Six models across two width series. The 3.4m wide series — Haus 4.8 × 3.4, Haus 6.0 × 3.4, and Haus 8.4 × 3.4 — suits suburban backyards and tighter sites. The 4.0m wide series — Haus 8.4 × 4.0, Haus 10.8 × 4.0, and Haus 13.5 × 4.0 — delivers full micro-home proportions for acreage and rural properties. Every model is a Class 1a compliant, architect-designed residential dwelling.

Every Outhaus module includes a full bathroom (WC, shower, basin), stone benchtops, air conditioning, and ABI Interiors fixtures. The differences are internal floor area, sleeping configuration, and kitchen size. The Haus 4.8 × 3.4 is a dedicated workspace or studio with a kitchenette. The Haus 6.0 × 3.4 is a self-contained studio dwelling with sleeping. The Haus 8.4 × 3.4 is a proper one-bedroom micro home with a full kitchen. The 4.0m wide series adds floor area and a second bedroom option at the Haus 13.5 × 4.0 scale.

Every model is available as a Complete Dwelling or Shell + Floor. Complete Dwelling is fully fitted out and ready to connect — bathroom, kitchen or kitchenette, all fixtures, flooring, and finishes included. Shell + Floor includes the structure, envelope, flooring, walls, ceiling, windows, doors, electrical, and air conditioning — but excludes bathroom and kitchen fit-out, waterproofing, tiling, plumbing, and cabinetry. Shell + Floor suits buyers who want to manage fit-out themselves or stage the build over time.

Layouts are architecturally resolved and fixed. Each model has been designed as a complete, proportionally calibrated dwelling — not a configurable floor plan. What you do choose is the finish series: Light, Dark, or Earth. This is how Outhaus maintains design quality, construction efficiency, and pricing accuracy. The result is a better building, delivered faster, at a known price.

Light Series is clean, light-toned, and coastal-modern — brushed nickel fixtures, light-toned cladding and interiors. Dark Series is bold, moody, and architectural — gunmetal fixtures, darker palette throughout. Earth Series is warm, natural, and tactile — brushed brass fixtures, warm timber tones and earthy materials. Same structural system, same inclusions, same quality. Three distinct material identities.

Outhaus modules are steel-framed — 92mm light gauge steel framing on a 200UB skid base. The modules are factory-built under roof in South East Queensland, which means controlled conditions, consistent quality, and no weather delays. Every module is a Class 1a residential dwelling, built to the same standard as any quality house.

Yes. Outhaus modules are designed to be joined. Two or more modules can be configured linearly, in an L-shape, or as a courtyard arrangement. This means you can start with a single studio and expand later — adding a second module for a second bedroom, a dedicated workspace, or a separate living zone. The structural system is designed with this scalability in mind.

A Class 1a dwelling is a permanent residential building under the National Construction Code — the same classification as a standard house. It sits on permanent footings, is connected to services, and can be financed, rented, and used as a primary or secondary residence.

A relocatable or demountable building is typically Class 10a — a non-habitable structure that cannot legally be used as a permanent dwelling, cannot be financed as residential property, and does not contribute to property value in the same way. Outhaus builds Class 1a only.

The Haus 13.5 × 4.0 is the largest model in the range at 54m² and is configured as a 2-bedroom dwelling — a queen bedroom and a second sleeping room, full kitchen, full bathroom, and living area. We do not currently offer a 3-bedroom or 4-bedroom model as a single module. Larger configurations can be achieved by joining two modules in a linear, L-shaped, or courtyard arrangement. Speak to us about your specific needs and we can assess what a multi-module configuration would look like on your property.

Outhaus modules are built to order — we do not carry finished stock for immediate delivery. Every module is manufactured from contract, which is how we maintain quality control and design integrity across every build. The lead time is 12–16 weeks from contract signing to delivery. If your timeline is urgent, contact us to discuss the current build pipeline and what options are available.

Outhaus supplies and installs its modular dwelling range only — we do not build garages, carports, or other ancillary structures. If you want a garage alongside your Outhaus, you would engage a separate builder or shed supplier for that component. What we can advise on is placement — how the module and any additional structures sit on your property, what setback and coverage rules apply, and what the certifier will need to see.

