Cabin Delivery + Installation Guide
How your completed cabin travels from our workshop to your prepared site - and what needs to be organised before delivery day.
Every property is different. Some cabins can be delivered and positioned in one straightforward movement. Others need a crane, tractor, specialist house-moving equipment or a little more planning.
We help work through the options early so there is a clear delivery plan before your cabin leaves our workshop.
Getting your cabin to the property and getting it into its final position are sometimes two different jobs.
A transport truck may complete the long-distance journey, while a tractor, crane or specialist trailer handles the final section.
Finding the right approach
The right delivery method depends on the size of your cabin, the transport route, your property access and the cabin’s final position.
Before confirming an approach, we consider:
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Cabin length, width, height and approximate weight
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Road width, bridges and cattle grids
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Tight corners and available turning space
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Driveway width, slope and surface
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Wet-weather access
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Trees, gates, fences and buildings
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Overhead powerlines, phone lines and branches
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Space for the truck to enter, unload and safely leave
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Whether the cabin can be slid directly into position or requires separate lifting or towing equipment
Often we can assess this over the phone, but when it's more complicated, the Planning Snapshot and Feasibility Report can include an initial site and access review, along with a recommended delivery and installation approach and indicative costs.
Find your likely delivery approach
Not sure where to start? Choose the option that sounds most like your property. We’ll confirm the best delivery method after reviewing your cabin, access and final position.
01 Plenty of access
Super-tilt delivery
Your site has suitable heavy-vehicle access, room for a long truck to line up and a relatively straightforward cabin position.
02 The truck wont fit
Tractor-assisted delivery
A transport truck can reach the property, but a tractor may be better suited to the final approach across the site.
03 The cabin needs a lifted
Crane installation
The cabin needs to pass over an obstacle, be positioned on a steep site or cannot be slid directly into place.
04 Tight or difficult access
Specialist delivery
Your route has tight corners, narrow roads, cattle grids, difficult reversing angles or limited overhead clearance.
05 Building a larger home?
Multi-module delivery
Larger homes such as the Driftway arrive as separate transportable modules and are positioned and connected onsite.
Skip ahead
01 Super-tilt delivery
For a straightforward site, a super-tilt truck is generally the simplest and most cost-effective delivery option.
The cabin travels on a low transport tray. At the prepared site, the tray tilts and the cabin is carefully slid onto level temporary supports. This can allow the cabin to be positioned without requiring a crane.
Suitable for
Properties with suitable heavy-vehicle access, a relatively level placement area and enough room for the truck to line up, unload and safely leave.
What the site needs
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A firm, trafficable route to the cabin location
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Sufficient width and overhead clearance
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Manageable corners and slopes
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A reasonably straight approach to the final position
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A clear and level unloading area
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Temporary supports prepared in the correct positions
What Salty Builds organises
We provide the cabin dimensions, approximate weight and relevant drawings. We help assess the proposed delivery approach and coordinate with a suitable transport company.
Transport is generally quoted separately and may be paid directly to the carrier.
Important
A super-tilt delivery still requires plenty of room. The truck must be able to approach the cabin position in a reasonably straight line, unload and safely leave again.
A rural address does not automatically mean the access is suitable.
Prior to delivery
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Approved footings and site works
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A local builder or capable installation team
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Stable, level temporary supports
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Clear and trafficable access
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Onsite plumbing and electrical connections
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Any other site works included in the agreed project scope
02 Tractor-assisted delivery
When the transport truck can reach the property but cannot safely reach the cabin’s final position, a tractor-assisted delivery may provide the solution.
For this method, removable axles and a drawbar are fitted to the cabin. Our providor can unload the cabin from a specialised low-riding transport truck and use a tractor to tow and manoeuvre it across the property.
The cabin is then positioned over the prepared footing locations and lowered onto temporary supports.
Suitable for
Hard-to-reach residential, rural and semi-rural properties where a tractor can manage the final approach more easily than a long transport vehicle.
It can be particularly useful for tighter spaces or cabin locations away from the main driveway.
What the site needs
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A firm route suitable for the combined cabin and tractor load
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Sufficient clearance around corners and obstacles
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Suitable ground conditions
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A prepared placement area over the approved footings
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Enough space for the tractor to manoeuvre and safely position the cabin
Wet weather and soft ground need to be
considered carefully.
What Salty Builds organises
We design and fabricate the cabin’s steel skid and arrange the removable transport components where required.
We provide the dimensions and connection information and help coordinate the transport and placement method with the transport providor and the client’s onsite team.
Important
Our cabins are movable, but they are not caravans.
The removable axles and drawbar are intended for controlled relocation and final positioning. They are not designed for regular or extended towing on public roads.
The towing equipment, route and distance must be agreed with the transport specialist for each project.
Prior to delivery
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Approved footings
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Local builder or installation team
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Temporary supports
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Access preparation
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Onsite service connections
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Removal or return of temporary axle and drawbar components, where required
03 Crane and flatbed delivery
Sometimes a cabin needs to travel on a flatbed and be lifted at one or both ends of the journey.
