How modular home delivery works in South Australia

Modules are constructed in an off-site factory to a specification agreed with the client. Common Australian modular manufacturers ship modules from factories in various states, with delivery to Adelaide managed by specialist heavy transport operators.

Standard module dimensions align with what can be legally transported on Australian roads: typical widths 3 to 4.5 metres, lengths up to 12 metres. Larger modules require oversize permits and pilot vehicles.

The transport route from factory to site is planned in advance by the operator. Route selection considers height (bridges, powerlines), width (narrow roads, roundabouts), and turning geometry at the destination. Some sites in the Adelaide Hills or with tight access are not reachable by module-carrying trucks; site suitability must be confirmed at the design stage.

Delivery scheduling depends on distance from the factory, road access, and coordination with the crane. Typical lead time from factory completion to delivery is 1 to 3 weeks.

The site must be ready for module installation before delivery day. This includes: the foundations (typically concrete strip footings or a raft slab) with anchor points for the modules; all services (water, sewer, stormwater, electricity, NBN) roughed in to the module locations; the access route for the truck and crane; and any temporary hoardings, fencing or protection required.

The site prepper (typically a specialist earthworks contractor or the main builder) delivers this preparation. Timing is coordinated so the site is ready one to two weeks before delivery.

Any delay in site preparation cascades to a delivery postponement. Trucks and cranes are booked in advance and cannot be rescheduled at short notice without cost implications.

Cranes for module installation are typically 40 to 100 tonne capacity mobile cranes, matched to the module weight and reach required.

Crane positioning is planned in advance. The crane must reach every module setpoint from a stable position, with clear airspace above. Adjoining property airspace is often crossed; consent or an Airspace Licence with the neighbour is required.

Lift plans show each module lift, the crane position, the truck delivery sequence, and any staged movements. A large modular home might involve six to twelve individual lifts over the course of a delivery day.

Safety zones on and around the site are established for the delivery. Residents in adjoining properties should be notified in advance and asked to stay clear during lifts.

A typical modular delivery day: trucks arrive early morning with the modules; the crane sets up and prepares; the first module is unloaded from the truck and lifted into position; subsequent modules follow with the crane repositioning between lifts as needed; site workers connect the modules to the foundation and to each other with structural connections; the crane and trucks depart.

The whole activity is typically completed within a single working day. For larger multi-module homes it can extend to a second day.

The site is transformed visually within hours. What was a foundation and services rough-in becomes a recognisable home. Owners often attend delivery day; it is a memorable moment.

Modules arrive with most interior finishing complete, but the connections between modules and to the site require follow-up work.

Services connections (electrical, plumbing, telecoms) are made between modules and to the site connections. This typically takes 1 to 2 weeks for standard-sized modular homes.

External finishing: cladding at the joint lines between modules, gutter and downpipe installation, deck and verandah construction, driveway, landscaping. This work follows over 4 to 12 weeks depending on scope.

Internal finishing: any modular home details that were left for site completion (some finishing timber, some tile work, mechanical fitout). Typically 2 to 4 weeks.

Practical completion is reached when the home is fully connected, tested and safe for occupancy. Total time from delivery to practical completion is typically 6 to 12 weeks for a standard modular home.