The dwelling price covers the complete module as described — structure, envelope, internal linings, flooring, paint, windows, doors, electrical and plumbing roughed in and connected internally, finish series specification, and all inclusions listed for that tier (Complete or Shell + Floor). It does not include transport, crane, footings, service connections, council fees, or certifier fees. Those are site costs and are always quoted separately after a site review.

All prices are inc GST. Complete Dwelling: Haus 4.8 × 3.4 from $99,900 / Haus 6.0 × 3.4 from $109,900 / Haus 8.4 × 3.4 from $139,900 / Haus 8.4 × 4.0 from $144,900 / Haus 10.8 × 4.0 from $169,900 / Haus 13.5 × 4.0 from $199,900. Shell + Floor: $89,488 / $105,340 / $118,680 / $127,890 / $140,200 / $178,466. GST applies and is shown separately on formal quotes and invoices. A deck option is available from $14,145 inc GST.

Site costs vary widely depending on your property — soil, slope, access, distance from the factory, and services infrastructure all affect the number. As a general guide, transport and crane typically add $5,000–$20,000 depending on distance and site complexity. Footings range from $4,000–$11,000 depending on model size and ground conditions. Service connections (power, water, sewer or septic) vary from $3,000 to $25,000+ depending on how far your property is from existing infrastructure. We always quote site costs separately and site-specifically — never bundled.

Most Outhaus projects land between $90,000 and $250,000+ depending on size and site. A Haus 6.0 × 3.4 Complete Dwelling on a flat suburban block with existing services typically lands around $165,000–$185,000 all-in. A Haus 8.4 × 3.4 on an acreage block with more complex site conditions typically lands around $180,000–$210,000. We do not quote a single all-inclusive number without specifying all assumptions.

Yes. Dwelling prices are fixed and do not change based on your site or location. The model and finish series you choose determines the price. What varies is the site cost component, which is specific to your property and quoted separately after a site review.

Yes — and this is one of the most significant advantages of building to Class 1a. Because Outhaus modules are permanent residential dwellings, mainstream lenders treat them the same way they treat a house extension or secondary dwelling. This means you may be able to access equity in your existing property to fund the build, or use a construction loan. Class 10a structures — sheds, containers, many 'granny flat' products — are not financeable as residential buildings. We recommend speaking to a mortgage broker who understands secondary dwelling financing.

Yes — Shell + Floor is available for all models. This includes the full structure, envelope, flooring, walls, ceiling, windows, doors, electrical rough-in, air conditioning, and electrical fittings. It excludes bathroom fit-out, kitchen or kitchenette, waterproofing, tiling, plumbing, tapware, and cabinetry. Shell + Floor suits owner-builders completing fit-out themselves, or buyers who want to manage the finishing trade packages independently.

The standard payment schedule is three stages: a $2,000 holding deposit to secure your production slot, 50% of the total dwelling price on contract signing, and the remaining 50% on practical completion prior to delivery. All stages are tied to verified milestones — you are not paying in advance of work completed.

A Complete Dwelling Outhaus starts from $99,900 inc GST for the Haus 4.8 × 3.4, with site costs (transport, crane, footings, services) additional. An all-in project under $100,000 is not achievable within our current range. If budget is the primary constraint, the most relevant option is the Shell + Floor tier — which starts from $89,488 inc GST for the Haus 4.8 × 3.4 — and managing the bathroom and kitchen fit-out separately, which can reduce upfront dwelling cost and allow you to stage the investment. Outhaus is a Class 1a, architect-designed, permanently compliant residential dwelling. The price reflects what it is.

In this budget range, you are looking at the Haus 4.8 × 3.4 or Haus 6.0 × 3.4 Complete Dwelling, which are priced at $99,900 and $109,900 inc GST respectively — before site costs. On a straightforward flat site with existing services close by, the Haus 6.0 × 3.4 can land all-in within the $150,000–$165,000 range. The Haus 4.8 × 3.4 on a very simple site can land closer to $130,000–$140,000 all-in. Site complexity is the variable — slope, remote access, and distance from services can push total cost above $150,000 even on a smaller model. A site assessment gives you a clear number.

Class 1a is the building classification for a standalone residential dwelling under the National Construction Code (NCC 2022). It is the same classification as a standard house. Every Outhaus module is designed and built to Class 1a standards — which means it is a permanent, habitable residential building with the same structural, fire, energy efficiency, and accessibility requirements as any quality home. This is not a marketing claim. It determines what you can legally do with the building.

