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Our favourite 2 bedroom tiny house plans

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, investor, retiree, or looking to downsize, our 2-bedroom homes will fit your lifestyle perfectly.

8 min read

Can I build a granny flat on my property?

If you want to increase your property value, building a second dwelling is a smart move. Granny flats can be used for a variety of purposes, from...


9 min read

10 design tips for small house plans

Are you planning to build a small house? Whether it’s a granny flat, second dwelling, two-bedroom house, or a tiny home, there’s a variety of ways...


9 min read

Can first home buyers build a prefab home?

Building a home is not usually seen as an option for first-time buyers. Fortunately, we have good news!


8 min read

Does a new build's value increase once completed?

A new build house is one of the biggest investments most people make. So, it’s wise to know how your investment will pay off and when.


7 min read

How long does it take to build a house?

All around New Zealand, building projects have been impacted by the effects of material cost increases, labour shortages, and the changing economic...


8 min read

What is the cost of building a house in NZ?

In New Zealand, the cost of building a house has risen dramatically in the past few years. While the cost of each project varies based on location,...


10 min read

Is my section or land build-ready?

In this article, we explain everything you need to know about site preparation and how to get your section ready for building a prefab home.


9 min read

The South Island's Building Regulations for Residential Housing

In this article, we delve into the various nuances of residential building regulations. We focus on the South Island, covering the insulation...


8 min read

Is now the right time to be building a house?

If you’re interested in building a new home, you need to know when the time is right. Following the unpredictable market rates, material shortages,...


11 min read

The limitations of prefab homes in NZ

Building your new home is an exciting step but it involves making a lot of decisions. To ensure your project aligns with your needs, it pays to know...


8 min read

Modular homes vs prefab homes

Off-site construction methods are becoming increasingly popular as more buyers seek innovative ways to build on a budget. Modular homes and prefab...


9 min read

10 things you need to know about building a house

Are you planning to build a house? Or in the early stages of planning a new house build? We’ve written this article to help you plan ahead and...


6 min read

How to finance a prefab home in 2023

Building a new home can be a complicated process, especially when it hinges on financial approvals. Fortunately, building a prefab home is an...


9 min read

Houses under $400k

If you are considering building or buying a home, you may wonder what your budget can get you. As house prices rise, many prospective homeowners are...


8 min read

What are the advantages of 3 bedroom house plans?

It's no secret that three bedroom houses are in high demand in New Zealand. This is mainly due to the fact that they are versatile, easy to...


7 min read

The 5 most affordable home owning options

Finding a house that aligns with your budget and needs can be daunting. However, various innovative methods have risen and revolutionised the...


7 min read

Should you offer farm worker housing?

Providing staff housing is a common practice, particularly for the fruit-picking, agriculture, and tourism industries. By providing a stress-free,...


6 min read

Affordable cladding options with Genius Homes

Want your new build to have kerb appeal without breaking the bank? Are you building farm worker accommodation and looking for a product that ticks...


9 min read

How easy is it to change my house's layout?

When building a new house, one of the key advantages is being able to adapt it to suit your needs and lifestyle. However, it is a common...


7 min read

Are building costs going to decrease this year?

The worldwide housing market has been tumultuous for the past few years. In New Zealand, these challenges have been amplified, and with fluctuating...


8 min read

The 5 best prefab companies in NZ

Prefabricated homes have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing an affordable, efficient, and more sustainable alternative to...


8 min read

5 reasons to build your prefab home with Genius Homes

Are you looking for a reliable building company to make your new home a reality? While prefab homes have gained popularity in recent years, not all...


10 min read

How much does a transportable home cost?

Investing in a house is an expensive undertaking, so you need to get it right. Fortunately, the rise of transportable housing could be a...


8 min read

When a modular home isn’t the best option

Modular homes have taken off in New Zealand with new, quality homes popping up all over the country. But how can you be sure the modular approach is...


8 min read

What is a modular home and how much does it cost?

Building a house is a major investment – in time, money, and energy. To get it right, you need to be clear on your options. If you’re looking for a...


10 min read

What are the pros and cons of modular homes?

Modular homes have come a long way in recent years. While they used to be boxy and limited, these houses are now competing with traditional onsite...


