Frequently Asked Questions

A standard WABi kit includes all the materials required to build the shell of a home. All structural elements, walls, roofing, external cladding, deck, doors and glazing. It does not include labour. For a full list of inclusions please visit our WABi Kit Inclusions page here.

Flat pack construction involves pre-fabricating components in a factory. Components are assembled into flat, compact parts for easy transportation. The parts are marked and labelled for fast identification and installation. Assembling the parts is simple and requires minimal tools and skills. WABi’s flat pack construction involves interlocking panels with pultrusion’s and fabricated steel with Tek screws. Flat pack is more affordable than traditional construction methods, as you require less highly skilled trades and materials.

Internally each kit is left unfinished unless you purchase additional extras. This allows a blank canvas for you to finish your module as you wish. Externally, WABi are cladded in Colorbond or you can upgrade to weather board or alternative cladding.

The below is an indication of the limited structural warranty provided by WABi Systems. For more detailed information please contact our team.

Structural Steel

•10 year Structural Warranty
•25-50 year Design Life

Purlins & Cladding

•10 year Structural Warranty
•25-50 year Design Life

WABi Wall Panels

•10 year Structural Warranty
•25 year Design Life

Eco Decking

•5 year Structural Warranty
•10 year Design Life

Bath Pod

•10 year Structural Warranty
•15 year Design Life

Glazing
•6 year Structural Warranty
•25 year Design Life

The process is simple.

1. Select a pre-drawn design
2. Receive indicative costings
3. If required, pay $2000 to make changes to the plan
4. Receive detailed estimate / quote
5. Pay 10% Deposit
6. Approve of Final Architectural Drawings
7. Get council approval
8. Wait 120 Days… We will be manufacturing your WABi
9. Pay final 10% prior to delivery
10. Materials will arrive at your site
11. You are ready to construct your WABi!

WABi is designed to remove up to 90% of the waste produced in a standard building method. This is due to each piece coming pre cut and exactly what is required for the project removing all unnessasary waste from unused materials. Each unit is also at least 20 cm above the ground which reduces the footprint of the structure.

WABi installation is typically based on man-hours. The WABi system is exceptionally fast to install; this saves clients significant amounts of the overall project cost, in comparison to traditional construction.
As an example, a 50m2 WABi requires approximately only 300-man hours to install.
We can provide high-level costings based off your specific design and site location. We do this by finding the local trade labour rates close to your site. Labour rates vary between different regions, be it within Australia or internationally.

Currently, WABi Constructions can only provide installation on jobs within Western Australia. Obtaining a quote for installation may take a few weeks as we source the best local trades for your project.

If you are interstate or overseas, you can either build the units yourself or find a builder. For +5 unit orders WABi can put you in contact with a recommended builder close to your site. Additionally, if required, WABi can send a construction manager for initial installation support and training.

Each WABi comes with install drawings so it can be put together a bit like an Ikea flat pack. Providing you have some prior knowledge about construction, you will be able to install the unit yourself. An owner Builder license is required.

As a rule of thumb, we say a WABi installation cost is 70%-100% (in Australia or New Zealand) of the supply cost. So, if you double the supply that will give you a broad indication of the total cost.
Remote locations and bespoke additions will also change the overall supply cost.

The benefits of building WABi are significant if you are overseas. Typically, overseas trades are a lot more affordable than Australian trades. In which case, your project may only be 50% of the supply cost.

WABi Systems are currently unable to accommodate any orders under 5 units.

To assist in gaining an understanding to see if WABi suits you, you may like to start the process of Feasibility Assessment. This can either be done by:

1. Engaging a local architect or planner: You can choose to work with a local professional who can navigate you through the feasibility and planning approval process.
2. Collaborating with us: WABi can support you every step of the way to help manage the process for you.

For those with special projects requiring customised floor plans to align with the WABi system, we can assist your project.

Major Floor Plan Modifications 

Fee: $500. If you would like to have significant alterations involving 3 key changes to the overall floor plan, such as moving walls.

BYO Floor Plan

Fee: $2000. WABi provide an estimate (based on the information you have provided), and if you would like to proceed, we charge $2000 for architectural design drawings. From the new WABi architectural drawings we will provide a quote to supply (as drawn) price.

Bespoke Design

Fee: $10,000. Bespoke designs go to our architectural design company WABi Design, they can create something truly special and unique.

