How Much Does It Cost to Deliver and Install a Modular Unit in NSW and Queensland?

The modular unit delivery and installation cost is an important part of budgeting for accommodation on your farm. The unit price is only the starting point. You’ll also need to allow for transport, installation, footings and getting the accommodation ready to use.

Experienced farm operators know that decent accommodation helps attract and keep good workers. But like any farm investment, the numbers need to stack up.

As a guide, delivery and installation for an accessible NSW property within a few hours of Aruva’s Lisarow facility may cost around $20,000–$22,000 + GST, on top of the unit price.

That’s indicative, not a fixed rate. The final cost depends on location, truck access, ground conditions and the installation work required.

You’ll also need to organise ground preparation and connections to power, water and wastewater.

Here’s what goes into the cost, what’s included and what you’ll need to arrange yourself.

How much does modular unit delivery and installation cost?

For an accessible property within a few hours of Lisarow, indicative delivery costs are around $9,000–$12,000 + GST. Installation and footings may add another $8,000–$12,000 + GST.

Some NSW enquiries have received combined allowances of approximately $20,000–$22,000 + GST.

These aren’t fixed rates. Distance, road access, ground conditions and the installation method all affect the final figure.

What makes up the modular unit delivery and installation cost?

There are three main components.

1. Transport and delivery

Aruva manufactures its modular accommodation at Lisarow on the NSW Central Coast. Most units leave the facility as a single complete module and travel by truck.

They don’t arrive on wheels. They’re transported to the property and positioned using the agreed unloading and installation method.

Freight costs depend on distance, the transport route, unit dimensions and site access.

Some loads may need special route arrangements, depending on their dimensions. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s oversize and overmass guidance explains the access requirements that can apply to large loads.

Longer trips and difficult routes generally cost more.

2. Footings and installation

Once the unit arrives, it needs to be positioned and supported on suitable footings.

Aruva can install units on adjustable steel piers or masonry blocks. The right system depends on the unit, ground conditions and installation requirements.

The cost covers the agreed foundation and installation work. More difficult sites may need additional preparation or a different installation arrangement.

3. Crane hire, where required

Not every installation needs a crane.

If the truck can reach the installation area, the unit may be positioned using the planned unloading method. In that case, separate crane hire may not be necessary.

Where access is restricted, a crane may be needed to lift the unit into position.

Crane hire isn’t included by default. It’s assessed and quoted for each property.

Worked example: What does a Cypress 21 cost delivered and installed?

The Cypress 21 is a two-bedroom modular accommodation unit available from Aruva.

Its advertised starting price is $169,900 + GST, before delivery and installation.

Here’s an example for a reasonably accessible NSW farm within a few hours of Lisarow.

These figures show how the costs add up. They’re not a quotation.

The combined delivery and installation allowance in this example is $17,000–$24,000 + GST. Some NSW enquiries have received narrower estimates of around $20,000–$22,000 + GST.

The example assumes straightforward access and no unusual foundation requirements.

It doesn’t include ground preparation, external service connections, optional stairs or crane hire if required.

That’s an important distinction.

A unit can be delivered and installed on its footings without being ready for someone to move in. Power, water, plumbing and wastewater connections still need to be completed.

For budgeting purposes, allow for three things: the unit, delivery and installation, and the remaining work needed to make it operational.

Aruva’s current modular accommodation stock shows starting prices for available designs. Those prices shouldn’t be confused with fully installed costs.

How do delivery costs vary across NSW and Queensland?

Distance is a major factor in freight costs, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

Two farms in the same district can have different delivery and installation costs. One might have clear, level access. The other might have narrow gates, steep ground or limited turning room.

NSW regional cost examples

The following examples reflect indicative amounts discussed during customer enquiries. They show how costs may vary, not fixed regional rates.

The figures aren’t directly comparable until Aruva confirms the unit specification, scope of work and GST treatment.

For example, a property near Tamworth with good truck access and a prepared site may be straightforward to service. Another property nearby could need extra transport planning or lifting equipment.

The postcode helps establish the freight distance. The site itself determines much of the installation cost.

How much does delivery to Queensland cost?

Aruva can arrange delivery to Queensland, including the Sunshine Coast region.

There isn’t a standard Queensland delivery and installation rate.

Costs depend on the destination, transport requirements, road access, ground conditions and how the unit needs to be positioned.

Queensland delivery is quoted per site.

When comparing costs, make sure you’re looking at both transport and installation. They’re separate parts of the job, whether Aruva completes the installation or you arrange it yourself.

What’s included in Aruva delivery and installation — and what’s extra?

Delivery, installation and footings aren’t included in Aruva’s advertised unit prices.

They’re quoted separately based on the property and work required. Aruva’s delivery and installation scope should identify what’s included, what’s an optional extra and what the buyer needs to arrange.

Here’s how the main items are generally handled.

Before committing, check the quotation carefully. It should spell out what Aruva will supply and install, and what you’re responsible for organising.

Are piers included in the unit price?

No. Piers and installation aren’t included in the advertised unit price.

Aruva can provide installation on adjustable steel piers or masonry blocks, depending on the site.

The supports need to suit the unit, ground conditions and installation design.

For more on the options, Aruva explains how adjustable steel piers and other foundation systems work on rural properties.

Do you need to organise power, water and septic connections?

Yes. External service connections are the buyer’s responsibility.

That includes electrical supply, water, plumbing and septic or wastewater connections.

Aruva units have provisions for connecting services, such as a conduit beneath the laundry. But providing a connection point isn’t the same as connecting the unit to the property’s infrastructure.