Class 10a is the classification for non-habitable structures — sheds, garages, carports, and many container conversions. A Class 10a structure cannot legally be used as a permanent dwelling, cannot be rented as a residential tenancy, cannot be listed on short-term rental platforms as accommodation, and is not financeable as a residential building. Many products marketed as 'granny flats', 'studios', or 'pods' are Class 10a. If you are investing in a secondary dwelling for any residential purpose — living, renting, Airbnb — the building classification determines what is legal and what is not.

Yes — a Class 1a dwelling requires building approval regardless of where it is located. In South East Queensland, most secondary dwellings on appropriately-zoned residential lots are accepted development, meaning they do not require a full Development Application (DA) through council. What is required is building approval through a licensed private building certifier. The process is straightforward and well-established. We guide you through it and provide all documentation your certifier requires.

A Development Application (DA) is a planning approval — it assesses whether the use and location of the building is appropriate for the zone, and involves council. A building approval is a construction approval — it confirms the building meets the NCC and is structurally sound, and is issued by a licensed building certifier (private or council). Most secondary dwellings in SEQ proceed directly to building approval without needing a DA first, because the use is already accepted under the planning scheme. We assess your specific site and council area as part of our process.

A private building certifier is a licensed professional who assesses and approves building work against the NCC. They are an alternative to council's building approval process and are typically faster. For most Outhaus projects, building approval through a private certifier is the standard path. We provide all engineering, specifications, energy compliance, and supporting documentation. We can recommend certifiers with experience in modular and secondary dwellings.

BAL stands for Bushfire Attack Level. If your property is in a designated bushfire overlay area, a BAL assessment determines the construction requirements for any new building on the site. Higher BAL ratings — BAL 19, 29, 40, or FZ — require upgraded materials, window treatments, and detailing that add cost to the build. We factor BAL requirements into site-specific quoting. If you are not in a bushfire overlay area, BAL is not applicable.

We provide full engineering drawings and specifications, energy compliance documentation (NatHERS or deemed-to-satisfy), structural certification, and all product data sheets required by your certifier. Our documentation package is designed for the Queensland approval pathway. You are not starting from scratch or chasing paperwork — everything your certifier needs is prepared and formatted.

Yes. Outhaus Modular Pty Ltd holds a QBCC builder's licence covering residential construction in Queensland. All building work is performed by licensed trades under our supervision. QBCC home warranty insurance applies to residential building work over $3,300 and provides statutory protection for buyers. Confirm insurance coverage details at contract stage.

This is a common misconception. In Queensland, a Class 10a non-habitable structure under 10m² may not require building approval in some specific circumstances — but this applies to garden sheds and non-habitable outbuildings, not to dwellings. A Class 1a residential dwelling requires building approval regardless of size. There is no size exemption for habitable buildings. Anyone offering a 'no council approval needed' dwelling product should be asked specifically what building class it is certified to. If the answer is not Class 1a with a building approval, it is not a legal residential dwelling.

Before the module arrives, your site needs prepared footings at the correct height and position, cleared access for the delivery truck and crane, and roughed-in service connections (power, water, sewer or septic) ready to connect. Outhaus coordinates the delivery schedule to align with site readiness. We provide a site preparation checklist when your contract is confirmed, and your certifier will specify footing requirements once the engineering is reviewed.

There is no universal minimum — it depends on your council's planning scheme, the size of your existing dwelling, and the setback requirements for your zone. In most SEQ residential zones, a secondary dwelling can be placed on a lot of 450m² or more, subject to setbacks. On acreage and rural-residential lots, the constraints are usually about access and services rather than minimum lot size. We assess your specific property as part of the site review process.

Yes. The module sits on adjustable steel footings (typically screw piles or concrete piers) which can accommodate slope. The footing specification and cost will reflect the degree of slope — a gentle fall of 300–500mm adds little cost; a steep fall of 1–2m or more requires more engineering and increases the footing budget. Slope is one of the key variables we assess in the site review, and it is reflected in the site cost quote rather than the dwelling price.

