Structural Engineer Needed for Prefab Pod

klatscho on 15/06/2025 - 23:43
Last edited 16/06/2025 - 15:33

I bought a 6m prefab module that I would like to use for storage (and occasional office). Problem is it came without any drawings whatsoever and I want to get it approved by council.

I now have plans (courtesy of a mate of mine) l, but now need a structural review of the drawings and a certification letter for the building surveyor. I am finding it quite hard to get quotes because it is a ln imported model from China…maybe anyone knows someone?

And yes, it is more than 10m2

PM me for more details

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Ozbargainusername123 on 16/06/2025 - 06:19
    +3

    Install it and don't tell council.

    • jv on 16/06/2025 - 09:39
      +2

      You're insurance company will love that option when it comes time to make any kind of claim…

      • Beef jerky time on 16/06/2025 - 09:43
        +6

        Your

        • jv on 16/06/2025 - 09:44

          Correct, unless Ozbargainusername123 is an insurance company.

  • oscargamer on 16/06/2025 - 07:12
    +3

    Good luck. Without knowing the specification of structural elements like the grade of the steel used, no one is going to certify anything.

  • joka on 16/06/2025 - 07:39
    +5

    Did you not consider all this before you made the purchase?

  • SYLTB on 16/06/2025 - 08:02

    This the main problem with modular or kit homes that come with hefty prices. They sell them up to construction level with most of stuff excluded delivery cost, labor on site, soil test, council fee, floor, doors, internals, externals etc etc. If you want it as 'turnkey' then the already hefty cost doubles or even triples.
    Here WTF these prices the cheapest starts with over $550K, fully turnkey would be $750K.
    https://modscape.com.au/modscape-home-series/

    • netjock on 16/06/2025 - 09:56

      The problem is prefab seems to think being marginally cheaper is enough of a selling point.

    • Cyphar on 16/06/2025 - 12:48

      Here in Australia these pre-fab homes don't suit most residential situations like they would in countries such as Japan. What they do aid in, are setting up homes in regional/outback properties where there is no alternative. My company sets up offices in the middle of nowhere (Agriculture/farming). We can't find staff because they have nowhere to live, so rather than wait 12+ months to build, a 3BR kit home comes in on a truck or two and is set-up and turnkey within a few weeks after approval and we can then immediately bring in staff.

  • JIMB0 on 16/06/2025 - 08:11
    -1

    Just get ChatGPT to knock something out. It's pretty good these days.

  • barge-in hunter on 16/06/2025 - 09:08
    -2

    Why do you need council permission? It’s a “non permanent structure”.

    Unless it’s particularly big or you’re placing it within a metre of a fence line? I know different councils have different rules, but I thought these were pretty standard

    • jv on 16/06/2025 - 09:41
      +1

      Why do you need council permission?

      Probably because it exceeds 10m²

      • barge-in hunter on 16/06/2025 - 09:41
        +1

        Good pick up - I missed that it was 6m long

        • jv on 16/06/2025 - 09:42
          +4

          If it's only 1.5m wide, they might be OK…

  • 30year old Camry on 16/06/2025 - 09:21
    +3

    Just slap some wheels on it and say it's a caravan

    • jv on 16/06/2025 - 09:41

      Then it would need to be registered for the road.

      • tenpercent on 16/06/2025 - 11:27
        +1

        Only if you take it on the road

        • jv on 16/06/2025 - 11:31

          It won't be recognised by the council as a caravan if not registered.

  • Duckie2hh on 16/06/2025 - 09:42
    +1

    Just remove the roof and it is no longer considered an "enclosed" structure. No approval required.

    • tenpercent on 16/06/2025 - 11:27

      How about a wall?

  • coffeeinmyveins on 16/06/2025 - 13:21

    I am finding it quite hard to get quotes because it is a ln imported model from China

    Yeah because no-one wants to put their name on something they have no idea is made from.

    • klatscho on 16/06/2025 - 15:35

      I get that, but it is a very common model with fork lift pockets and lifting lugs - so quite sturdy.

      • coffeeinmyveins on 17/06/2025 - 22:34

        Having fork lift pockets doesn't mean anything

        That's like saying a Chinese made watch has a second hand therefore it's quite sturdy compared to a Swiss watch

  • yellowfever on 16/06/2025 - 23:53
    +1

    Temu allows free returns within 60 days I believe. Not too late I hope..

  • TimmyTims on 17/06/2025 - 09:32

    I recently had a carport I designed certified and it was pretty painless.
    Depending on what you bought, a structural engineer/ consultant may be able to certify a similar design that is very conservative (assume worse case scenario of how it was assembled/ materials used). If worse case passes, then they should be able to give you a Reg 126 or your local equivalent.

    • klatscho on 17/06/2025 - 21:33

      In WA this is a Certificate of Compliance, and thats exactly what I am after.

  • Muppet Detector on 18/06/2025 - 16:53

    Education Qld uses a whole bunch of pre fab structures that they call classrooms. Pretty much caravans on bessa blocks instead of wheels.

    What do they do to get these things certified? They stick over 30 odd kids in these things and you just want to use yours for storage. I'm thinking they have to jump more hoops than you will need to?

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