9 min read

Common myths about kitset homes in NZ

If you’re looking for a way to save money when building a home, chances are that kitsets have caught your eye. These simple, all-in-one packages...


12 min read

Relocatable homes vs prefab homes in NZ: Which is cheaper?

Choosing a new home is a major investment – so you need to do it right. Fortunately, there are several affordable housing solutions to choose from...


7 min read

The difference between modular homes and prefab homes

Alternative construction methods are gaining traction around the country, providing more feasible options for building a new house. While this does...


9 min read

Why property is the ultimate long-term investment

Are you looking to invest in property but not sure what it entails? Whether for capital gains, rental income, or both, there are many advantages to...


12 min read

Building your first home? Try a prefab home

Turning your new home into a reality is an exciting and overwhelming process. From choosing a house plan to deciding on the final touches, there is...


8 min read

Why choose prefab if you are building a new home?

Building a new house brings a whole host of decisions, big and small. When it comes to choosing which building method to use, your choice has a big...


8 min read

Building for home and income

Home and income properties are a popular choice for those seeking a supplementary and versatile income stream, particularly during a challenging...


9 min read

What is an offsite built home?

In recent years, offsite construction has gained a lot of attention as an innovative building solution, but it can be confusing to know how it fits...


9 min read

The ultimate floor plans for entertaining

To be the host with the most, you need a house with the right layout, features, and wow factor. But what does that really entail?


8 min read

Standard inclusions on your prefab home

Building your dream home is exciting but also comes with a lot of questions. A great place to start is by knowing your options and what’s included...


9 min read

3 Bedroom house designs

3 bedroom houses have grown in popularity across New Zealand. Online search data shows that ‘3 bedroom house’ is typed into Google an average of 110...


7 min read

10 reasons why a prefab home is perfect for first home buyers

Buying your first home is likely one of the biggest purchase decisions you will ever make. With a raft of budget discussions to be had, a list of...


9 min read

Affordable sections to build a house on

Building a house is increasingly costly and it can be difficult to know how to achieve it without breaking the bank. Many people have found that...


8 min read

What's the difference between transportable homes and prefab homes?

In New Zealand, both transportable homes and prefabricated homes are popular options amongst those looking for low-cost, efficient and hassle-free...


9 min read

Building sustainable homes

A sustainable home needs to be energy efficient, produce low emissions and keep waste to a minimum. For many people building a new home,...


13 min read

House plans explained

Choosing a house plan for your new build can be a challenge and is often confusing to navigate. Every new home has unique features and often a few...


9 min read

Affordable Farm Accommodation

Providing staff with comfortable farm housing leads to a happier workforce and a more efficient farm. To help you find the best farm housing...


8 min read

How the Building Code changes affect prefab homes

You may have heard the news that the New Zealand Building Code is changing. As these are some of the biggest advancements to the Building Code in...


9 min read

Considering adding a second dwelling?

Are you thinking about adding a granny flat or sleepout to your section? Maybe you seek the solace of a separate space for young adults, a guest...


7 min read

Home loans for prefab homes

Prefab homes have taken a strong foothold in the current housing market. With such a broad variety of innovative housing solutions now readily...


7 min read

Funding your prefab home

Building a new home can be a daunting prospect and often it’s the price tag attached that’s most intimidating. In the current climate, whether...


14 min read

How to grow your accommodation business

With the New Zealand Government announcing in February 2022 that borders are staged to open, it looks as though life may be returning to normal...


11 min read

Building a passive income with a 2nd dwelling

Building a second dwelling on your property offers a myriad of benefits and opportunities. If you’re in a position to add a second or even third...


7 min read

The cost of transportable homes

The spike in demand for rapid-build, low cost, and hassle-free living options has given rise to a new group of homes that first home buyers and...


6 min read

What is a modular home?

Creative alternatives to housing are emerging across the country providing buyers with many non-mainstream options to build a new home. And while...


11 min read

Are prefabs the cheapest way to get property in 2022?

Buying a house is no small purchase and there are many factors to take into consideration when exploring how to get property in the most affordable...


15 min read

How much does a new home cost in 2022?

Houses have shot up in value dramatically over recent years and continue to show no sign of slowing down. In fact, according to Canstar, in 2020 the...