Outhaus modules sit on steel screw piles or concrete pier footings. The number of piles, their depth, and their load rating are determined by a structural engineer based on your soil test results and the module size. As a guide: the 3.4m series typically requires 6–10 piles ($4,000–$8,500); the larger 4.0m series requires 10–14 piles ($5,500–$11,000). Exact specification is confirmed by engineering after a soil test. We organise this as part of site coordination.

The delivery truck is a semi-trailer — it requires a clear road access of approximately 3.5m width and sufficient clearance for the turning radius at your property entry. The crane needs a clear working area adjacent to the placement zone — typically a flat or near-flat area of at least 10–15m from the module's final position. Overhead powerlines, trees, and fencing are all assessed at site review. Where access is challenging, we select the appropriate crane for the job and this is reflected in the crane cost.

The module arrives with all internal electrical and plumbing completed and tested. On site, a licensed electrician connects the module to your property's main switchboard, and a licensed plumber connects to your water supply and sewer or septic system. These connections are included in the site cost component.

Structurally, yes — the module can be placed anywhere with appropriate access. Off-grid power (solar and battery) and water (rainwater collection and filtration) are technically feasible for a Class 1a dwelling. The configuration needs to meet NCC energy and habitability requirements, which means properly sized systems rather than minimal setups. Off-grid configurations are scoped and costed on a project-by-project basis. Contact us to discuss your property.

Yes — a soil test (geotechnical report) is required to specify the footing design. The soil test determines bearing capacity, soil reactivity, and any ground conditions that affect the foundation. This is standard for any residential building in Queensland and is organised as part of the site preparation process. The cost is typically $400–$800 and is included in the site cost component of your quote.

Every Complete Dwelling includes a fully fitted bathroom with WC, shower, and basin — all plumbed internally and ready to connect to your site's water supply and waste system. On most urban and suburban properties, connection is to mains water and council sewer. On acreage and rural properties, connection is typically to tank water and a septic or on-site wastewater treatment system. The module is compatible with either.

The current range is designed and engineered for South East Queensland conditions. North Queensland and cyclone-designated areas require engineering to higher wind classifications (C and D regions under AS 4055 / AS 1170.2), which involves upgraded structural connections, glazing, and cladding specifications beyond our current standard. We do not currently deliver to NQ as a standard service. If you are in a cyclone-designated area, contact us to discuss whether a site-specific engineering upgrade is feasible.

The module arrives on a semi-trailer. A crane lifts it off the truck and swings it into position on your prepared footings — a process that typically takes two to four hours depending on site complexity. Once positioned, the module is bolted to the footings, the services are connected by licensed trades, and the building is inspected and signed off. What would take months on a conventional site takes days. You are not living with a construction zone — the building arrives finished.

The crane lift itself typically takes two to four hours for a single module on a straightforward site. Setup, rigging, positioning, and pack-down are the variables. Complex sites — confined access, powerlines nearby, significant slope — can extend the crane time. We use experienced operators with modular delivery experience and select the right crane for the job from our preferred suppliers.

Our primary delivery zone is South East Queensland and the surrounding region. We can deliver to regional Queensland and northern New South Wales, with transport costs reflecting the distance. Supply-only options (module delivered without installation) are available for customers outside our standard service area who have their own licensed installation team. Speak to us about your location if you are outside SEQ.

Transport is charged on an hourly truck rate plus a pilot vehicle rate per kilometre. A pilot vehicle is required for all modules over 3.5m transport width, which includes all 4.0m wide series models. Crane is quoted separately based on site access, lift weight, and job duration. Both are included in your site cost quote after the site review.

12 to 16 weeks from contract signing to delivery, depending on build pipeline and site preparation timing. The module is manufactured in our factory while your site is being prepared — footings, services, and certifier approval run in parallel. This concurrent approach is one of the efficiencies of factory-built construction. Compare that to 9–14 months for a conventional site build.

If you have ordered a Complete Dwelling, the module arrives fully finished — flooring, paint, tiles, cabinetry, fixtures, appliances, and all fittings are done. The only work remaining on-site is connecting services (power, water, waste). If you have ordered a Shell + Floor, the module arrives with structure, walls, ceiling, flooring, windows, doors, and electrical completed — ready for fit-out.

