Who they are
Instant Expandable Homes NQ is a family business in Townsville run by Martina and Warren Ryle, who started it after living in an expandable home themselves. Unfolded homes can be seen at the display yard at 16 Ingham Road. Warren Ryle holds an active QBCC Builder - Low Rise licence and also trades as Warren Ryle Constructions.
What they make
Fixed container studios in 20, 30 and 40 ft lengths, and expandable container homes in 20, 30 and 40 ft sizes that fold out on site; the 20 ft home can be set up with up to four bedrooms. Metric sizes and floor areas are not published. The roof is corrugated steel. Plug-in bathroom, kitchen and laundry pods are also sold.
What the price covers
Each model shows a 'from' price, $21,890 for a studio up to $56,000 for a 40 ft expandable home. The site does not say what the price includes, whether GST is in it, or what delivery costs. Half is paid as a deposit and half on or before delivery, with a 12 to 16 week wait.
Installing one in Queensland
The home unfolds in under two hours and set-up takes up to two days. It connects to water by hose and to power by lead like a caravan, and needs a plumber for sewer. The FAQ suggests putting it on a trailer classed as a caravan to avoid some approvals and says the business is not liable for council approval problems after purchase.
Who it suits
North Queensland buyers after a quick, relocatable studio or worker's room on a trailer, rather than a permanent second home.
Worth checking
By its own FAQ the homes do not meet current NCC accessibility rules, so a certifier is unlikely to approve one as a Class 1a dwelling. Ask which entity you contract with, where the homes are made, and what the price includes.