Some believe that the Colosseum was financed by a raid on King Herod’s temple. Luckily kit home owners have it a bit easier today with 2 popular financing options available to them.

Despite all the power they had, Roman emperors still had to find a way to finance all the great structures they desired. The Colosseum’s construction, for instance, is rumoured to have been financed by a raid of King Herod’s Temple in Jerusalem.

Nowadays financing is a bit easier (and safer). Financial institutions provide future kit home owners with two popular options to finance their kit homes:

1.      Full document loan

A full document loan is often used by individuals that have a stable, regular income to repay their loan amount. To apply for a full document loan to finance your kit home you will need to prove your employment with payslips or business financials (self-employed).

Note: To be able to apply for a full document loan, you’ll generally have to supply the following:

• Copy of licence, passport or birth certificate
• Rates notice for all properties owned
• Most recent loan statement for all loans
• Most recent credit card statements
• 6 Months loan statements for loans being refinanced
• Proof of rental income for all properties
• Self employed – 2 years tax returns or assessment notices
• Employed – 2 payslips and letter of employment
• Or last 2 years tax assessment notices
• Insurance certificate notices for all properties
• Purchasing contract if buying a property

Full document loans often have standard interest rates associated with them.

2.      Low document loan

A low document loan is another option for kit home financing for individuals that have an Australian Business Number (ABN), but cannot provide proof of a stable, regular income. You can, however, afford payment on your home loan according to the lender’s terms.

Here are three main low document loan types:

Asset Lend

An asset lend requires the least evidence of income, but will finance only a part of your kit home. These loans are secured against the property itself, and generally carry a high interest rate.

Self-declared income

This type of low document loan simply requires a signed declaration of income. You can loan up to 80% of your kit home value, but this usually comes with higher interest rates.

Account statement

An account statement low document loan requires a bit more documentation in accompaniment of the kit home loan application. This could be a letter from your accountant, or anything else to similar effect. Interest rates for this type of loan are closer to standard interest rates.

Note: When you’re applying for a low document loan, you’ll generally have to supply the following:

• Copy of licence, passport or birth certificate
• Rates notices for all properties owned
• Most recent loan statement for all loans
• Most recent credit card statements
• 6 Months loan statements for loans being refinanced
• Proof of rental income for all properties
• Purchasing contract if buying a property

Remember Your Building Block!

Just like the Roman emperors that built the Colosseum –a father and son team, in fact – you’ll need some land to build your kit home. These are formally known as building blocks[u3] . Remember to keep their cost in mind when planning the financing of your kit home.

In all events, consult a number of financial institutions to ensure that you get as much of your kit home financed as you can, while getting the best possible interest rates.

A summary of this post can be found on the Owner Builder Finance page.

If you missed our previous post, read “Are King of your Castle? How to Prepare for Your Kit Home – Part 1 click here

Building your own kit home might lend some weight to the phrase “King of the Castle”, seeing as you helped build it with your own hands. Below we’ll look at the first, and probably one of the most important steps of building your own kit home: kit home design.

Start by Choosing Your Land

Since the beginning of human civilisation, even before our sprawling cities, site location took careful consideration for any group of individuals that wanted to settle down. Was there any clean water sources in the vicinity? What about food supplies and sufficient natural resources to provide them with the tools and materials they needed to survive?

Finding water isn’t hard nowadays, but there are other things to take into consideration when choosing a site for your brand new kit home.

Take a pen and a piece of paper, and do a bit of planning – the more extensive your planning, the more informed your choice will be.

Your list should include:

• Location of schools (if you have, or plan to have, kids)
• Where will you buy food?
• Location of your workplace(s)
• Where is the nearest hospital in case of an emergency?
• Is the area safe enough for you and your family?
• Can you afford to live there in the long run?

Equally important is the aesthetic qualities of your soon-to-be new neighbourhood. After all, when you’re not at work or out shopping, that’s where you’ll spend most of your time.

If you still haven’t found the right building block, go to www.russellisland.com.au and get it now!

Design Your Kit Home

Once early civilisations started discovering their own creativity, they applied it to just about anything and everything they could find – rock faces, trees, weapons, cutlery and, of course, their houses. Today we’ve got the computing power to produce stunning designs of fully functional, beautiful family homes in a relatively short time.

