All sites are flat - Taking the challenge out of building on a sloping site with modular homes
It is a running joke at Prominda that our sales staff say all sites are flat and access is easy. However, once site levels are taken - it turns out almost all sites have a slope!
The good news is, in most cases a little slope is helpful as it makes it easy to determine where rainwater or septic tanks should best be placed. Remember that water - and other things - like to flow downhill
A sloped site may require the modules to be installed by crane
One of the biggest considerations when it comes to sloping sites is the height of the underfloor of your new home. There is a minimum height above the ground for the underfloor, that is set out in the National Construction Code (NCC). This minimum allows for the inspection of the stumps and underfloor specifically for termites, and has the additional benefit of allowing space for plumbing and ventilation space, preventing the build-up of moisture. Sloping ground means that to keep the underfloor level, the steel stumps on which the house sits will be different lengths.
Knowing the stump lengths will give an indication as to how the modules can be installed. At Prominda, we have placed modules on sites where the stump lengths varied from 150 mm to 4200 mm on the one site. The placement of the modules in these cases requires a crane.
Sloped sites do offer a nice view
Another consideration on sloping sites is once stumps start to get over one metre in length, it will usually be necessary to use cross bracing to prevent any movement of the modules. These would be installed as part of the stumping and adjusted once the modules are in position.
Stumps over one meter in length will usually require cross bracing
As the modules get higher and higher off the ground, there are other requirements that need to be addressed.
Once the decks are above one metre, balustrading to the NCC is required. Prominda offers an elegant system of galvanised handrails and balustrade blades with stainless steel wire to complement your decks in this case.
Access stairs can also become complicated the higher off the ground you build. As the number of stairs increases, complexities such as handrails and landings may need to be added. Prominda can design, construct and install the perfect stairs for your home.
Windows high above ground may require restrictors that limit how far they can open. This lowers the risk of accidents, such as the chance of a child falling from an open window at height.
Prominda offers a number of stairs, balustrading and handrails to complement your decks
You may feel that building on your site will be challenging or impossible because of the slope. However, with Prominda’s experience and design on your side, all sites may not be flat - but we can promise your dream home will be!
To find out more about how a modular home is suitable for your slope, contact Prominda today.