Yes! Our structures are considered permanent dwellings so you will need to apply for a permit, unless your council says otherwise.

Building Approval must be obtained before manufacturing begins. If you choose to proceed without this approval, you accept all risks involved, including the possibility of changes and additional costs.

For example, if Site Approval, Engineering Approval, Energy Efficiency Report, BCA Report, or Wind Report are not signed by council, and changes such as additional bracing, different glazing, moved glazing, adjusted wall cladding, or BCA-related modifications are needed after manufacturing has started, you will be responsible for all costs to amend or replace supply items.

Regardless of if WABi assist you or an external Architect/ Planner, the following steps are crucial:

1.Feasibility Assessments
$2,000 through WABi
1-2 weeks to complete

• Preliminary assessment of local authority regulation
• Land zoning
• Analysis of site opportunities and constraints pertaining to your property and proposal

 

2. Planning Approval
The fee is subject to the plan chosen and your local council requirements
1-2 weeks pre submission
6-8 weeks for planning approval

• BAL Report: An external consultant report that assesses your sites Bushfire Attack Level
• Feature Survey/ Land Surveyor: An external consultant that accurately marks up significant trees, contours, and site features for council approval.
• Geo Tech:  An external consultant to determine the soil classification of your site, permitting the use of Eco Anchors on your site.
• Flora and Fauna assessment: if the site is within forest reserve or has significant vegetation where clearing is limited or prohibited.

 

3. Building Approval
The fee is subject to the plan chosen and your local council requirements
4 weeks pre submission
10 working days for building approval

• Engineered Site Approval: WABi provides you with an engineered system, but a local consultant will need to provide site-specific engineering
• Energy Efficiency Report: An external consultant analysis that ensures that your project meets the necessary energy efficiency standards.
• BCA Report: An external consultants report that demonstrates your project’s compliance with the Building Code of Australia.
• Wind Region: Determined by the architect / structural engineer.

Please note that the fees of all consultants deemed necessary (such as Engineers and/or a land surveyor) will be payable directly by the client, in addition to any Wabi Design Fees.

The cost for additional consultants can vary depending on your site location and the specific needs of your project. Normally, in built-up areas you can expect consultancy fees between $1,000 – $3,000. If your site is remote, consultancy fees can increase to as much as $10,000.

The WABi system is a pre-engineered building system, design & optimised to meet & exceed all building requirements. However, each floor plan will require site specific engineering based upon the exact site location & conditions.

WABi Systems are currently rated to perform to Wind Region C (up to 238 km/h). If you are in Region D (317km/h) please get in contact with our team for more information about designing your project.

WABi’s as a standard are BAL Low. If your BAL rating is 12.5 or above, WABi will provide suitable materials to comply with the BAL ratings for you site. WABi’s in high BAL area require Fire Authority approvals and incur additional costs.

Yes, with our innovative Brace and Lift Kits WABi’s can be built on any terrain. Designed to provide strong, safe and level bracing independent of the site profile. WABi telescopic lift kits are available in 1, 2 and 3m. Kits are then cut to the exact size required to fit the ground profile and the desired elevation.

Standard WABi units aren’t designed for seismic activity. If your site requires this, please mention it upfront. WABi can customise the units, but the price will vary due to the need for additional structural support.

A bathpod is a prefabricated unit that is fully finished internally. It has a panel that electricians and plumbers can connect to. It erases unnecessary wet trades, and can be installed within 2 hours.

Providing the area doesn’t have rock, we use our patented eco anchoring system. With little footprint and no concrete necessary, our Eco Anchors are extremely eco-friendly and easy to install.

WABi Systems currently requires a minimum order of 5 units. While you can add a module to your home, the connections may be challenging and will require a builder. Due to our minimum order requirement, this might not a viable option for renovation projects at this time.

The standard WABi’s are not engineered to be transportable. If this is important to your project WABi are happy to upgrade any floor plan to have future transportation engineered into the system. There is a slight variation in the price as transportation requires additional structural framework.

A single standard Energy Rating isn’t feasible because each project has unique factors—such as site orientation, local climate, materials, and window placement. Therefore, assessments must be customised for each project and site. In Australia, all approvals require a NatHERS star rating, which helps determine if a building achieves 7 stars or more. This process ensures a tailored evaluation of energy efficiency that reflects the specific conditions of each building.