FAQs
YOUR GRU PROJECT
What does GRU build?
GRU specialises in Tiny Houses on Wheels, Modular Homes and Custom Builds, with different construction and transport options depending on how the finished space will be used.
Our projects generally fall into three configurations:
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Road-Registrable Tiny Houses on Wheels
Built on a trailer platform and designed for road registration where this is specifically included in the project scope. These are suited to clients who want greater mobility and the ability to relocate the Tiny House using an appropriate towing vehicle.
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Transportable Tiny Houses on Wheels
Built on wheels for practicality, positioning and relocatability, but not necessarily intended or supplied for normal on-road towing. Where the dimensions, mass or configuration exceed the requirements for ordinary road use, the Tiny House may need to be transported as a load using a professional heavy transport provider, such as a float, low loader or other suitable transport equipment.
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Modular Homes
Manufactured on structural skids rather than a road-going trailer. The completed module is transported to site as cargo on appropriate transport equipment and is generally lifted into its final position by crane or another suitable lifting method.
We will identify the intended product and transport configuration as part of your quotation and project documentation.
Having wheels does not, by itself, mean that a structure is road-registerable or suitable for towing on public roads.
If road registration, a VIN or a particular transport configuration is important to your project, this must be confirmed with GRU in writing before ordering.
Which option is right for me?
That depends primarily on how you intend to use and relocate the space.
If regular road mobility is important, a road-registerable Tiny House on Wheels may be the appropriate starting point.
If your priority is additional space or a design that exceeds practical road-going dimensions or mass, an oversized transportable Tiny House may provide greater design flexibility while still allowing the structure to be relocated using specialist transport.
For projects intended to be installed on a property as a building, a Modular Home on skids generally provides greater flexibility for residential design, site installation and integration with foundations and services.
We can help you choose the most appropriate GRU product based on your priorities. Regulatory approvals and the suitability of the client's intended use remain subject to the requirements applicable to the individual project.
Can I customise my build?
Absolutely.
Customisation is an important part of what we do.
We start by understanding your priorities — how you want to use the space, what is most important to you and the look and feel you are trying to achieve.
From there, we can explore changes to layout, finishes, storage, cabinetry, openings and other features, subject to technical feasibility, material availability and applicable requirements.
Your final quotation or contract, specifications and approved drawings will clearly define what is included.
Can you design something completely custom?
Yes, subject to feasibility.
Custom projects allow us to combine our manufacturing system with a design developed around the client's individual requirements.
More complex projects may require additional design, engineering, certification or specialist input before manufacturing can commence.
How does the design process work?
We first discuss what you are trying to achieve and how you intend to use the space.
From there, we develop or refine the layout, key features and finishes before the project moves into production.
Our focus is on balancing functionality, comfort, appearance, efficient use of space and practical construction.
Once the design and scope are agreed, the applicable drawings and specifications become part of your project documentation.
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
What are GRU buildings made from?
Many GRU projects use high-performance insulated building panel systems consisting of durable pre-finished steel skins bonded to an insulated, fire-retardant core.
These are purpose-made construction products with independent structural, thermal and fire testing. Applicable systems are also supported by recognised Australian product certification.
They combine insulation and durable internal and external surfaces within one lightweight and efficient construction system.
This makes them particularly well suited to controlled off-site manufacturing while allowing us to achieve clean contemporary finishes, good thermal performance and a durable, low-maintenance building envelope.
The exact panel type and specification are selected according to each project's requirements.
Why do you manufacture off-site?
A controlled workshop environment allows us to better plan production, organise materials, maintain quality checks and reduce many of the inefficiencies associated with constantly changing site conditions.
It also supports our production-engineering approach of reducing unnecessary handling, material waste and rework.
MODULAR HOMES
How are GRU Modular Homes built and transported?
GRU Modular Homes are manufactured off-site on structural skids, rather than on a road-going trailer.
Once completed, the module is transported to the property as cargo using an appropriately selected truck, float, low loader or other specialist transport equipment.
At the destination, final placement will commonly require a crane or other suitable lifting method, depending on the module, property and installation plan.
Transport, crane operations and lifting are carried out by appropriately engaged third-party providers unless expressly included otherwise in GRU's written scope.