A crane can lift the cabin from our workshop onto the transport vehicle. At the destination, another crane can lift it from the truck and place it onto the prepared supports or footings.
Suitable for
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Sites where the cabin cannot be slid directly into position
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Steep or constrained sites
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Locations where the cabin must pass over an obstacle
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Sites where lifting is more practical than reversing a long vehicle
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Projects where the transport vehicle cannot align with the final position
What the site needs
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A suitable standing area for the crane
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Safe access for the transport vehicle
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Confirmed ground capacity
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Sufficient overhead clearance
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Enough room for the required crane radius
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Prepared posts or temporary supports
Powerlines, trees, buildings and the cabin’s final position will all affect the lift plan.
What Salty Builds organises
We provide the cabin dimensions, approximate weight and suitable lifting information. We also fabricate lifting points and
coordinate loading at our workshop and help the transport and crane teams plan the handover.
The destination crane and its lift plan are generally separate project costs.
Allow for time at both ends
Transport quotes commonly include a limited loading and unloading period.
Delays can lead to waiting-time or demurrage charges, so the crane, onsite team and temporary supports need to be ready before the truck arrives.
Prior to delivery
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Destination crane
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Local builder or installation team
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Prepared footings and supports
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Onsite traffic or access management, where required
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Final service connections
04 Specialist house-moving equipment
For especially difficult access, a specialist house mover may provide a better solution than a conventional tilt tray or flatbed.
Specialist hydraulic trailers can sit lower than a standard transport vehicle, raise or lower the load and, on some equipment, steer the trailer axles independently.
This can make an enormous difference on tight bends and constrained sites.
Suitable for
Sites affected by:
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Tight corners and S-bends
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Cattle grids and fences
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Limited turning space
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Difficult reversing angles
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Low overhead services
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Constrained gateways
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A final approach that a standard delivery vehicle cannot manage
What the site needs
A detailed route assessment considering:
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Road and driveway widths
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Corners and bends
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Bridge and cattle-grid ratings
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Gradients
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Overhead clearances
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Ground conditions
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Available manoeuvring space
The specialist operator may need to inspect the complete route before confirming the delivery.
What Salty Builds organises
We provide the cabin dimensions, drawings, photographs and available delivery videos.
We help obtain quotes and coordinate directly with the specialist mover so they can assess the safest approach.
Prior to delivery
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Access approvals
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Local works identified during the route assessment
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Prepared cabin location
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Local builder or installation team
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Tree or branch clearing where approved and necessary
05 Multi-module delivery
Larger homes such as the Driftway are designed as separate transportable modules.
Each module travels independently. This keeps the transport dimensions manageable and can open up properties that would not suit one very long cabin.
The modules are positioned on the prepared footings and connected onsite to form the completed home.
Suitable for
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Larger cabin designs
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Sites with vehicle-length restrictions
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Projects requiring two or more modules
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Properties where separate smaller loads provide a better delivery solution
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Designs with connecting corridors, breezeways or site-built elements
What the site needs
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A suitable delivery path for every module
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An unloading and manoeuvring area
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Accurately set-out footings
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Sufficient space to align the modules
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Access for the local builder and trades
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Space to complete the onsite junctions and finishing work
What Salty Builds organises
We design and manufacture the individual modules and provide the relevant cabin and engineering documentation.
We coordinate the delivery sequence and provide the information needed for the modules to be positioned and connected.
The exact onsite scope is confirmed for each project.
Prior to delivery
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Footings and supporting structure
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Local builder and trades
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Onsite module-connection works
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Plumbing and electrical connections between modules
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Decks, stairs and other site-built components
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Any additional work identified in the project documents
06 When delivery needs more planning
Most properties have a workable delivery solution. The key is identifying the difficult parts early-before the cabin is complete and transport has been booked.
Things that need a closer look
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Narrow roads and driveways
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Tight S-bends
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Limited turning circles
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Low or load-limited bridges
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Cattle grids
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Steep, soft or uneven driveways
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Unsealed roads and wet-weather access
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Overhead powerlines and phone lines
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Low branches
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Narrow gates and gateways
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Long reversing distances
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Sites where the truck cannot safely leave after unloading
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Properties where the transport truck can reach the entrance but not the final cabin position
Help us assess your site
Please provide:
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The property address
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A pin showing the proposed cabin position
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A continuous video from the public road to the cabin location
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Photos of gates, bends, bridges, cattle grids and slopes
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Photos of overhead obstacles
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Measurements of narrow points and height restrictions
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Information about the driveway construction
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Details about how the driveway behaves after rain
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Any experience delivering large trucks, machinery, containers or building materials to the property
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For uncertain or complicated access, the transport operator or specialist house mover may need to inspect the route in person.
Google Maps, photographs and videos are useful, but they cannot confirm every gradient, clearance or ground condition.
