Portable Home Site Prep

Getting a portable home onto your section should be fast and stress-free—if you prepare the site, documentation, and delivery plan properly. This comprehensive guide goes beyond the basics with feasibility checks, drainage and envelope tips, compliance steps, snag lists, and a practical competition landscape so you can compare suppliers without stepping on hidden landmines. For model options and specs, start here:
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/

1) Confirm Your Model, Size & Weight Early

Different footprints and weights affect trucks, cranes, turning circles, and council expectations. Shortlist your plan first, then share your address and site photos so the team can sanity-check delivery.
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/products/
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/quote/

Pro tip: Align your intended use (sleepout, secondary dwelling, Airbnb, office) with the Compac Homes range for efficient footprints that still feel liveable.
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/compac-homes/

2) Feasibility Scan: Ground, Services, Neighbours

Before you fall in love with a floor plan, do a quick feasibility sweep:

Ground conditions: Does the site stay firm after rain? Any history of flooding or springs?
Services: Where are your power, water, wastewater/stormwater runs?
Boundaries & neighbours: Are there tall hedges, fences, or easements to respect?
Noise & privacy: Can you orient windows/doors for best sun and least over-look?

When in doubt, send a short video walk-through from the street to the pad.
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/contact-us/

3) Access Audit: The “Street-to-Pad” Walk

Do a literal walk with a tape measure and phone camera:

Gate widths, fence posts, tight bends, trees/branches
Overhead lines (power/phone), low carports, steep cambers
Turning radius for truck + trailer or crane position and outrigger space
Ground bearing capacity where the crane/truck will sit

If anything looks marginal, don’t guess—ask.
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/contact-us/

4) Foundations & Base: Choose a System That Drains

Most transportable units land on skids or piles. Your goal is simple: level, drained, and durable.

Free-draining layer: compacted GAP/scoria, with fall away from the footprint
Capillary break: keep moisture from wicking up into the floor
Subfloor airflow: ensure vents aren’t blocked by landscaping or storage
Service routes: plan where conduits/pipes enter to avoid ad-hoc drilling later

Grab technical notes to align with your advisor.
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/brochure/

5) Envelope, Condensation & Ventilation (NZ Climate Reality)

Moisture is the enemy of comfort—and of long-term maintenance costs.

Insulation: ask about wall/roof R-values and thermal bridging mitigations
Glazing: specify double glazing and practical openings for cross-breeze
Extraction: dedicated fans in kitchen/bath; check flow rates and noise levels
Thermal zoning: bedroom cooler, living warmer; plan openings accordingly

Download specs, then confirm in your quote.
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/brochure/
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/quote/

6) Compliance Basics (Before Delivery Day)

Rules vary by council and intended use (sleepout vs secondary dwelling vs visitor accommodation). Before you book a crane:

Setbacks, max size/height, and anchoring
Wastewater & stormwater: mains vs on-site systems
Power connection: temporary vs permanent, meter requirements
Documentation bundle: plan set, spec sheet, warranty coverage, delivery method

Need spec sheets or confirmation letters?
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/brochure/
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/quote/

7) Fit-Out & Services: Spec Smart (Not Just “More”)

Match inclusions to actual use. For Airbnb or offices, prioritise:

Hard-wearing flooring, coved skirtings where needed
Acoustic attention between sleeping/living zones
Efficient hot water, extraction, lighting levels, and task power/data points
Storage that keeps floor area clear (perceived spaciousness = better ROI)

Compare layouts and inclusions here:
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/products/

8) Book the Right Delivery Window (Weather + Ground)

Aim for firm ground and clear skies—rain complicates crane lifts and trucks on grass. If you’re on a deadline, consider In Stock units to reduce lead time.
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/instock/

Confirm specifics with the team (arrival time, sequence, contingency).
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/contact-us/

9) Delivery-Day Pack List & Roles

Site ready: gates unlocked, cars moved, pets secured
Marked corners: string lines + a builder’s level
Temporary timber/packers: as advised for fine levelling
Service points flagged: power, water, wastewater tie-ins
One coordinator: the decision-maker on site to avoid delays

10) Post-Placement QA: 20-Point Snag List

Walk the unit and note:

