In response to concerns about leakage in our expandable homes, it’s important to clarify that the integrity and performance of our products are of utmost importance to us. Our expandable homes are designed with quality and durability in mind, ensuring that they provide safe, comfortable living spaces when installed and expanded correctly.

Instances of leakage are not inherent to our expanders themselves but are typically associated with improper installation, often involving knock-off versions of our products. It’s crucial that the expansion and sealing processes are carried out meticulously to maintain the structural integrity and weather resistance of the unit. Each expander is designed to be sealed properly after expansion to prevent any potential leakage.

For those seeking additional peace of mind or looking to make their expandable home more permanent, we offer solutions tailored to enhance protection against the elements. Adding flashings to the joins is a reliable method to further seal the unit against water ingress. Moreover, for ultimate rain protection, we provide the option to incorporate a pitched roof and guttering system. These extra features are designed to offer superior protection, directing rainwater away from the structure efficiently and minimising the risk of leakage.

We recommend consulting with our expert team during the installation process to ensure that your expandable home is set up correctly and to explore the additional options available for enhancing your home's weather resistance. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction means we’re here to support you in creating a secure, dry, and comfortable living environment with our expandable homes.

Yes, the Expander can be relocated. If you have purchased the base trailer, then this is the easiest way to move it on private land, or you can transport it on a truck (a crane will be required).

However, prior to moving, the building will need to be folded. Any plumbing, electrical, or fixed services will need to be disconnected by a qualified tradesperson. All internal furnishings, flashings, kitchen, and cover strips will also need to be removed to fold the Expander.

We recommend checking with your local council and landowner to ensure that the new Expander location will be suitable and meets any regulations and requirements.

Overall, if you plan to relocate your Expander, it is important to ensure that all necessary preparations are made beforehand to ensure a smooth and successful move.

Considering the diverse local council regulations across New Zealand and the significant weight of our expandable units, we strongly recommend engaging a local, qualified installer for your setup. Specifically, for our 20ft expandable unit, at least 4 individuals are needed to unfold it. The 40ft model requires a minimum of 5 people. This highlights the importance of choosing an installer who has experience and is familiar with the considerable demands of handling our products, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and qualifications to meet the highest installation standards.

If you're unsure where to find a qualified installer, reaching out to a local trade association or professional industry body is a good start. Such organisations can often provide a list of qualified and experienced installers within your area.

The proper installation of our heavy expandable units by professional installers is critical not just for efficiency but also for safety and longevity. Correct sealing after expansion is paramount to maintain the unit's watertight integrity and prevent leaks. By prioritising professional installation, you ensure that your product performs as expected and lasts for many years, protecting your investment.

If you are in New Zealand, our Expanders may not meet the necessary building standards to be used as a permanent dwelling or for other purposes. It is important to check with your local council to determine what regulations apply to your specific situation.

Overall, it is important to approach the local council before using an Expander for any purpose other than as a transportable/caravan or a temporary dwelling to ensure that the building meets the necessary standards and regulations.

Our standard turnaround time for the manufacture and delivery of our Expanders is approximately 4 months. However, please note that the turnaround time may vary depending on the type of Expander and any additional options you purchase.

Our manufacturing process involves several stages, including pre-order checks, design, engineering, fabrication, assembly, quality checking, transportation, and delivery.

If you have any specific requirements or deadlines for the delivery of your Expander, we recommend that you discuss this with our sales representative at the time of sale. Our team will work with you to understand your needs and provide an estimated delivery timeframe based on your requirements.

Please note that the manufacturing and delivery timeframe may also be impacted by external factors such as the availability of materials and transport logistics. We do our best to keep delays to a minimum and will inform you if there are any delays.

Overall, we are committed to delivering high-quality Expanders that meet your specific needs and requirements within a reasonable timeframe. If you have any further questions about our turnaround time or the delivery processes, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Yes, they are well-insulated. We use high-quality 50-75mm Panelling (glass-wool) for the main walls and roof, with double-glased windows in all our Expanders. This ensures a comfortable living environment throughout the year.

No, our Expanders don’t come with a hot water system. There are many choices of hot water systems available on the market, and the selection is very personal and depends on the type of power you have access to. You can choose from options such as electric or gas, instant or stored (different sizes available).

Please note that the installation of a hot water system may require additional plumbing and electrical work, which a qualified professional should carry out. It is important to ensure that the hot water system is installed correctly and meets the required standards for safe and reliable operation.

We've expanded our services to include a variety of modifications tailored to meet your specific needs, such as removing bathrooms, adding doors, and installing guttering, among others. Our team can accommodate almost any change, provided it fits within the unit's dimensions. This approach allows us to offer you greater flexibility, ensuring that you can customise your purchase to your exact requirements while we maintain affordable pricing and a seamless manufacturing process.

Our Expanders are manufactured to NZ specifications. The manufacturing of the main Expander is completed overseas, and some minor details or options are supplied locally.

We take great pride in ensuring that our Expanders are fit for purpose and have as many of the materials and designs that we need in NZ. Our electrical wiring systems have been developed and specified by fully qualified electricians

We offer a 3-year structural and 1-year fixtures, fittings, and finish warranty on all Expanders, complying with NZ consumer law requirements.

Please note that the warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, damage caused by accidents or misuse, or damage caused by natural disasters or extreme weather conditions. We recommend that you take appropriate steps to protect your Expander from these risks, such as securing it properly and maintaining it in good condition.

Overall, we are committed to providing high-quality Expanders that are built to last.

Not currently. We do however offer payment plans through our finance partner - see more info in next question.

We offer finance through R&W Financial for our Expanders, allowing you to pay over time with affordable monthly installments. R&W Financial specializes in flexible payment plans for home projects.

The application is simple, providing quick decisions. Interested? Contact us for details. Finance is subject to eligibility and credit approval.

Please note that finance options are subject to eligibility criteria and credit approval. R&W Financial will provide the terms and conditions of your finance agreement, and we recommend that you review these carefully before committing to a finance plan.

Our Expanders can be placed on various foundations, depending on the cottage configuration and location. The most common types of foundations for Expanders include a concrete slab or pads (footings). You can also use a variety of stumps (or piers) or high-level compacted ground.

A concrete slab or pad foundation involves pouring a solid, reinforced concrete base directly onto the ground, providing a stable surface for the Expander to rest on. Compacted ground foundations involve leveling and compacting the ground using a plate compactor or roller to create a firm and level base for the Expander. Finally, concrete or steel stumps (piers) are used mainly to elevate a Expander off the ground, providing a sturdy and durable connection to the foundation. This is often used in cases where the ground is uneven or when circulation of air is required in high-humidity areas.

Ultimately, the choice of foundation for a Expander will depend on factors such as the local climate and soil conditions, as well as the preference and budget of the homeowner. It’s important to consult with a licensed contractor or engineer to determine if you need any soil testing (compaction and soil movement) and engineering (for weight loads into the foundation or ground) for your Expander.

International delivery time can vary significantly, it’s best to request a quote. New Zealand delivery usually ranges from $550 - $4,000 per unit, with prices varying based on distance from Christchurch and the complexity of the drop-off. Because the units are shipped in container form, we can keep delivery costs low. Furthermore, we can accommodate deliveries to most locations throughout New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. You can request a delivery quote here.

No, our Expander homes are not made from shipping containers. They are specifically designed for comfortable living and built to fit perfectly inside a shipping container. This allows for easy and cost-effective transport, whether by HIAB truck for local deliveries or by container ship for international customers.