9 min read

Our most popular new home designs

The hunt for your dream home is no easy feat. With so many options available, the quest to find one that perfectly suits you can be overwhelming. At...


9 min read

Benefits of downsizing your home

People downsize for all sorts of reasons: adapting to an empty nest, preparing for retirement, or maybe just to seek out a simpler life. As...


13 min read

A look at tiny homes and prefabs

In a climate of rising house prices and a depleting availability of land, people are looking for alternative living options, such as tiny homes, as...


9 min read

How to save money when building a brand new house

With more people looking for a home than ever before and a limited number of houses on the market, more New Zealanders are turning their attention...


10 min read

Property Investing: 5 reasons prefab homes are ideal property investments

Amidst rapidly increasing house prices, property shortages, competitive offers, and recent government initiatives tightening investment...


9 min read

Why prefabs are better than kitsets for farm homes

There are many benefits to building a new farm home on your property. It provides quality accommodation that will help you attract and retain good...


10 min read

Why prefab homes are perfect for holiday homes

Holiday home, bach or hideaway, whatever you call it, it likely triggers a similar nostalgic feeling for kiwis New Zealand wide. It’s the place...


11 min read

5 things you need to know when building a prefab home

With so many different options available in the construction industry, the decision to build a new home is not a small one and there are lots of...


13 min read

Most common house plan upgrades

When building a new home, balancing your specific indulgent wants and practical needs within your budget can often be a juggling act. While all of...


12 min read

South Island housing in numbers

When the Covid-19 pandemic originally hit New Zealand in early 2020, it upended elements of the housing market with changes to realestate buying and...


11 min read

5 differences between kitset and prefab homes

Looking to build a new home but confused by all the industry jargon? Prefabricated homes, which can also be known as transportable, prebuilt or...


10 min read

Prefab house designs for difficult site access

With available land in New Zealand becoming increasingly scarce, it’s common for those who are interested in building a home to compromise on their...


5 min read

Where do Genius Homes deliver?

Prefabricated homes and transportable homes are becoming a popular choice worldwide for those building new due to the many benefits they deliver,...


9 min read

What are Genius Homes’ most commonly asked questions?

Over the years we have been delivering homes to families all over the South Island of New Zealand and many have had some great questions during the...


7 min read

Discover the new house designs for 2021

Alongside the launch of the latest Genius Homes product catalogue comes the exciting introduction of two new house designs to add to the growing...


8 min read

Pros and cons of a prefab house

Whether you're ready to upsize your home, retire, invest or get onto the property ladder, the process of building a new house can be daunting. It’s...


9 min read

How to pick the perfect house plan

Building a home is a big life decision and an investment that you want to get right. Whether you’re planning your first family home, a second...


12 min read

Build or buy a new home?

Whether you're looking for a first home or an investment property, there are many tough decisions to make when exploring the property market. One...


12 min read

South Island house and land packages: Things to know

With demand continuing to outweigh supply in the New Zealand property market, we see house prices at an all time high. As a result, many potential...


13 min read

Understanding house plans

Being presented with a floor plan for the first time can feel like you’re reading something that has been written in another language, leaving you...


7 min read

Our favourite prefab home projects from 2020

As 2020 comes to a close, we are sure many of you are looking forward to welcoming in the new year. Even though this year hasn’t been without its...


5 min read

What's the difference between transportable homes & relocatable homes?

As technology develops so does the way in which our homes are constructed. There are many types of house construction, such as traditional homes,...


6 min read

What is a transportable home?

When people think of a transportable home, the first thing that comes to mind is a square, box-like building with a typical cookie-cutter design and...


7 min read

How much does it cost to build a house?

When deciding if building a new home is the right choice for you, the most crucial question and often the deciding factor is how much it is going to...


6 min read

Farmhouses that don't need planning consent

There are many financial benefits to having an additional home on your farm. From offering short-term accommodation for holiday-makers to attracting...


6 min read

Genius Homes customers enjoying their homes

Over the past decade in the prefabricated building business, we have delivered new houses all over the South Island. We recently decided to run a...


