FAQs
Explore our frequently asked questions below. If you have any other queries, please feel free to contact us.
Q1. Are there display homes we can view?
Yes. Our show homes are on display at 326 Landing Drive, Māngere, Auckland.
We prefer that you make an appointment by text or email before visiting so we can ensure a member of our sales team is on-site to assist you.
We currently have three units on display:
- 28 m² one-bedroom flat
- 38 m² premium two-bedroom flat
- 69 m² three-bedroom home (with a four-bedroom option available)
We deliver our expandable homes nationwide.
Q2. How long will it take to complete my Hi Home flat?
From the time your Agreement becomes unconditional, your Hi Home flat typically takes 8–10 weeks to be manufactured and transported. Installation generally takes around one week.
These time frames may vary depending on shipping schedules and other factors, so please contact us for the most up-to-date estimate.
Q3. What are the terms of payment when buying a Hi Home flat?
- Initial Deposit – $500
Payable when the Agreement is issued. If you proceed with the purchase, this $500 will be deducted from your final payment. - Unconditional Deposit – 50% of the purchase price
Payable when the Agreement becomes unconditional. This secures your place in our production schedule and is non-refundable once your order is confirmed. - Progress Payment – 45% of the purchase price
Payable when your home arrives at our Auckland depot. - Completion Payment – 5% of the purchase price
Payable on the day the final inspection is completed.
Q4. Can we customise – can we add components to the flat and change the specs?
Yes, we offer a range of customisation options as part of the purchase process. However, customisations outside our standard options may increase the overall cost and extend delivery time. If you have specific ideas, our team can discuss what’s possible within our production model.
We use standardised building materials and processes to keep prices competitive, lead times short, and quality consistent. Because of this, the core specifications remain the same, but there is still some flexibility in how the unit can be tailored to your needs.
Q5. Are the Hi Home flats insulated?
Yes. All Hi Home flats are insulated. They are constructed using EPS composite panels with a fire-retardant EPS core, providing effective insulation for comfortable living all year round.
Q6. Is there any warranty or guarantee provided?
Hi Home provides the following warranty cover:
- Structure: 10-year warranty;
- Other building materials and components (such as bathroom fixtures, power supply components and related electrical fittings): 1-year warranty.
The above warranties apply only to issues caused by material or workmanship defects. They do not cover improper use, lack of regular maintenance or proper care, unauthorised alterations or modifications, or normal wear and tear.
Q7. How are water and electricity connected to Hi Home? What preparation is required?
Hi Home uses a standard connection setup, meaning it only needs to be connected to mains water and power to operate. Hi Home is designed with safe and compliant electrical connection points, but a qualified electrician is required on site to complete the power connection and installation.
Water connection options:
- Simplest option: Use a garden hose or drinking-water hose and connect it directly to the external inlet valve on the home;
- Long-term option: Engage a licensed plumber to install permanent water pipework;
- If your water supply comes from a storage tank or bore, it is recommended to install a water filtration system; if the water pressure is too high, a pressure-reducing valve can be added to protect the internal plumbing system.
Q8. Can you explain the new granny-flat law change?
The Government has announced plans to make it faster and easier to build small, self-contained homes — often called granny flats or minor dwellings — without needing a full building or resource consent.
The proposed change, expected to come into effect in early 2026, would allow standalone homes up to 70 m² to be built without the traditional building consent process, provided certain conditions are met.
In summary, this could mean:
- Less red tape
- Shorter wait times
- More flexibility to create extra living space for family, rental income, or lifestyle needs
Key points of the proposed law:
- Applies to small, standalone homes up to 70 m²
- Homes must meet the NZ Building Code and be built or supervised by licensed professionals
- Applies mainly to residential and rural-zoned land without special overlays or hazards
- Councils will still need to be notified before and after construction
- You may still need to pay standard infrastructure or service connection fees
(Please note: these changes are proposed and may be subject to change.)
Q9. Is my home insured during delivery?
Yes. Every home is covered by comprehensive transit insurance from the moment it leaves our depot until it is safely delivered and positioned on your site.
This cover includes:
- Full replacement value of your home while in transit
- Protection against accidental damage, theft, or loss during delivery
- Cover for any loading or unloading incidents while the home is being placed on-site
Once delivery is complete and your home is in position, insurance becomes the responsibility of the owner.
Q10. Will you inspect my site in person before I purchase?
Before you place an order, we can review your site remotely using online tools such as maps, street view, photos and videos, to make an initial assessment of vehicle access, driveway width, and any obvious obstacles.
If a professional on-site inspection is required, we can arrange a site visit for a fee of $500 to cover the cost of the professional assessment.
- If the site passes the inspection and you decide to proceed with the purchase, this fee will be deducted from your order amount in accordance with our payment terms.
- If the site is confirmed as suitable but you ultimately decide not to proceed with the purchase, the fee will not be refunded, as it is used to pay for the professional on-site assessment.
Q11. How are transport and delivery arranged? Can I pick up the home myself from your warehouse and organise my own transport?
Transport costs are not included in the sale price of the home. Please contact our team so we can provide a detailed transport quote based on your home type and destination.
If needed, buyers may also collect the home themselves, but this must comply with our Owner Collects Policy and be approved in advance. Under the standard payment terms in the Hi Home Sales Agreement, the home must be paid in full at least 10 days before the scheduled pick-up date. Please contact us for full details of the conditions and specific procedures.
Q12. What if my site has difficult access?
If access to your site is challenging, there’s no need to worry — we can carry out an assessment before proceeding further. Our team can review your site using online tools, photos, or videos to understand its location and discuss any potential access issues with you.
Every site is different, and we are happy to work with you to find the safest and most suitable delivery solution.