Stamping your individuality on your home
Building a house from a set plan may seem restrictive. But each house is as unique as its owner and set plans are no exception.
You don’t have to settle for a bland cookie cutter home. You can make it distinct and reflect your own individual tastes. Ezyline transportable homes are flexible, and you can make many changes. Remember we build real homes for real people.
There are things you can do to give your home a more individual feel for little or no extra cost.
Windows and doors
Our homes come with sliding doors, but if you’re not going to have a wrap-around deck, you might want to think about replacing some of the doors with full height windows instead. Or replace a standard window with a full height window to create a design feature.
Full height windows, which are 800m wide and go right to the floor, create a point of interest, let in lots of natural light, frame views and bringing outside greenery in. Plus, they don’t cost much more than a standard window. You might also want to consider adding a front door, especially if the house fronts onto the street.
This is more suitable for our larger homes but, alternatively, you can formalise an entranceway by adding a pergola, which also provides shelter from the elements.
Cladding
Our standard cladding is 240mm-wide fibre cement board weatherboard. For a more traditional cottage look, you might like to choose narrower cladding, which gives the effect of colonial timber weatherboards. Timber weatherboards have been used by some customers – and they look stunning. Board and batten, corrugated iron and vertical shiplap cedar are all options you can use. Box corners and picture frame windows can also create a colonial aesthetic and make your home look more bespoke.
Layout
Making small changes to the layout of a home can make the space seem bigger and more luxurious. You can add or subtract size and move doors and wardrobes. All of these can contribute to a personalised feel to your home.
Kitchen
You can alter the layout of your kitchen. Fancy a breakfast bar or do you like a galley style? We can design the kitchen of your dreams for your new home. There are tons of benchtop choices as well as cabinetry colours and handle choices which means you can have a beautiful kitchen designed by you.
Colour choice
A house’s colour scheme – inside and out – can make all the difference in creating the look and feel of a home.
You have complete control over roof and spouting colours. Aluminium joinery colours are also chosen by you. All interior and exterior paint choices also come from you. The opportunities for creativity are endless and will take your house from ordinary to eye catching. Some people have a knack when it comes to colours and interior design. If you don’t have an artistic streak or the budget to hire an interior designer, there is plenty of inspiration out there to tap into. Lifestyle magazines, Instagram Pinterest and paint suppliers are all good sources of inspiration when it comes to the latest trends and colour palettes.
Outdoor living areas
As Kiwis, we love to spend as much time outside as we can. Outdoor living spaces are becoming more and more popular – and grand!
The great thing with an outdoor living space is that you can add it to your home as time and budget allow. You can start with decking, then add a roof and even drop-down sides. An outdoor ‘room’ is much more cost-effective than adding on an actual room and can create a considerable amount of useable space for your home.
Up-specing
For something a bit special, you might choose to up-spec certain areas of the home, like the kitchen and/or bathroom. This can range from choosing bespoke handles and tapware to a fully custom-designed kitchen. Of course, this comes with an additional cost, so you need to be mindful of pricing everything carefully beforehand to make sure you don’t blow your budget.
Finishings and flooring
Your choice of flooring has a big impact on the aesthetic of your home. For this reason, we leave this up to you. Vinyl flooring faithfully reproduces the look of timber and Ezyline Homes gives you many choices. Of both vinyl and carpet.
When it comes to window dressings, we also leave that in your hands, as individual preferences vary widely. Some people like thick plush curtains, while others prefer minimalistic blinds.
Your choice of window dressings can really make or break a space. Things to consider include privacy, warmth, colour, and scale. Bulky curtains can make a small space look smaller, while blinds can be cold and unforgiving in winter. Different spaces require different solutions, so take your time to work out what’s not only going to look great, but is also the best, workable solution.
Landscaping
A transportable house is just a house, until it reaches its resting place – then it becomes a home. And the way you choose to landscape the surrounding area makes all the difference.
Fencing, paths, and planting all bring a sense of permanence to your home. You may want to add a carport, or a pergola? Or perhaps some garden sculptures? It all comes down to what your needs are and how you want the finished product to look.
The great thing with landscaping is that you can do it yourself and add to it over time. Plants are a relatively inexpensive way of providing screening and injecting personality into your home.
Summary:
Even when working with a pre-designed home, you can still make it feel uniquely yours. This blog shares easy ways to personalise a transportable home through layout tweaks, finishes, and interior styling that reflect your lifestyle.
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Buying a transportable home is a big decision. Whether it’s for your main residence, a holiday retreat, worker accommodation, or a secondary dwelling, there are several moving parts to consider beyond just the floor plan.
If you’ve been researching what to look for when buying a transportable home, this is our checklist to help you make an informed choice.
Site Suitability & Access
Before falling in love with a layout, start by investigating whether your site is suitable for a transportable build. Rural and urban sites present different challenges. Narrow driveways, tight turning circles, overhead power lines, or limited access can all influence delivery.
An early site assessment gives your transportable home builder a chance to determine if there are any restrictions to the type of home that will work for your property.
Learn more about what’s involved in the transport and installation phase in our Transportable Homes Delivery Process.
Build Quality, Materials & NZ Compliance
Transportable homes have to comply with the New Zealand Building Code, just like any other residential build. That includes things like structural durability, insulation standards, moisture management, and seismic considerations.
Builds completed in a controlled environment have advantages because construction happens under predictable conditions, allowing for tighter tolerances and greater consistency when installing elements such as insulation and glazing.
When comparing your options, take into account the factors that make for a comfortable home - insulation, glazing, weather performance, and overall longevity of the materials being used.
Read more about how offsite construction improves building outcomes in Why Choose Transportable Homes.
