Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about buying, approving, delivering and setting up a CYJ expandable home in Australia.
What is an expandable container home?
An expandable home ships folded inside a standard container footprint and unfolds on site into a full living space, up to roughly three times its transport width. It arrives with the kitchen, bathroom, wiring and plumbing already installed, so it can be connected to services once positioned.
Do expandable homes need council approval in Queensland?
In most cases, yes. Whether the home is used as a Class 1a dwelling or a Class 10a ancillary building, Queensland councils generally require building approval before it is occupied, and some sites also need planning approval. Requirements vary by council and site, so confirm with your local council and a licensed building certifier. CYJ supplies product certification documents your certifier can review. See our Council Approval (QLD) guide for the process.
What is a Class 1a expandable home?
Class 1a is the National Construction Code classification for a detached house used as a permanent dwelling. CYJ offers Class 1a options, and our enhanced models include a 2.4m internal ceiling height, pitched roof and external cladding. Whether a particular home is approved as Class 1a depends on your site, engineering, certification and local authority requirements.
What foundation does an expandable home need?
The home needs a level, well-drained base with footings suited to your soil and site. The footing design should be confirmed by your engineer or building certifier, because soft or sloping ground may need additional work. Our Delivery & Site Preparation page explains ground levelling, drainage and footings in more detail.
Can an expandable home be installed on stumps?
Yes. Some CYJ packages list galvanised steel stumps (75 × 75 × 2.5mm) in their specifications. The number, height and footing detail of stumps for your site should be confirmed by your engineer or certifier.
Do expandable homes require a crane for delivery?
Not always. Smaller 20ft units can often be delivered by tilt tray truck. A crane truck is used for tighter access and for many larger 30ft and 40ft models. The right method depends on the model, the site and how close the truck can get to the final position.
What site access is required?
The truck needs a clear route to the site with enough driveway width and overhead clearance, and firm ground to park and unload. Check for overhead power lines, trees, soft ground, steep slopes and tight corners before delivery. Send us photos and your address so we can assess access before booking.
What is the difference between 20ft, 30ft and 40ft expandable homes?
The size refers to the container length. 20ft homes suit studios, granny flats and home offices. 30ft and 40ft models provide more floor area, typically for two to three bedrooms with a kitchen and bathroom, which suits small families or rental accommodation. Floor areas and dimensions for each model are listed on its product page.
Can the kitchen and bathroom be customised?
Yes. You can choose the size, layout and finishes, including kitchen and bathroom layouts, extra bedrooms, decking, pitched roofs and split-system air conditioning. Use the Custom page to configure a model and request a tailored quote.
Is double glazing available?
Yes. Double-glazed windows and a lockable double-glazed sliding door are listed in the standard specifications for many CYJ models. Check each product page for the exact window and door specification.
Can expandable homes be delivered outside Brisbane?
Yes. CYJ is based in Inala and delivers across Brisbane and Queensland, including Ipswich, Logan, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley. Delivery further afield can be arranged. Contact Ruby with your postcode and site access details for a delivery assessment.
Are plumbing and electrical connections included?
Each home comes with internal plumbing and electrical wiring already installed. The connection to water, sewer and mains power on your site must be carried out by your own licensed plumber and electrician, and is not part of the home price.
How long does delivery and installation take?
Lead times depend on the model, any customisation and shipping schedules, so we confirm timing when you order. On delivery day the unit is positioned, unfolded and levelled on prepared footings. Service connections then depend on your tradespeople's availability.
Can I inspect a display home?
You can book a consultation online or contact Ruby on 0490 837 242 to ask about current inspection availability at our Inala location (36 Cypress Street, Inala QLD 4077).
How much does an expandable home cost?
CYJ models range from around A$20,000 for a compact granny flat to about A$38,000 for a 40ft family model, GST included. Add-ons such as pitched roofs, decking, cladding and a registerable trailer are extra. Delivery, site preparation, footings, service connections and approval costs are separate. See the Products page for current pricing.
Are CYJ expandable homes certified to Australian Standards?
Certification documents for materials and components, such as electrical wiring, switches, sockets, lighting and plumbing fixtures, are available to download from our Certifications page. Your building certifier will assess these alongside your site-specific requirements.
How do I get a quote?
Call Ruby on 0490 837 242, message on WhatsApp, or send an enquiry through the contact form. Include your preferred model, site location and any customisations, and we'll prepare a tailored quote.
Still have questions?
Talk to Ruby about models, pricing and whether your site is ready for delivery.