Your Questions Answered

Absolutely! The most cost-effective option is to choose one of our standard plans, but we can also make minor adjustments or even work with you to create a fully custom design for your ideal home.

Our Essentials Range is designed to stay streamlined and affordable, so these homes are delivered as-is, with no changes available.

Our friendly sales team can advise delivery costs across the North Island. 

Each of our ranges comes with its own set of specifications, but in general, our prices include everything you need to move in, apart from window coverings (blinds and curtains) and a heating source, as these are highly personal choices.

We realise it can seem like a daunting process to build a new home, but don’t worry, we’re here to help! Our Technical Information section below is packed with details you may need to know; from geotech reports to service trenches.

Prefer to watch rather than read? We’ve also created a series of short, easy-to-follow videos on our YouTube channel that explain these topics without the jargon.

And if you still can’t find what you’re looking for, just give us a call, we’re always happy to help.

The timeframe can vary depending on the home you choose and how customised it is. For one of our standard Essentials or Essence Range transportable homes, the build typically takes around 15 weeks from consent to delivery.

While your home is being built in our yard, many of the required site works can happen at the same time. Some tasks, however, need to take place after the house arrives on site. This means that the overall project length can depend on your section, access, and how quickly decisions are made along the way.

If you choose to make changes to standard plans or select from our Executive Range, the process will generally take longer, as more time is needed for design, consents, and the higher level of detail involved.

We’ll provide you with a clear schedule before your build begins, so you always know what to expect and when.

Our homes are primarily built off-site in our yard, where the controlled environment allows us to work more efficiently. This approach means we can complete your project faster and with fewer delays compared to traditional on-site building.

In some cases, however, an on-site build may be the best option. Factors such as site access, finance requirements, or specific design needs can mean building directly on your section is more practical. When this happens, we can complete the project on-site within close proximity to our yard, while still applying the same proven systems and quality controls.

Exeter’s 2-bedroom transportable home plans start from $233,000 (for example, the Ida plan). The base price includes the completed home built to the standard specifications of your chosen range (Essentials or Essence), ready for connection on site. In most cases, this means everything required to move in is included, except window coverings (such as blinds or curtains) and your chosen heating system, as these are personal preferences. If you choose design changes, upgrades, or a higher-spec range such as Executive, the final price will increase accordingly.

A true turnkey price = base house price + transport/delivery + foundations + site/civil work + council consent(s) & reports + utility connections + any on-site finishing works. Typical budget guidance (national averages and ballpark ranges):

Transport & installation + standard NZS3604 foundation/piles: $30,000 – $50,000 (route complexity and site access drive the price).

Site works (driveways, retaining, earthworks, drainage, labour): $15,000 – $50,000+ depending on site slope, retaining and access. (Highly variable.)

Council consents, engineering reports (geotech, engineering), survey fees: $5,000 – $25,000+ depending on council and complexity.

Utility/service connections (water, sewer, power) and trenching: see next answer for typical ranges, often $5,000 – $15,000+ combined, depending on distance and local council/lines company charges.

On-site finishing and fittings (decking, ramps, stairs, landscaping): $3,000 – $30,000+.

Because costs can change significantly based on site access, council area, and individual choices (such as deepened pile foundations or asphalt driveways), Exeter’s process includes a tailored, site-specific price during the Concept Design stage. This gives you clarity on total costs before you commit to a building contract.

Service connection costs vary depending on your council, location, and how far the services are from the home site. As a general guide across New Zealand: Water and wastewater connections: often a few thousand dollars, but can be higher if additional infrastructure or upgrades are required Power connection: typically several thousand dollars in urban areas, and more in rural locations or where longer distances or extra equipment are needed Because every section is different, these costs are always confirmed with site-specific quotes once your site layout and service locations are known. We help you understand what’s required early in the process so there are no surprises later.

Yes. All Exeter transportable homes are built to meet the New Zealand Building Code and comply with structural standards. As registered Master Builders, Exeter ensures every home is designed, engineered, and constructed with quality and durability in mind. The controlled off-site build environment allows for strict quality control, so every home exceeds typical industry standards.

Exeter homes are designed for modern New Zealand living, with insulation and materials that meet or exceed current Building Code requirements. The Essence Range also features stronger construction and upgraded internal products that improve durability and overall performance. Across the ranges, homes include quality finishes and larger windows to bring in natural light while maintaining warmth and comfort. The result is a home that feels warm, dry, comfortable, and easy to maintain year-round.

A well-built Exeter transportable home, constructed in the yard with quality materials and proper installation, is designed to last as long as a traditional site-built home when maintained correctly. Exeter’s experience, quality control, and New Zealand craftsmanship ensure your home remains safe, functional, and comfortable for decades.

Absolutely. Exeter prioritises customisation to suit your lifestyle. You can choose one of the standard plans or make minor adjustments or fully custom designs. The Essentials Range is delivered as-is, but the Essence and Executive Ranges offer flexibility to adjust layouts, finishes, and features to make your home truly yours.