Our display site is at Laceys Creek, Queensland — approximately 45 minutes north-west of Brisbane. We have completed production-spec buildings on site across multiple models and finish series. We hold regular open days and also take bookings for private site visits. What you see is exactly what you get — not a dressed-up display with upgraded finishes. Visiting in person is the single most useful thing you can do before committing.

Our primary service area is South East Queensland. We can deliver to regional Queensland — including areas like Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay, Darling Downs, and the Whitsundays — with transport costs reflecting the distance. For Northern Rivers NSW and other border regions, delivery is possible and is assessed case-by-case. We currently do not service Victoria, South Australia, or other states as a standard offering. For remote locations including Far North Queensland, delivery logistics and local installation coordination are more complex — contact us to discuss your specific location.

Yes. An Outhaus module is a Class 1a residential dwelling — a permanent, habitable home by definition. Parents, adult children, or any family member can live in it full-time. It is self-contained with its own bathroom, kitchen, and climate control. As a secondary dwelling on your property, it provides private, independent accommodation without the cost or disruption of extending the main house.

Yes — and this is one of the most practical uses of the smaller models. The Haus 4.8 × 3.4 or Haus 6.0 × 3.4 works well as a private, self-contained space for a teenager or young adult. It has its own bathroom, sleeping area, and kitchenette — giving genuine independence while remaining on the property. Because it is Class 1a compliant, it can later become a rentable dwelling, a guest suite, or a home office when its original purpose changes. It is not a playroom. It is a building that earns its value over decades.

Yes. Because it is a Class 1a dwelling, it is a legal residential tenancy. You can rent it to a tenant under a standard residential lease, subject to your council's secondary dwelling rules (most SEQ councils permit this on appropriately-zoned lots). A Class 10a structure cannot legally be tenanted as a residential dwelling. This distinction is why building classification matters for anyone considering rental income.

Yes, subject to your council's short-term rental rules. Most SEQ councils permit short-term rental of secondary dwellings with varying conditions — some require registration, some have night caps, and rules vary by LGA. Because the building is Class 1a, it meets the occupancy standards required for short-term accommodation. We can point you to the relevant rules for your council area.

Structurally, yes — you can use a Complete Dwelling as a home office. However, every model is built to full residential standard regardless of intended use. The Haus 4.8 × 3.4 is the most common choice for a dedicated workspace. If you want to forgo the bathroom and kitchen fit-out, the Shell + Floor tier reduces the cost and leaves you to manage those elements later or omit them entirely. That said, most clients find having a full bathroom in a home office significantly more useful than they expected.

A Class 1a secondary dwelling typically increases the capital value of a property and its rental yield. A graded valuation or bank valuation treats it as an additional habitable dwelling — not a garden shed. The precise impact depends on your location, lot size, and local market. Comparable properties with permitted secondary dwellings consistently attract a premium. A Class 10a structure does not provide the same capital value recognition.

A Class 1a secondary dwelling can be included in a bank valuation, which may increase your property's assessed value. If the dwelling generates rental income, lenders may count a portion of that income in serviceability assessments. The specific impact on your borrowing capacity depends on your lender, your existing loan structure, and how you are financing the build. A mortgage broker with experience in secondary dwellings can model this for your situation.

Technically, a steel-framed module on a skid base can be de-craned, transported, and re-installed on new footings. In practice, this involves a crane lift, transport costs, new footing preparation, and a new building approval at the destination. It is not a common path, but it is possible. Outhaus modules are designed as permanent dwellings — relocation is an option of last resort rather than a planned use case.

Start with the Client Guide — it covers the full range, inclusions, pricing, site costs, and the approval process in plain language. Then come and see a building in person. Most people who are on the fence decide one way or the other within five minutes of walking through a finished module. If you have a specific property in mind, the most useful next step is a site assessment conversation — we can tell you quickly whether your property is suitable and give you a realistic total cost estimate. There is no obligation and no sales pressure in that process.

A Class 1a residential dwelling on an investment property is depreciable in the same way as any residential investment. This includes the building itself and the plant and equipment (fixtures, appliances, etc.). The specifics depend on your tax situation, the date of construction, and whether the property is new or established. We recommend engaging a quantity surveyor to prepare a depreciation schedule.

