Faq

This will depend on how your tiny home is classified. If a tiny home is positioned on wheels/trailer, this would be regarded as a THOW and would not currently be regulated. Given the tiny home is not currently regulated, it is often classified as a caravan. If your tiny home is needed to become a dwelling fixed as a permanent structure, most local councils would regard this as a fixed structure that would fall under the BCA and would require a building application.

An abbreviation for Building Code of Australia, the BCA is used as the basis for building regulations and codes in each state and territory of Australia. While it provides a common framework, individual states and territories may adopt and amend it to suit local conditions and needs.

This can depend on your intended future use of the home. But under the current regulations, NO, a builder’s license is not required for a standard THOW where building approval is not required. Under current regulations, the construction of a tiny home on wheels (THOW) would be more likely to fall under the caravan code, however this could depend on the intended use, be it temporary or semi-permanent. Alphaline Tiny Homes are licensed builders and will always explore methods to construct as close as possible within the national building code if in fact the tiny home may need to be certified later in a more permanent location. As a licensed builder, we will consider your plans and provide options that can give you added value considering for the future.

If a tiny home on wheels is an approved trailer, roadworthy and VIN plated, this would be deemed by the department of transport as a caravan. Until any other regulation is formed for tiny homes, a caravan would be the best term to define a tiny home when communicating with councils or other people in government authorities.

A tiny home on skids would typically be a larger, heavier building that would not be towed on the road. Typically, these would be craned into position or may have axles & wheels on them and be utilized to assist in maneuvering when loading or unloading them on and off trailers/trucks. A THOS could most likely need an approved building permit for it to be fixed to a footing.

Yes, this is quite possible, however your tiny design could be limited to ensure compliance is fully achieved, as an example, any elevated lofts, low ceiling heights, wet area waterproofing is just a few areas that will need to comply. The Alphaline THYbrid™ has been designed for this reason, giving you that extra layer of certification so if and when building approval could be required, you have the flexibility to utilize the THYbrid™ documentation to assist in seeking building approval through your local council.

There is a range of definitions used as secondary dwellings, however it’s important to establish a clear understanding of what the application would consist of and a possible understanding of the current use of the property including the zoning especially if it’s used to operate a business from. Some businesses require a caretaker, and or some may have agricultural, or ecotourism linked to it, which can give provision for multiple secondary dwelling needs. Alphaline Tiny Homes recommends the need for an experienced planner specialist to be involved to provide clarity surrounding the options. Alphaline Tiny Homes are passionate about complying with local council, however its important to note that a planning specialist in this field will provide far more detailed clarity regarding your local council than speaking directly with your local council. Its vital to be very clear in what your new intended portable building on wheels is called before contacting your council. Its very simple to outline your specific application in writing to Alphaline and with a 15 min phone call, we could arrive at a solution to put forward to your council.

Tiny homes on trailers are technically considered to be ‘caravans’ in Australia. This is because they are not permanent fixtures and do not require a slab. Therefore, Development Approval is not required to build one. In regards to where you can place your tiny home or whether you need some type of permit, different councils have different rules. In the case of many councils, you can have one tiny home on your property. But to have more than two, you need special permission. It’s important to check with your local council about their specific regulations before purchasing a tiny home. Increasingly, councils are embracing tiny houses as a viable way for people to live. The team at Alphaline Homes can help point you in the right direction, so speak to us first about your specific needs as the terminology for your application could be very unique.

Yes, we can assist with what your steps would be after we have brainstormed your application. Firstly ensure you are clear of the land you have available, we will need the detailed address, intended use so we can discuss the options.

Yes absolutely, this would then be considered as a THOS, (tiny home on skids) however the first vital question is, do you need a building permit or does it need to be regarded as a caravan type of building to exclude the need for council building approval. If you are unsure of these options, Alphaline Tiny Homes can assist with the brainstorming of your options.