Yes. Exeter homes can accommodate additions like decks, garages, or extensions, either during the build process or afterwards. Some plans already include internal garages, and the modular construction process makes it easier to expand or modify your home. For seamless integration, it’s best to discuss additions during the conceptualisation phase so your home is designed to accommodate future changes.

A transportable home is built off-site in a controlled environment and delivered to your land permanently, requiring foundations or piles, this is Exeter’s standard approach. A portable home is usually smaller, lighter, and can be moved frequently without permanent foundations. Transportable homes like those from Exeter are designed for long-term living, high quality, and compliance with the NZ Building Code, offering the benefits of off-site construction with full customisation options.

For a standard 2-bedroom Exeter transportable home (Essentials or Essence Range), the build typically takes around 15 weeks from consent to delivery. While your home is being built in the yard, many required site works can happen at the same time. Custom changes or Executive Range homes may take longer due to design, consents, and additional detailing. Exeter provides a clear schedule before your build begins, so you always know what to expect.

Exeter manages the entire delivery and setup process. This includes: * Transporting your home from the Exeter yard to your site * Overseeing placement onto foundations or piles * Completing any on-site finishing work * Connecting your home to services (water, power, sewage) * Handing over the keys and providing ongoing support Exeter’s team ensures the process is smooth, transparent, and stress-free, with no hidden costs.

The foundation type depends entirely on the ground conditions of your section and is determined by a geotechnical report and engineering requirements. For straightforward sites this may be standard timber piles or typical residential foundations, while sloping sites or more complex soils may require specifically engineered solutions. Once the geotechnical report confirms what is needed, we can advise the associated foundation costs and guide you through the next steps so everything meets Building Code requirements and your home is properly supported.

We arrange a site visit, either in person or virtually, to check whether your home can be delivered and positioned on your section. During this step we look at: * Road access for transport and delivery vehicles * Slope and terrain considerations * Location of existing services and connections This helps confirm your home can be delivered and installed smoothly, and highlights anything that may need planning early in the process.

In most cases, yes. Local councils typically require a geotechnical report as part of the building consent process to confirm the ground can support the home and determine the required foundations. You can work with your own draughtsman, or we can recommend one to help organise the required reports and lodge the consent.

It can be either, depending on how you’d like to manage your project. We can provide a full turnkey solution and organise the site works for you, including coordination and timing alongside the build. Alternatively, you’re welcome to arrange your own contractors and manage the preparation yourself. We’ll discuss these options early so everyone is clear on responsibilities and timing.

Our primary build and delivery service area runs from the Bombay Hills through to the Wellington region. North of the Bombays, we offer a build-and-deliver service and can guide you through the site works process, helping you coordinate what’s required for your section. Because transport logistics vary by location and access, we’ll confirm delivery options and provide a tailored estimate once we understand your site.

Generally, you will need a building consent to place a transportable home on your site, as once installed it is considered a permanent building. Under the new granny flat rules, some smaller dwellings may instead be approved using a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) rather than a full building consent, depending on the design and council requirements. You will also need approvals for foundations and service connections (such as water, drainage, and power). In some situations, zoning or site restrictions may require additional approvals. We’ll explain what applies to your project early in the process so you know exactly what’s required before moving forward.

A Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) is issued by the council to confirm that building work has been completed in accordance with the Building Code. For a transportable home there are typically two separate CCCs: Yard build CCC issued after the home is constructed in our yard and inspected Site CCC issued after the home is installed on your section and the foundations and connections are completed and signed off Your home leaves our yard with a CCC for the build, and once the on-site works are finished the final CCC is issued for the site installation.

In urban or residential zones, district plans often include rules around density, site coverage, dwellings per lot, minimum lot size for secondary dwellings, setbacks, and overlays. If your transportable home triggers those rules, for example, as a second dwelling, you may need resource consent in addition to building consent. In rural or lifestyle‑zoned land, there’s often more flexibility, but building consent for foundations, utilities, and code compliance is still mandatory if the home is permanently sited.

Also, councils vary: some may require development contributions or infrastructure contributions if adding a dwelling on an existing property (since extra demand on services is expected).

A “tiny house on wheels” can sometimes be legally treated as a vehicle, not a building, especially if it remains mobile, not fixed to land, not connected permanently to utilities, and retains tow‑capability. In that case, Building Act consent may not apply (though transport and vehicle regulations do).

A transportable home (like those from Exeter) is designed to be permanently sited: once placed on foundations/piles, connected to services, fixed in place, it becomes a building/dwelling under the Building Act and must comply with the Building Code, building consent requirements, and local district plan rules.

Thus legally a tiny house on wheels and a transportable home sit in different regulatory categories, with different obligations.

Often yes, but it depends on your council zoning rules and property requirements.

Some councils limit the size of minor dwellings or set conditions around site coverage and density. If the home doesn’t meet those limits, additional approvals may be required.

We can help check the rules for your property early in the process so you understand what’s possible before committing to a design.

In many cases, yes. Provided your council allows more than one dwelling on the property and the appropriate consents are approved.

An Exeter home is a permanent dwelling, so it must meet the same planning and building requirements as any other house. The key factor is whether your zoning permits an additional dwelling during or after the construction of another home.

We can review your property rules early in the process and help you understand what options are available before you proceed.