Browse Forums Owner Builder Forum 1 Nov 24, 2016 9:59 pm I have found a kit home design I almost like. I would want some modification to the interior layout and also to replace the cladding and swap out some external windows for double doors. The company seems to be open to some modification, but not on materials. They use Bunnings for their lining kit. I like Bunnings for purchasing tools, but am not interested in having their chipboard shelving, cheap doors, etc, in my house. Is it okay to just buy a modified lock-up kit and have someone else redesign the interior for me, or does that pose a copyright problem? Re: Question about customising a kit home. 2Nov 25, 2016 3:09 pm An idea of what I am talking about. First pic is the original design. Second is a very rough of how I would rearrange the floor plan (Dimensions are not accurate, especially in the WIR for the main, but I have moved the door to line up with the hallway and put the wir in front of the ensuite, instead of next to it. The kitchen is extended in width and the pantry added. Sacrificed a bedroom I don't need. http://www.imgur.com/a/4dhk2 The original uses Hardie plank cladding. I would want sandstone. In addition, the original has windows on the bedrooms and living room. Given there is a wraparound verandah, I would think double doors opening to the area are in order... My concern is that the suppliers don't seem to be very flexible, but I've been searching for a couple of years for a design I like and I like this. I don't think it would be good form to take the original to an architect and ask them to redo it. If you get a lock-up kit, I assume you don't have to use all of it? (For example, the cladding)... Re: Question about customising a kit home. 3Nov 25, 2016 3:49 pm I would take your sketch drawing to a Building Designer or Architect & have the plans drawn up with the sandstone façade. If the room sizes are basically what you are looking at make the relevant notes on your drawing. Copyright breach is a serious thing but the layout you have shown is not unusual & has most likely been replicated many times. Peter Clarkson - AusDesign Australia www.ausdesign.com.au This information is intended to provide general information only. It does not purport to be a comprehensive advice. Re: Question about customising a kit home. 4Nov 25, 2016 7:30 pm Thanks. I think some people would be offended at having a design presented to them. However, it's certainly an option I'm willing to look at. I don't think this plan, simple as it is, has been replicated many times or I'd have seen it already. As I said, I've been looking for several years. I hate many modern designs. They have odd corners and crevices... My reason for changing the ensuite/WIR to the main is simply because it will be MY home and I want my bathtub. The two other bedrooms will be for visitors and so they can suck eggs with the main bathroom (although I'd endeavour to make it lovely for them). I think in my drawing the pantry might be too large and the laundry/main bath too small, but I would expect someone to call me on that and help me to fix it. Planning to market garden so will need a large pantry. I am building in my mid-50s after not thinking I would ever do so. So my house is going to be what I want and not what some house company wants. In my 20s, I tried to buy and got ripped off by a scam artist. It cost me more than 30K and taught me a huge lesson. I have been renting since, but now is my time... Also, will not be borrowing to build, so I think I should be allowed to have my own way. PS I like your website. I will be building in regional Qld (semi-rural haven, hence wanting the doors to the verandah and also why I want the "linen" closet flipped around to become an entry closet), but am currently in Sydney. I will consider your company when I come to do the serious planning. I have some interior wants that seem to be best catered for in Melbourne, so will be running around there for a while next year... Re: Question about customising a kit home. 5Nov 27, 2016 10:27 pm You are correct with the copyright issue. It really depends on which kit home company you are referring to. If you want you can pm me the name to see if I have dealt with them before. As far as I know, some kit home companies are very flexible in terms of modifying their design and choosing materials. There are a few that I know of are flexible with plans to certain extend but won't budge at all on materials. The one that I choose finally are both flexible with plan and materials. 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