you choose the right off-grid setup so your home remains comfortable, efficient, and fully self-sufficient.
Book a free online site assessment with an ECH team member — click the link at the bottom of the page.
Yes — it’s possible to place an ECH modular home on a portable setup. If you're considering a relocatable or temporary arrangement, contact our team and we’ll walk you through how it works and what’s required for your site.
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