07 Site preparation and installation
Preparing for delivery day
Delivery goes smoothly when the onsite work is complete and everybody involved understands the plan.
Your project drawings, engineering, signed scope and transport quotation always take priority over this general guide.
Footings
Footings must be prepared in accordance with the project-specific engineering and set-out drawings.
The number, size and position of the footings vary between cabin models, properties, soil conditions and projects.
All set-out measurements should be checked against the approved drawings before concrete is poured.
Temporary supports
Before delivery, stable and level temporary supports need to be prepared at the cabin location.
These allow the cabin to be safely set down and levelled before the permanent posts or supporting structure are installed.
The material, number and arrangement of the temporary supports must be agreed with the builder, engineer and transport operator for the particular installation.
LevelMaster posts
Many Salty Builds cabins are engineered to suit adjustable LevelMaster posts.
Depending on the project, the system may include:
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Straight large tops
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90 mm screw-on connectors
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90 mm square hollow-section posts
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Four-hole bolt-down bases
Longer post sections can be ordered and cut onsite to suit the actual ground levels.
The final components, minimum height, connections and fixing method must follow the project-specific engineering.
After placement
Once the cabin has been positioned and safely supported, the onsite team installs the permanent posts or supporting structure and secures the cabin in accordance with the engineering.
The remaining onsite work may include:
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Stairs
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Decks
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Plumbing
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Wastewater connections
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Electrical supply
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Water connections
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Gas connections
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Solar commissioning
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Connections between modules
Licensed trades must complete and certify regulated plumbing and electrical work.
Requirements differ depending on the property, approval pathway and state.
08 Who organises what?
Salty Builds offers a complete turnkey solution, managing the design, approvals, manufacture, delivery and installation of your cabin. Alternatively, clients can choose to manage the onsite works themselves.
Salty Builds:
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Manufactures the cabin at our Billinudgel workshop
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Provides the cabin dimensions and approximate transport weight
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Provides relevant cabin drawings
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Provides engineering and footing information within the agreed documentation scope
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Helps assess delivery options
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Helps coordinate suitable transport providers
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Provides installation information
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Works with the client’s builder and delivery team
The client or onsite team:
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Confirm the required approvals
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Engage the local builder, certifier and licensed trades
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Complete geotechnical, survey, footing and other site-specific work
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Prepare safe and trafficable access
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Prepare the footings and cabin location
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Prepare temporary supports before delivery
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Coordinate destination cranes or machinery where not included
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Have the required onsite team present on delivery day
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Complete and certify onsite plumbing and electrical connections
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Complete other site works identified in the project documents
The signed Cabin Supply Agreement, project scope and transport quotation will confirm the responsibilities for each project.
09 Delivery Preparation Checklist
Before transport is booked
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Delivery method confirmed
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Transport provider confirmed
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Complete route and site access reviewed
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Cabin dimensions and approximate weight supplied
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Transport price confirmed
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Permit and escort requirements confirmed
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Payment terms confirmed
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Waiting-time charges confirmed
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Transit insurance responsibilities confirmed in writing
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Destination crane, tractor or specialist machinery booked where required
Before delivery day
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Required approvals are in place
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Project-specific engineering is complete
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Footings have been completed and checked
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Set-out has been confirmed
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Temporary supports are stable, level and ready
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Driveway is clear and trafficable
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Unloading area is clear
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Gates, fences and trees identified in the plan have been addressed
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Overhead obstacles have been addressed
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Local builder or installation team is available
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Transport operator has the correct site contact and directions
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Weather and ground conditions have been checked
After placement
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Cabin is safely and securely supported
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Permanent posts or supporting structures are installed
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Tie-downs and structural connections are completed
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Temporary wheels, axles and drawbar are removed or returned as agreed
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Plumbing and wastewater connections are complete
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Electrical work is complete
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Water, gas and solar work is complete where applicable
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Required inspections and certifications have been completed
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Approval to occupy has been obtained where required
10 Transport costs and insurance
Delivery costs
Delivery is quoted according to the cabin, route and final placement method.
Costs may include:
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Transport vehicle
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Oversize permits
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Pilot or escort vehicles
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Cranes
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Tractors
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Specialist house-moving equipment
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Loading and unloading
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Waiting time
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Route inspections
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Temporary transport components
Transit insurance
Insurance arrangements vary between transport providers.
Some carriers provide their own transit cover. Others may require the client to arrange separate marine transit or goods-in-transit insurance.
Before delivery, confirm:
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The insured value of the cabin
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Whether loading and unloading are covered
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Any policy exclusions
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When responsibility transfers between parties
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Whether cranes or other machinery have separate insurance
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Who is responsible during each stage of the journey
11 Closing section
Not sure which delivery method suits your property?
Send us your address, proposed cabin location, access measurements, photographs and a continuous video of the route.
We can help identify the likely delivery method and whether your property needs a more detailed access assessment.