Get Creative with your Kit Home

Your new kit home’s design is entirely up to your own creativity. You can either choose an existing design, customise an existing design for your family’s needs, or start from scratch to design that castle you’ve always wanted.

Make Sure it Fits

In order to finalise your design you will need to order a contour survey and a soil test of the site you’ll build on. You’ll also get an engineer’s report which is usually organised by your kit homes supplier. This is to make sure your home will be structurally sound.

It’s Time to Seal the Deal

When all have been said and done, a formal quote is produced, the contract drawn up and the necessary documentation procured for submission to the council.

Congratulations – You are now closer to becoming the King (or Queen) of your very own castle! Get started today by choosing your.

A summary of this post can be found on our Home Designs page

The Man from England…

The first kit home was built on Australian soil, and was called the “Manning Portable Colonial Cottage for Emigrants”. In 1830 London carpenter, H. Manning, designed a cottage for his son who was immigrating to Australia. The individual parts of the house were cut and stored on the ship, and reassembled in Australia.

Although this home is technically known as a ‘prefab’ home, it immediately proved popular upon arrival in Australia. From that point on kit homes, or rather ‘ready to assemble’ homes have played an important part in providing affordable comfort within Australia.

Kit Homes in America

Browse the internet for the history of kit homes, and you’re likely to encounter a number of American companies. The Aladdin Company of Bay City, started by Otto and William Sovereign, is noted in a number of sources as the first company to sell kit homes, and very successful at that. The brothers got the idea from a company that sold pre-fabricated boats by mail, and reasoned that the same can be done with houses.

Their first kit home was sold to a man from Detroit, Michigan, who recently acquired land in Idaho and needed suitable homes built for his family. Using the money they made on that initial sale, the brothers grew their business throughout America, selling more than 50,000 kit homes in their 77 years of business.

Along with other notable American companies, Aladdin gave shape to the kit home industry. They realised that many owners preferred playing a key role in the construction of their own homes, along with increased savings. Flexibility in design also played a key role; architects would often alter existing designs to suit customer requirements. Naturally this meant that many homeowners could get the kit home they wanted, at a price they could afford.

Kit Homes Today

Today kit homes are commonplace. Tens of thousands of designs exist. Some designs are specifically tailored to an area to withstand certain natural occurrences like fires, hurricanes and termites. Other designs are tailored to a specific living requirement, or to suit the architectural requirements of its immediate surroundings.

It is important to realise that, even though kit homes are more affordable, they are in no way less attractive or comfortable than their more expensive counterparts. Kit homes can be customised to suit any taste requirement, and built to provide the safety and environmental efficiency expected from any modern home.

Check out our kit home designs for a number of pre-designed houses, or start designing your own kit home today!

Defining the Kit Home Owner-Builder

A kit home owner-builder is very broadly defined as an individual who either supervises or coordinates the work being done to his or her own house, or any part thereof. This includes the actual construction as well as repairs and alterations to the structure.

While no license is required for very minor tasks in and around the home, state law determines that an owner-builder permit is required where the amount of work done, combined with the materials exceed a certain market value. These amounts vary from state to state, but in most cases reflect a labour-material market value of $12,000.

Greater Financial Flexibility as the Owner-Builder of a Kit home

More and more individuals are opting to take on the role of owner-builder. This can, in part, be attributed to the fact that  a kit home is not only the more affordable choice, but more flexible too; you can build when the money or the requirement is there, which means the incurred debts can be substantially less than with a conventional home. This is a substantial benefit, especially for those who want a bit more control over their money.

However, with all the financial benefits come a bit of responsibility too. As an owner-builder the onus is on you to ensure that all state-wide regulations are adhered to. This includes:

• Obtaining all relevant permits and approvals
• Complying with the regulations of the Workers Compensation Act 1987 and Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000.
• Creating and maintaining a safe work environment
• Employing licensed and insured contractors
• Ordering materials and ensuring that they are of an acceptable quality (after all, it is your house)
• Ensuring that the final structure created is sound of structure and fit to live in

It’s pretty basic and provides you with the necessary protection to ensure a job well done.