The full range was designed by Palm Hill Architects — Nicole Rowley, BOAQ 5577 — based in Queensland. The brief was to design properly proportioned residential dwellings that work at compact scale: not just small rooms in a box, but considered spaces with good light, efficient storage, and genuine architectural quality. Every model has been through the same design development process as a full residential project.

Fixed layouts are how we deliver consistent quality at a known price. When every dimension is resolved, the engineering is pre-certified, the material quantities are exact, and the build process is refined over multiple identical units. Customisation introduces variation, which introduces cost, delay, and quality risk. The finish series is where you express your aesthetic preferences — the structural architecture is already optimised. Most clients find this process simpler and less stressful than the endless decisions of a custom build.

The finish series changes the material palette throughout — cladding, internal wall colours, flooring, cabinetry, and fixture finishes all shift together as a coordinated package. Light Series uses lighter tones, coastal-modern materials, and brushed nickel fixtures. Dark Series uses deeper tones, bold architectural finishes, and gunmetal fixtures. Earth Series uses warm timbers, natural materials, and brushed brass fixtures. The underlying architecture is identical across all three — the finish series is the personality.

The structural system is 92mm light gauge steel framing on a 200UB skid base. External cladding, roofing, window joinery, internal linings, and floor finishes are all resolved within each finish series specification. All materials are selected for durability, thermal performance, and low maintenance — appropriate for Queensland's climate range from coastal to inland. Specific material data sheets are available on request.

Each model includes windows, a skylight, and in some configurations a full-width glazed door, all positioned to deliver cross-ventilation and balanced natural light. The 3.4m wide series is oriented with its long axis perpendicular to the primary elevation, so light enters from both ends. The 4.0m wide series has additional window positions that allow more flexibility in orientation. The architect's brief specifically addressed light quality at compact scale — it is not an afterthought.

Window and door configurations are fixed per model and finish series. All glazing is aluminium-framed and specified for Queensland conditions. Where site orientation significantly affects solar performance, we assess this as part of the site review and advise accordingly. Modifications to window or door positions are not available — the structural system and pre-certified engineering are based on the resolved design.

A site-built extension typically takes 9–14 months, involves months of construction activity on your property, carries significant cost variation risk, and is entirely dependent on the quality of the individual trades engaged. An Outhaus module takes 12–16 weeks from contract to delivery, arrives finished, and is on your site for days — not months. The factory-build model removes weather delays, trade shortages, and on-site quality variation. For comparable floor area, the cost is competitive — often lower when you factor in the disruption and contingency costs of a site build.

A shipping container costs $3,000–$8,000. Making one habitable and Class 1a compliant in Queensland — insulation, internal lining, plumbing, electrical, windows, waterproofing, and structural certification — typically adds $80,000–$150,000+ in labour and materials. The geometry of a shipping container (narrow, high, steel thermal mass) creates significant design and thermal challenges. Outhaus modules are purpose-built residential structures — the dimensions, insulation, and structural system are designed for the dwelling purpose from the start. The comparison rarely stacks up the way people expect when they first see container prices.

A kit home is delivered as components for assembly on site. The module arrives in pieces, and the build is managed by the buyer or a local builder, introducing all the same trade and quality variables as a conventional site build. An Outhaus module arrives complete — the only on-site work is crane placement and service connections. You are not project managing a construction process. You are receiving a finished building.

Volume secondary dwelling builders typically produce Class 10a structures or low-specification Class 1a dwellings using standardised, budget-grade materials. The building classification determines what you can legally do with the dwelling and how a bank treats it. The specification determines how it looks, performs, and holds value. Outhaus builds to full residential specification, architect-designed, with material selections made for durability and design quality. The price difference — where it exists — reflects the difference in what you are buying.

Custom layouts cost more, take longer, and introduce quality risk. Every decision in a custom design process is an opportunity for error, rework, or compromise. An Outhaus layout has been designed and refined specifically for its dimensions — the storage, circulation, light, and function are optimised. The finish series lets you make the aesthetic choices that matter. What you gain is a better building delivered faster at a known price. Most clients who initially want customisation find they don't miss it once they've seen the buildings in person.

The best answer is: come and see one before you commit. We have completed buildings on display at our Laceys Creek property and hold regular open days. What you see is production-spec — not a dressed-up display model. We also provide detailed specifications, 3D walkthroughs, and material samples before contract. The factory-build model means every building is the same quality because it is built by the same team in the same facility. There is no good build / bad build lottery.