The transport and lifting methodology is determined for each project based on factors including module dimensions and mass, route, access, site conditions and final placement location.
How does a GRU Modular Home project begin?
Before committing a modular project to manufacture, we can undertake a Preliminary Feasibility & Design stage.
The purpose is to understand the proposed site, intended use and design and establish whether the project appears reasonably achievable before significant manufacturing commitments are made.
Depending on the project, this stage may involve our licensed building partner together with designers, engineers, a private building certifier and other specialist consultants.
What can be assessed during the preliminary stage?
Depending on the project, the assessment may consider:
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proposed use and location;
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site and planning constraints;
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building design;
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structural requirements;
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foundations;
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energy efficiency;
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wastewater and services;
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siting and access; and
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the likely building approval pathway.
The exact investigations required depend on the individual project and property.
What happens if the proposed Modular Home cannot proceed?
The applicable Preliminary Agreement will explain the services being undertaken and how the preliminary payment is treated.
Where the agreement provides for a refundable unused balance, the applicable amount can be refunded after deducting agreed design, engineering, certification, consultant, assessment and other project-specific costs already incurred or committed, subject to the agreement and applicable law.
The preliminary stage is separate from the main manufacturing contract.
Does the preliminary assessment guarantee approval?
No.
The purpose of the preliminary process is to investigate feasibility, identify likely requirements and reduce uncertainty before manufacturing begins.
Final planning, building and regulatory decisions remain with the relevant certifier, council, authority or responsible professional.
Additional information, design changes or further requirements may arise during the approval process.
Who installs the Modular Home?
GRU manufactures the modular structure off-site.
On-site installation and applicable regulated building work are undertaken by our licensed QBCC building partner.
Building certification is undertaken by an appropriately licensed building certifier, with engineering and other specialist professional services provided by the relevant qualified professionals where required.
This creates a clear separation between GRU's manufacturing role and the regulated professional and on-site services required for the completed project.
TINY HOUSES ON WHEELS
Are all GRU Tiny Houses on Wheels road-registerable?
No. GRU offers different Tiny House configurations depending on the intended design and use.
Some Tiny Houses can be supplied on a road-registerable trailer platform, where road registration forms part of the agreed project requirements.
Other Tiny Houses may be wider, heavier or otherwise configured in a way that means they are not intended for normal towing on public roads. These structures can still be built on wheels for positioning and future relocatability, but transportation may require a professional heavy transport operator and suitable transport equipment.
The exact status of each project — including whether road registration, VIN or other road-vehicle requirements are included — will be identified in the applicable written project documentation.
Clients should never assume that a Tiny House is road-registerable solely because it is built on wheels.
What are the advantages of a Tiny House on Wheels?
Tiny Houses on Wheels offer a compact and flexible alternative for clients who value efficient use of space and relocatability.
GRU can customise layouts, finishes and features to create a Tiny House that feels considered and comfortable rather than simply small.
We can also discuss whether a road-registerable or specialist-transport configuration better suits the space and design you are trying to achieve.
Because every client's property and intended use is different, it is also important to understand the local requirements before purchasing.
Can I permanently live in a Tiny House on Wheels?
Possibly, but this depends on where it will be located and how it will be used.
Being built on wheels does not automatically mean a Tiny House can legally be used as a permanent residence.
Requirements can vary between states, local councils, properties, planning zones and intended uses, and regulations can change over time.
For this reason, planning, council and site-use approvals for Tiny Houses on Wheels are outside GRU's scope of work.
Clients intending permanent or long-term occupation should investigate the requirements applicable to their property with the relevant council or appropriately qualified planning professional before purchasing.
Does GRU arrange council approval for Tiny Houses on Wheels?
GRU does not provide planning or council approval services for Tiny Houses on Wheels.
This is because there is no single set of rules that applies to every property.
Requirements may differ according to the:
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state or territory;
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local council;
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planning zone;
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individual property;
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intended use;
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length of occupation;
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positioning of the Tiny House; and
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connections to services.
These requirements can also change over time.
Clients are therefore responsible for independently confirming that their intended placement and use are permitted before ordering.
GRU cannot guarantee that a particular use will be approved or permitted.
TRANSPORT & VIN
How are GRU products transported?
The transport method depends on the specific product, dimensions, mass, destination and intended road-vehicle status.