Depending on what’s already available, you may need trenches, cables, pipework, water tanks, pumps or wastewater infrastructure.

The location of the unit can affect those costs. Positioning it away from existing services may mean longer cable runs or additional pipework.

It’s worth working out those requirements before delivery, rather than dealing with them once the unit’s on-site.

Can you install a modular unit yourself?

Yes. Buyers can organise installation rather than have Aruva complete it.

That means arranging the required footings, positioning and installation work. You’ll need to follow the appropriate specifications and use qualified contractors where required.

Self-installation may suit farm operators with suitable equipment, experienced trades and the ability to coordinate the job.

However, don’t assume it’ll automatically cost less.

You’ll still need to allow for materials, labour, equipment hire and any work required to complete the installation properly.

Before delivery, make sure it’s clear who’s responsible for unloading, positioning, footings and securing the unit.

Aruva’s guide to DIY installation versus turnkey modular delivery explains the responsibilities and trade-offs of each approach.

How does modular accommodation delivery and installation work on a farm?

Aruva’s delivery process starts with checking the property and confirming the installation requirements.

The aim is to make sure the site is ready and identify access problems before the truck arrives. Good planning helps get durable accommodation delivered and installed efficiently, without avoidable delays on-site.

Step 1: Check the site

Aruva operations assesses the proposed installation area and access conditions. This may involve a video assessment or information showing the marked building position.

The team needs to understand the truck route, gates, turning room and where the unit will sit.

Step 2: Confirm what’s being supplied

The quotation should establish whether Aruva is delivering the unit only or completing the installation as well.

It should also confirm the footing arrangement, unloading method and whether a crane or other equipment is needed.

Step 3: Book delivery

Delivery is booked after the required deposit is paid and operations have completed the site check.

The schedule depends on the agreed scope, unit readiness, transport arrangements and site conditions.

Step 4: Prepare the property

Before delivery, the buyer needs to make sure access is clear and the required ground preparation is complete.

External service connection work should also be planned with the relevant trades.

Step 5: Deliver and install

The unit travels by truck from Lisarow to the property.

Where Aruva completes installation, it’s positioned and installed on the specified supports.

For suitable stock units, delivery and installation may be possible within approximately two weeks once the site and other requirements are ready. The timeframe isn’t guaranteed and needs to be confirmed for each project.

For a fuller explanation of scheduling, see Aruva’s guide to how long modular accommodation takes to deliver and install.

Step 6: Complete the remaining work

The buyer’s contractors complete external service connections and any outstanding site work.

What affects your delivery and installation quote?

An accurate quote starts with accurate site information.

Before requesting a final delivery and installation figure, check these five things.

1. Distance: Where’s the farm, and how far is it from Lisarow? Are there any route restrictions?
2. Road access: Can a large delivery truck reach the site? Check road surfaces, steep sections, overhead obstacles and wet-weather access.
3. Gates and turning room: Are entrances wide enough, and is there enough room for the truck to turn or reverse?
4. Crane requirements: Can the unit be positioned using the planned unloading method, or will it need a separate lift?
5. Ground conditions: Is the installation area level and stable? Will slopes, rock, drainage or fill affect the footings?

Photos or video of the access road, gates and intended installation position help Aruva operations assess the job.

You’ll also need the property location, selected unit design and details of anything that may restrict access.

If you’ve pegged out the proposed position, include that information too.

Aruva’s modular delivery site checklist provides more detail on preparing this information before delivery.

The better the site information, the fewer unknowns there’ll be when delivery and installation costs are calculated.

What should you budget before your modular unit arrives?

The unit price is the starting point, not the final project cost.

For a straightforward NSW property, indicative delivery and installation may add around $20,000–$22,000 + GST. More difficult access, longer transport distances or additional lifting requirements can increase that amount.

You’ll also need to budget separately for ground preparation and external service connections.

Farm managers who invest carefully in their people understand that good accommodation needs to earn its place in the business. It should be durable, practical and suited to the people living in it.

A quality-built modular unit, delivered efficiently and built to last, is part of that investment. But you still need to understand the full cost of getting it installed and operational.

Before you settle on a design and location, make sure you’ve answered one question:

What’s the total cost to get this modular accommodation onto my property and ready for use?

That’s the number to build your budget around.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to deliver and install a modular unit on a farm in NSW?

For an accessible NSW farm within a few hours of Aruva’s Lisarow facility, indicative delivery and installation may cost around $20,000–$22,000 + GST, in addition to the unit price. Actual costs depend on distance, access, ground conditions and the installation scope. Aruva quotes each site individually.

Are footings and piers included in Aruva’s modular unit prices?

No. Footings and installation aren’t included in the advertised unit price. Aruva can arrange installation using adjustable steel piers or masonry blocks, depending on the site. The foundation system and installation labour are quoted separately.

Does Aruva include crane hire in the delivery cost?

Not by default. Some units can be positioned without separate crane hire, depending on truck access and the unloading method. Where a crane is required, Aruva assesses the site and quotes the additional lifting work.

Does Aruva connect power, water and septic services?

No. The buyer arranges external power, water, plumbing and wastewater connections. Aruva provides connection provisions within the unit, but the external infrastructure and connection work are the buyer’s responsibility.

What information does Aruva need to quote delivery and installation?

Aruva needs the property location, selected unit, proposed installation position and details of site access. Photos or video of roads, gates, turning areas and ground conditions are useful. Operations uses this information to assess transport, footings, unloading and any crane requirements.