How can You Become an Owner-Builder?

Let’s take a quick look at the advantages of being an owner builder again:

Save money: You oversee the entire project, choose and arrange the materials and employ only those individuals that you need to (or that you can afford).

Tip #4: Termites? Floods? Choose the right kit home type!
Steel frame kit homes can withstand a number of natural disasters, but are not the only option available. The right choice depends on the natural phenomena the structure might encounter over a period of years. It is essential to take recent and historical data into account when you design your kit home and choose the materials it will be constructed with.

Tip #5: Plan the inside with efficiency
Over the years we tend to accumulate a lot of “stuff”. Some of it might be sentimental, others are really useful. Then there are also the items we’ve purchased that might come in useful somewhere in the future. Everything will need to be stored somewhere, which is why storage space is a crucial element of kit home design.
The tips above aren’t comprehensive in any way, but all point to the fact that a good design is one that has considered all possible eventualities, and all possible living requirements. View our kit home designs today to find one that matches your requirements as closely as possible, and use the elements on your list to create a home that will be good to you and your family for years to come.

Actually, it is simpler than ever to get involved directly in the process of building your dream house. It is fairly true given the fact you don’t have to spend a lot of time in buying and transporting additional materials, dealing with climatic conditions that delay the project, or handling heavy materials like bricks or timber. In this respect, you have more freedom to focus on design rather than concerning about additional costs.

In addition to the great advantages of kit homes, it is very important to know that these houses are built to anticipate future problems. More specifically, you won’t face structural problems such as termites, fungi, moisture, or heat. Termites and fungi are some of the biggest concerns when constructing with timber, especially if you live in certain locations in Australia. Moreover, in the latter case, fire is also a big problem particularly in dry areas prone to bushfires. Houses utilizing steel framing, in this case, can easily resist such high temperatures without melting, bending, or cracking.

Similarly, you can rely on the solid steel structure and the modern designs for kit houses to prevent upcoming damages caused by storms, cyclones, and quakes. If you reside in particular areas in Australia such as Tasmania, Queensland, New South Wales, or Northern and Western territory, it is very important that you think about designs and structures that best resist these natural challenges. Creating designs that best complement the nature available is another good reason to construct your own house. In this respect, you can opt for an eco-friendly design by giving priority to natural lighting, indoor areas, and special materials. You can base your design on the surrounding environment no matter if you live in a difficult terrain like a mountain or slope. With regard to the materials used, the use of timber is reduced significantly by the way that priority is given to steel. This component, as any other natural material, does not represent a risk to the surrounding nature.

For all these reasons, kit homes are the most appropriate choice for owner builders to accomplish their dream house project without additional costs and delays. The new trend in terms of housing, give priority to such alternatives that do not require large quantities of timber, energy and machinery to build houses.

Given the current Australian conditions, and the need for environmentally-friendly options to build houses, steel kit homes are the most appropriate choice for owner builders and the nature itself. A steel home is the best way to avoid problems such as termites, moisture, and other external factors such as earthquakes and cyclones that may affect the physical characteristics of the construction. Actually, constructing with timber usually requires at least ten trees to build an average house. In this regard, the number of timber required to build houses nation wide can represent a huge negative impact on the environment. Conversely, a kit home using steel framing is a great option to meet the Australian conditions since wood is used moderately along with other construction materials. It should be considered, besides, that building with steel frames takes half the time than constructing using timber.

Further, these types of homes are versatile enough to be creating according to all client’s technical requirements and likings. You can decide on the style of your future kitchen, bathroom, living room, and facade if you opt for these adaptable house kits. Certainly, you don’t have to worry about the construction process when using steel frames; instead, you just worry about the design. Today, still, the budget you have is critical to build the sort of house you want. Sometimes, future house owners have to change the initial design given the fact that their budget is not enough to include all the characteristics they want on their house project. As in the case of steel frame houses, there are no restrictions when building and designing since they are significantly less expensive than timber constructions.