The structural warranty covers framing, skid base, roof structure, and waterproofing membrane for 10 years. The fit-out warranty covers fixtures, cabinetry, appliances, paint, tiling, and all fittings for 12 months. Warranty exclusions include normal wear and tear, owner modifications, site condition damage not specified at handover, and appliance manufacturer warranty terms (which apply separately). QBCC home warranty insurance provides statutory protection under Queensland building law.

Contact us. Outhaus is a Queensland-based company with an ongoing service obligation under QBCC rules. Warranty claims are assessed and remedied by our team. For the first 12 months, any fit-out issue is addressed directly. Structural warranty claims over the 10-year period are handled under the same process. We are not a company that disappears after handover — we are building a track record of completed projects and client relationships in Queensland.

Setback requirements are set by each council's planning scheme and vary by zone, lot size, and the type of secondary dwelling. In most SEQ residential zones, secondary dwellings are required to maintain a rear setback of 3–6m and side setbacks of 1.5m, but this is not universal. Some councils have specific secondary dwelling codes with their own setback tables. The only accurate answer for your property is to check your council's planning scheme or ask us to do it as part of a site assessment. We review setbacks for every project before quoting.

Yes. Solar panels and battery storage can be added to a completed Outhaus module by a licensed solar installer after delivery. The roof structure and electrical system are compatible with standard residential solar installations. The module's electrical switchboard is configured for a grid-connect setup, and a licensed electrician can integrate solar and battery as they would on any house. If you want off-grid solar from the outset, this is best scoped before delivery so the electrical rough-in is configured accordingly.

All Class 1a dwellings require stormwater drainage from the roof and any hard surfaces to an approved discharge point — typically a council stormwater system, a kerb and channel connection, or an approved on-site dispersion system (absorption trench or rain garden) where council drainage is not available. Your building certifier will specify the stormwater requirement as part of the approval. The cost of stormwater drainage is included in the site cost component of your quote and is assessed during the site review. On rural and acreage properties, on-site dispersion is common and cost-effective.

Adding a secondary dwelling to a property you already own does not trigger stamp duty — stamp duty applies to property transfers (purchases), not construction. You are building on land you own, not buying new land. There may be land tax implications if the property is not your primary place of residence, and the increased value of the property could affect your land tax assessment in subsequent years. This is not financial advice — speak to your accountant or a property tax specialist for your specific situation.

Adding any new structure to a strata or community title lot requires body corporate approval — typically a special resolution (75% majority vote) at a general meeting, and possibly also council approval depending on the scheme's bylaws and the lot configuration. In practice, most strata lots are too small for the setbacks and site access required for a module delivery. Community title lots (which have individual land parcels with shared common property) are more feasible if the lot is large enough. If your property is on a community title scheme, check your scheme's community management statement for building approval processes and contact the body corporate manager before proceeding.

Yes — and this is central to the Outhaus design philosophy. Every model is engineered to join with an additional module: linearly, in an L-shape, or as a courtyard configuration. You can start with a single studio or micro home and expand later. The key is planning the footprint at the outset — siting the first module with enough space and the right orientation for the second. We design the site layout with this in mind from day one. The second module requires its own building approval when you add it, but the structural system is already resolved.

Building insurance covers the physical structure against damage — fire, storm, impact, and other insured events. If you own the property, building insurance is essential and should be updated to reflect the new dwelling. Contents insurance covers your personal belongings inside the module — relevant if it is your primary or secondary residence. If you are renting the module out, landlord insurance covers loss of rent, tenant damage, and liability — it replaces standard building and contents cover for rental properties. We recommend speaking to a general insurance broker to ensure your policy reflects a Class 1a secondary dwelling, as some standard home and contents policies need to be updated to include it explicitly.

Yes. A Class 1a dwelling can be a primary dwelling on any appropriately-zoned lot — it does not have to be a secondary dwelling. If you own a vacant rural or residential lot and want to place an Outhaus as the sole dwelling, the approval pathway is the same: building approval from a certifier, no DA required in most cases. The planning rules that apply to secondary dwellings (minimum lot size, proximity to main dwelling, etc.) do not apply when the module is the primary residence. This is a common use case for rural landowners who want to establish a dwelling on undeveloped land.