Design Flexibility & Lifestyle Fit
Whether you’re looking for a primary residence, a holiday retreat, or accommodation for workers, considering the right layout based on how you’ll use the home will make the biggest difference to how the property is enjoyed.
Purpose of the home
The intended use of your home significantly influences the features and layout you should prioritise. Here are a few common purposes:
- Additional accommodation for extended family: If the home will serve as extra space for family members, consider their comfort and privacy. Features like multiple bedrooms, a separate bathroom, and a cosy living area can make the space more inviting.
- Holiday home: For a holiday property, prioritise low-maintenance features, easy access to outdoor areas, and amenities that enhance relaxation, such as a deck and outdoor living spaces.
- Worker accommodation: Practicality and durability are key for worker housing. Ensure the home is equipped with sufficient amenities, durable materials, and adequate space for comfortable living.
- Granny flat: Usability and preparing for the future are key considerations. If the person using the home is advanced in years, we can prepare the home by making doors flush entry, putting timber in the walls for future grab rails and making doorways wider for future wheelchair access.
The size of the Home
The number of bedrooms is a fundamental consideration when selecting a transportable home. Think about your current and future needs. If you have a growing family or anticipate hosting guests, opting for additional bedrooms can provide comfort and flexibility.
Bathrooms are another important factor, particularly in homes with multiple occupants. A second bathroom can be a game-changer, reducing morning rush hour stress and providing privacy.
The flow of the home
Customising the orientation of your floorplan to suit your needs goes a long way in helping to make your transportable home tick all the boxes when a standard floor plan doesn’t quite fit the bill.
Whether you’re looking to prioritise open plan living, need plenty of accommodation for all the extended family, or storage is top on your list, considering a floor plan which is tailored to include all the amenities you need is an important consideration to ensure your transportable home fits your lifestyle for years to come.
To explore layouts, view all our transportable house plans or if you want to skip the wait, browse our range of transportable homes available now.
The Build & Delivery Process
One of the biggest differences between a traditional build and a transportable home is where the work happens.
Instead of months of on-site activity, your home is constructed in a controlled environment before being transported and installed on prepared foundations. Timelines can vary depending on a few different factors, but these builds allow more certainty in scheduling and are less likely to run over.
While many transportable, modular, prefab, and kitset homes come in a range of sizes and orientations, often a more customised approach is necessary to achieve the perfect layout for your needs.
Check out the top things to consider when choosing the perfect transportable home for you:
Purpose of the home
The intended use of your home significantly influences the features and layout you should prioritise. Here are a few common purposes:
Additional accommodation for extended family: If the home will serve as extra space for family members, consider their comfort and privacy. Features like multiple bedrooms, a separate bathroom, and a cosy living area can make the space more inviting.
Holiday home: For a holiday property, prioritise low-maintenance features, easy access to outdoor areas, and amenities that enhance relaxation, such as a deck and outdoor living spaces.
Worker accommodation: Practicality and durability are key for worker housing. Ensure the home is equipped with sufficient amenities, durable materials, and adequate space for comfortable living.
Granny flat: Usability and preparing for the future are key considerations. If the person using the home is advanced in years, we can prepare the home by making doors flush entry, putting timber in the walls for future grab rails and making doorways wider for future wheelchair access.
Number of bedrooms
The number of bedrooms is a fundamental consideration when selecting a transportable home. Think about your current and future needs. If you have a growing family or anticipate hosting guests, opting for additional bedrooms can provide comfort and flexibility. Even if the home is intended as a holiday retreat or worker accommodation, having extra rooms can enhance privacy and convenience.
Number of bathrooms
Bathrooms are another important factor, particularly in homes with multiple occupants. A second bathroom can be a game-changer, reducing morning rush hour stress and providing privacy. Consider the number of people who will use the home regularly and whether additional bathrooms are necessary to meet their needs.
Separate laundry area
A dedicated laundry area is a practical feature that many overlook. A separate laundry room can help keep the rest of the home organised and clutter-free. Whether you're washing beach towels from a day at the holiday home or uniforms in a worker accommodation setting, a designated laundry space adds convenience and functionality.
Customisable layouts
The ability to pick your preferred finishes including paint colours, floor coverings, joinery, and appliances is an easy way to help make your transportable home feel like your own. Customising the orientation of your floorplan to suit your needs goes a long way in helping to make your transportable home tick all the boxes when a standard floor plan doesn’t quite fit the bill.
Whether you’re looking to prioritise open plan living, need plenty of accommodation for all the extended family, or storage is top on your list, considering a floor plan which is tailored to include all the amenities you need is an important consideration to ensure your transportable home fits your lifestyle for years to come.
Living area size
The living area is the heart of any home, where family and friends gather to relax and socialise. The size of the living area should align with your lifestyle and how you plan to use the space. For those who love entertaining, a larger living area may be ideal. Conversely, if the home is a secondary residence or for temporary use, a more compact living space might suffice with the extra floor plan used for additional bedrooms or storage.
Kitchen and dining area
The kitchen and dining area are crucial spaces for daily living. Consider the size and layout of the kitchen, especially if you enjoy cooking. A well-designed kitchen with ample counter space, storage, and modern appliances can make meal preparation a pleasure. The dining area should comfortably accommodate the number of people you expect to dine regularly.
Storage space
Lack of storage is often a pain point in any home. Evaluate the available storage options, including closets, cabinets, and potential external storage like sheds or garages. Ample storage helps keep the home organised and clutter-free, contributing to a more pleasant living environment.
Keen to find out more? Check out our full range of standard floor plans here or get in touch to chat with our friendly team about how we can help bring your transportable home to life.