Doors/windows open/close without binding
Locks/keys work smoothly
No visible racking at corners
Gaps at skirting/architraves minimal and sealed
Kitchen/bath extraction operating and vented correctly
Water to fixtures; no leaks at traps
GFCIs/RCDs tested by a licensed sparky
Downpipes discharge away from skids/piles
External cladding fixings tidy and sealed
Subfloor vents unobstructed
Flashings correctly lapped
Roofing free of damage post-lift
Smoke alarms installed/tested
Interior caulks tidy at wet areas
Flooring transitions flat/safe
Silicone intact around sinks/showers
Seals sound around windows & doors
No ponding near the base after hose test
Deck attachment (if any) flashed properly
All documentation and warranties received

11) First-Year Maintenance Plan

After storms: check level, drains, and roof fixings
Seasonally: clean gutters, verify door/window seals, service fans/filters
6-monthly photos: subfloor and corners to catch movement early
Annually: review extraction performance (condensation patterns = clues)

12) Fast-Track Scenarios (Reference Builds)

Backyard Studio/Sleepout: compact footprint, cross-breeze, simple services route.
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/compac-homes/
Airbnb Unit: acoustic tweaks, durable finishes, laundry provision, private deck.
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/products/
Site Office: open plan with data/power, secure hardware, hard-wearing floor.
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/quote/

13) ROI & Use-Case Thinking (High-Level)

Airbnb/Short-stay: prioritise robust finishes, privacy, and low-noise services; streamline changeover with storage and easy-clean surfaces.
Family Use: invest in glazing/insulation and storage; comfort pays back daily.
Office/Studio: wired data, lighting levels, security hardware.
Future Resale: neutral palettes, flexible layouts, quality envelope > flashy extras.

Need help matching specs to the use case?
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/quote/

14) Competition Landscape: How to Compare Suppliers (Without Guesswork)

When you evaluate other providers, line them up on apples-to-apples criteria. The goal isn’t to chase the lowest sticker price—it’s to avoid hidden cost and performance traps.

A) Supplier Types You’ll See

Local portable-home specialists: turnkey designs, NZ-ready specs, documented delivery.
DIY/kitset sheds & “sleepouts”: cheaper up-front, but may lack insulation/envelope performance or compliance clarity.
Imported cabins/containers: attractive price, but check NZ compliance, moisture management, and aftercare.
Traditional prefab/home builders: comprehensive but slower/costlier; not always optimised for crane delivery.

B) The Comparison Matrix (Score 1–5)

Spec transparency: full inclusion/exclusion list, insulation R-values, glazing, extraction
Delivery method & liability: who books crane, who carries risk if access changes?
Compliance support: letters/specs for council; clarity around use-case (sleepout vs dwelling)
Envelope quality: condensation strategy, thermal bridging notes, flashing details
After-sales & warranty: response time, parts/labour coverage, local contact
Lead times & in-stock options: real dates, not vague ranges
Total cost of ownership: maintenance posture, known weak points, parts availability
Local presence: can you visit, call, or get someone on site?

C) Red Flags

Vague or variable specs (“depends on batch”)
No written delivery plan or crane/access assumptions
“Compliance is your problem” language
No R-values stated; no mention of extraction/venting
Too-good-to-be-true pricing with long fine print

Why many buyers choose Portable Dwellings: product range built for NZ conditions, in-stock pathways when timing matters, and clear routes to plans/quotes/specs with local contact and support:
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/products/
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/instock/
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/brochure/
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/quote/
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/contact-us/

15) What If Something Changes?

If access tightens (new fence, neighbour’s tree) or heavy rain undermines base prep, don’t force it—reschedule. Portable Dwellings can suggest workarounds or revise logistics once they see updated photos or a quick video.
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/contact-us/

16) Your Action Plan (Copy/Paste To-Do)

Shortlist a model →
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/products/
Download brochure & mark custom notes →
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/brochure/
Access audit (photos/video street-to-pad) → send for review →
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/contact-us/
Request a tailored quote (foundation, inclusions, delivery window) →
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/quote/
Need speed? Check In Stock →
https://www.portabledwellings.co.nz/instock/

Quick Links (Backlinks)