Standard folding and expandable houses have no hidden costs; the base price includes the structure, regional-standard electrical (AU/NZ, US, EU), and fixed layouts (1-3 bedrooms). Customization fees apply for increasing wall thickness (from 50mm to 100mm), upgrading to PU insulation, or adding metal carved panels—which can extend the house's life by 15-20 years. Buyers should budget externally for foundation (cement piers), crane rental, and utility connections.
One of the biggest concerns for modular homebuyers is the fear of “hidden costs” that appear after the deposit is paid. At our facility, we believe transparency is the foundation of trust. For both our folding container houses and expandable houses, we maintain a “What You See is What You Get” pricing model for standard units. However, to help you budget for a successful project, it is essential to distinguish between the unit price, customization upgrades, and external site preparation costs.
The “Zero Hidden Fee” Standard Policy
For our standard models, the price we quote is the final price for the structure.
- Folding House/Flat Pack: The standard price includes the complete structural frame, 50mm wall panels, and basic electrical/flooring.
- Expandable House: The price includes fixed layouts based on size:
- 10 ft: 1 Bed, 1 Bath, 1 Living, 1 Kitchen.
- 20 ft: 2 Beds, 1 Bath, 1 Living, 1 Kitchen.
- 30 ft: 2 beds, 1 Bath, 1 Living, 1 Kitchen.
- 40 ft: 3 Beds, 1 Bath, 1 Living, 1 Kitchen.
Customization Upgrades (Optional Add-ons)
Customization allows you to tailor the house to specific climates or aesthetic preferences. These are not “hidden” fees but rather value-added upgrades:
- Thermal Insulation: Our standard wall panels are 50mm. For extreme cold or heat, you can upgrade to 75mm or 100mm. You can also choose Polyurethane (PU) filling instead of standard EPS/Rockwool for superior R-values.
- Longevity & Aesthetics: Adding Metal Carved Decorative Panels to the exterior significantly improves curb appeal. More importantly, it can extend the house’s service life by an additional 15-20 years, bringing the total lifespan to nearly 40 years.
- Interior Finishes: Upgrades to premium flooring, additional windows, or high-end bathroom fixtures will adjust the final quote.
The Electrical Standard Advantage
Unlike many manufacturers, our standard electrical configurations comply with specific national standards (including AU/NZ, US, and EU) at no extra certification cost.
Note: While the certification is free, if your project requires an increased quantity of switches or sockets beyond the standard floor plan, an additional fee per unit will apply.
External Site Costs: Preparing for Arrival
While there are no hidden fees within the house itself, a project manager must budget for site preparation. These are external costs that occur at your location:
- Foundation: For folding houses, we usually recommend simple cement piers (concrete blocks). However, if you live in a high-rainfall region, we suggest an elevated foundation to keep the structure dry.
- Installation Equipment: You will need to budget for a Crane Rental or a high-capacity forklift to expand the wings of the house or stack the units upon arrival.
- Utility Connections: Final connections to local water, sewage, and the electrical grid must be handled by licensed local contractors.
Cost & Specification Matrix
| Feature | Standard (Included) | Premium Upgrade (Optional) |
| Wall Thickness | 50 mm | 75 mm / 100mm |
| Exterior Finish | Color Steel | Metal Carved Panels (15-20 years life) |
| Electrical Certs | AU/NZ, US, EU | Included (Standard Quantity) |
| Insulation Core | EPS / Rock Wool | PU (Polyurethane) |
| Lifespan | 15~20 Years | Up to 40 Years |
| Foundation | Not Included | Recommended: Cement Piers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the house come with the bathroom and kitchen shown in the 20ft model?
Yes. Our standard expandable houses are “turnkey” regarding layout. The bathroom fixtures and kitchen cabinetry are included in the standard price for the 20ft, 30ft, and 40ft models.
Do I need a full concrete slab foundation?
In most cases, no. Simple cement piers at the corner points are sufficient. However, if your local building code requires it or if the terrain is prone to flooding, a full slab or elevated piers are recommended.
How much extra is the US/Australian standard electrical?
$0. We provide the correct electrical standards for your region as part of our service. You only pay extra if you want to increase the number of outlets or lights in the house.
The only “surprise” you should have when buying a folding house or expandable house is how easy it is to set up. By distinguishing between the Standard Unit Price, your chosen Custom Upgrades, and the necessary Site Preparation, you can manage your budget with 100% confidence. Investing in upgrades like the metal carved panels doesn’t just increase the price—it nearly doubles the lifespan of your asset.