Besides location of your future home, if you want to build your house for the Australian lifestyle of Queensland, New South Wales, or Tasmania, the designs on www.kithomes.net.au always have the right design that best meet your needs. And to this must be added the support they provide to get an owner builder’s license and/or home loans. Also, you can learn more about owner builder tips to take the best of your kit home. Learn how to save money in your kit home, avoid expensive upfront costs and extra bills, and be more aware of what it means to be an owner builder in Australia.

Briefly, then, if you are planning to get the services of kit homes there is no better site than Kit Homes Australia to get your dream house. Regardless if you have to stick to a budget, you can always find affordable options for kit homes in Australia. There is specialized customer’s support and assistance for kit home tips in order to guarantee customer satisfaction in every detail.

When I purchased my home, I fell in love, for, I always dreamed of living in a Log Cabin. After researching these Steel kit homes. I became intrigued by them. Knowing now, that I could have purchased one, and even designed it myself, for a substantial amount less, than what I did my home. In addition to learning, that I also could have given it the Log Cabin exterior designs. Not only could I have the home of my dreams, but I could have provided a healthier, safer way of living for my family, and saved a lot of money at the same time. We live and learn, I guess. However, if I ever get the opportunity to purchase another home, I will indeed go with a Steel Kit Home. My word to the wise would be, if you’re planning on buying a home, do your research. Be sure the home you’re buying is the safest, healthiest, and most affordable way to go. There are millions of resources available on Steel Kit Homes, and I haven’t found one yet, with any negative feedback on these homes.  Here’s a short list of some of the resources available.

Now that I have given you something to think about, let’s say, you don’t like the idea of coming home to a steel building every day. That’s the most spectacular part of going with a Steel Kit Home. You have the option, to design the exterior as well. Maybe, you had a brick home or log cabin in mind. You can still go with a Steel Kit Home and have the look of which ever outside design you choose. You really can’t go wrong, when choosing a Steel Kit Home. Not only are they fire resistant, mold resistant, termite resistant, and are able to withstand extreme weather conditions, but they can give you the opportunity to finally have the home of your dreams.  In addition to all of this, they are also very affordable. There are too many advantages to list, but going with these homes, can potentially save you money throughout the duration of your lifetime. They are energy efficient, and that means no more high energy bills. Since they are termite proof, you won’t have to pay that exterminator anymore. I have nothing negative to say about steel kit homes. I feel they are an excellent investment at an affordable price. However, if you’re still having doubts, then by all means, don’t take my word for it. Research it for yourself, there are hundreds of resources available, but they all come to the same conclusion. Standard Homes are merely second best in comparison to Steel Kit Homes.

We as individuals are faced with difficult decisions everyday. However, this is one decision, that should come easily. There is no other home quite like this one. Us as individuals, have little things about ourselves that makes us unique, and that’s what Steel Kit Homes are to the Homebuilders Industry. Buying a Steel Kit Home would definitely be an experience you would want to share with  everyone. You would get the opportunity to showcase your individuality, by designing your own home, without going  broke in the process.  You can design your dream home from the ground up, and once you have it exactly how you want it. You can rest assured, knowing that your investment is well protected. Seeing that, Steel Kit homes are fire resistant as well as mold resistant, energy efficient, environmentally friendly, rust and rot proof, will not crack, sag, or twist. This is a home that will not only get you the attention you deserve, but will eventually pay for itself. All the money you would have put into home repairs, pest control, expensive insurance rates, and high energy costs, can go to more important things. Like putting your children through college, or purchasing them that new car, they have begged for, or maybe taking a luxury vacation with your true love. Whatever your plans for the future may be, you can better ensure yourself of them becoming a reality, by investing in it now.

Steel Kit Homes are expanding all over the country. They add attractive and sleek design to any piece of property. Since steel doesn’t rot, your insurance rates won’t increase over the years, another example of how this home can save you money.  These homes are built to last, and are able to withstand extreme weather conditions such as snow storms, thunderstorms, cyclones, and earthquakes. No one knows what the future holds for us, nor what mother nature has up her sleeve. Therefore, while you’re sitting behind your computer screen pondering on which move to make next. Keep Steel Kit Homes in mind, there are millions of resources available. Research this matter well, compare the advantages to the disadvantages, and I guarantee you that Steel Kit Homes will absolutely be your first choice.