5 min read

Healthy Homes Standards may impact farmhouses & worker accommodation

Where a person lives can have a huge impact on their health, happiness and productivity. This can be crucial when it comes to accommodation,...


6 min read

Why a prefab rental property is a good investment

Owning a rental property in addition to your primary residence can be an excellent way for you to build personal wealth, attract a passive income...


8 min read

The Genius Homes building process explained

Building a new home is a lengthy process. Even though prefab is considered as 'quick' by most building standards it still takes a few months, which...


3 min read

Building a holiday home in the South Island of New Zealand

Whether you’re an international traveller or a domestic tourist the South Island of New Zealand has touched the heart and imagination of everyone...


10 min read

Our favourite prefab home projects from 2019

As the year comes to a close we have asked various members of the team to choose their favourite projects from 2019. From the small to the large...


6 min read

Prefab home predictions for 2020

2019 was a big year for prefabricated homes. Not only were Westpac the first bank to offer special home loans for buyers building an affordable...


8 min read

5 reasons to build a holiday home

Building a holiday home anywhere can seem like a frivolous and luxurious endeavour. The reality of saying that you have a holiday home in Tekapo, or...


9 min read

How to design a good holiday home

Building or buying a holiday home is the dream for hundreds of New Zealanders, and a fair amount of people that have visited this great country. At...


6 min read

Our favourite home designs for summer

It might be hard to believe given the current weather but summer is just around the corner. For many this means firing up the BBQ, dusting off the...


10 min read

The financial benefits of farm homes

Providing farmworker accommodation has many benefits for both workers and landlords, but there are also many financial benefits that can be enjoyed...


6 min read

Getting farm accommodation before Gypsy Day

Gypsy Day is ingrained in New Zealand's farming culture. When June 1st rolls around dairy farmers and share-milkers move cows into stock trucks,...


5 min read

Genius Homes cladding options

It protects, defines and inspires. Offering immediate curb appeal and influencing the style of your home. Yet cladding is often a footnote in the...


5 min read

Top tips on how to create the right floorplan for your new home

Deciding on the best home layout can be a daunting task. There are people that want to maximise their design to benefit from a second income and...


6 min read

Building a home with income in mind

The rise of Airbnb and Bookabach has encouraged many Kiwis to consider house designs that open up the possibility of gaining additional income,...


13 min read

How are prefab houses made?

Prefabricated homes have risen hugely in popularity among developers, architects, investors, landowners and, with the announcement of Westpac's new...


5 min read

Large prefab homes - when size really does matter!

As life changes so can the requirements placed on the family home. Whether it's more rooms for children, or space for guests, having a large modern...


4 min read

Does farm housing have to comply with the Residential Tenancies Act?

Offering accommodation for farm workers has many benefits. Not only does it help to keep good workers by giving them housing that they would...


7 min read

Top tips on keeping your home warm this winter

As the cold sets in the house could be getting a little chilly. Whether you're feeling the freeze a little more at night or if a string wind really...


4 min read

How a prefab home can keep you warmer this winter

The team at Genius Homes are based in Timaru so they know a thing or two about the cold, and this has led them to build homes that are well set-up...


4 min read

Thinking of building a home? What are your options?

Building a home is a massive decision. One that is both exciting, and nerve-wracking at the same time! Once you have chatted to a mortgage broker,...


4 min read

Prefab house design trends

We're kicking off the year with a look at the prefab home design trends that we're predicting will grow in popularity in the coming 12 months....


4 min read

The hidden costs of building kitset homes

Not only is it becoming more expensive to build a home in New Zealand, but building on a budget can be a massive test, not only through cost...


6 min read

How to make money from a second dwelling

There are number of restrictions to consider when building a second dwelling. Many councils have size restrictions of around 70sqm on a second...


5 min read

How customisable is a prefab home?

Many people believe that buying prefab homes from a plan means many of the design features are set in stone beyond interior paint and carpet colours.


5 min read

Kitset Homes vs Prefab Homes - Whats The Difference?

Building lingo can be super confusing; prefab, kitset, modular, transportable and so on. The range of options, and confusion about the differences...


2 min read

Planning your new kitchen with Genius Homes

When you buy a new Genius Home, the kitchen on your plan can be customised to suit what you want. Together we help you to turn this space into the...


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