Road-registrable Tiny Houses on Wheels may be capable of being towed on public roads using an appropriately rated vehicle, subject to the applicable registration, road rules, mass, dimension and towing requirements.
Oversized or overweight Tiny Houses on Wheels are not necessarily intended for normal road towing. Where specialist transport is required, they can be loaded onto a suitable float, low loader or other transport vehicle and transported by a professional heavy transport provider.
Modular Homes are manufactured on structural skids and transported as cargo on suitable transport equipment. They are commonly lifted from the transport vehicle into their final position using a crane or another appropriate lifting method.
Oversized or overmass transport may be subject to route restrictions, access requirements, notices, permits, pilots, escorts or other conditions determined by the relevant transport authorities and transport provider.
Transport arrangements are assessed for each individual project.
Do all GRU products have a VIN?
No.
A VIN relates to a road vehicle. The fact that a GRU product is relocatable — or even has wheels — does not automatically mean that the structure itself is supplied as a registered or registerable road vehicle.
Where a Tiny House is specifically supplied on a road-registerable trailer platform, the applicable road-vehicle approval, identification and registration requirements will depend on that trailer and will be addressed as part of the agreed project scope.
An oversized Tiny House transported on a float or other specialist transport equipment should not be assumed to have its own VIN or road registration simply because the structure has wheels.
Similarly, a GRU Modular Home manufactured on skids is transported as cargo rather than being manufactured as a road-going trailer. The transport vehicle carrying the module is the road vehicle.
If a VIN, road registration, RAV entry or particular road-vehicle classification is required for your intended use, this must be expressly confirmed with GRU in writing before placing an order.
No road-registration status should be assumed from a product's appearance, dimensions, wheels or ability to be relocated.
DELIVERY, INSTALLATION & SITE WORKS
Does GRU help organise delivery and installation?
Yes. We can help make the process easier by introducing suitable transporters, builders, trades and other professionals and assisting with coordination where appropriate.
However, transport, lifting, foundations, installation, service connections and other site works are generally performed by independent third-party providers.
Unless a particular service is expressly included as a GRU service in your written contract, it is outside GRU's manufacturing scope.
The relevant third-party provider is responsible for the services it performs, subject to applicable law and its own contractual obligations.
Who is responsible for site access and site conditions?
Unless specifically included in GRU's written scope, the client is responsible for providing accurate information about the property and ensuring appropriate site and delivery access.
Potential considerations can include road access, gates, overhead services, trees, ground conditions, crane positioning and other site restrictions.
Site preparation, foundations, cranes, plumbing, electrical connections, wastewater systems and other site works are not included unless specifically stated in writing.
PRICING & PRODUCTION
Can GRU provide a fixed-price quote?
We provide written quotations based on an agreed scope and specification.
Whether a particular price is fixed and the circumstances in which it may change will be set out in the applicable quotation or contract.
Client-requested changes, variations to the agreed scope and other circumstances permitted by the applicable agreement may affect the final price.
How long does manufacturing take?
Lead times depend on the product, level of customisation, production schedule and availability of materials and components.
We will provide an indicative timeframe for your individual project.
Unless expressly confirmed otherwise in the written agreement, indicative production and delivery dates are estimates rather than guaranteed completion dates.
What deposit is required?
Payment arrangements depend on the product and project structure.
Any preliminary assessment payment, manufacturing deposit and subsequent payment schedule will be clearly identified in the applicable written agreement and remain subject to applicable legal requirements.
What happens if I change something after the design is approved?
We understand that ideas can evolve.
If you request a change after design approval or once production has started, we will first assess whether the change is practical.
Accepted changes may affect materials, price and completion time and will be documented as a variation where required.
PROJECT DOCUMENTATION
Are website images and floorplans exact?
Website photographs, renders, floorplans and example designs are intended to help clients understand our products and design options.
Unless expressly stated otherwise, they are illustrative and specifications, dimensions, materials, fixtures and finishes may vary between projects.
What actually forms part of my GRU order?
Your signed quotation or contract, agreed specifications and approved drawings define your project.
Website content, photographs, renders, example layouts and general discussions do not override the final written project documentation.
Nothing on this website is intended to exclude, restrict or modify any right or guarantee that cannot legally be excluded, restricted or modified under applicable Australian law.