Find the answers you need to build your next home

FAQ

1. How much does an Avrame A-Frame home cost in Australia?

Prices for our kit homes start at $24 000 AUD. This includes a structural kit, exterior kit and interior kit all of which are made in Scandinavia, Germany and Estonia from high quality materials.

Call Chris on 0497 034 612 for a quick chat, most clients find that invaluable.

2. Is an Avrame A-Frame suitable as a full-time home in Australia?

Yes and many are already built and occupied by satisfied customers in Australia.

Avrame timber-frame houses are used worldwide as full-time residences, holiday homes, and rental properties.

They are energy efficient and bushfire safe. Our A-frame homes are quick and easy to build thanks to their modular design. All materials in our kits are pre-cut and include all assembly components.

Call Chris on 0497 034 612 to find out more or if you would like to visit one of our display homes.

3. What is the council and planning approval process in Australia?

The approval process varies by council and state.

Typically, you will need:

  • Planning approval in the form of Development Approval (DA) form (where required)
  • Some blocks will then require a bushfire assessment report
  • Energy efficiency report.
  • Australian engineering report
  • Some projects require a certification report

Once you have all these documents you are required to submit a Building Approval (BA) form.

We have gone through this process many times. Avrame will provide you with plans that include detailed views, plans, cross-sections, elevations and foundation sketches.

Call Chris on 0497 034 612 to find out more.

4. Can Avrame homes comply with Australian bushfire regulations (BAL)?

Bushfire compliance is site-specific and depends on your Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment. Avrame homes are fire safe and we have experience in areas with BAL-29. Fire safety measures aligned with Australian Standard AS 3959:2018 include:

  • Side walls are made of metal, which is a non-combustible material commonly used for bushfire-prone areas (AS 3959:2018)
  • Windows are made of tripled-glazed strengthened glass which exceeds minimum glazing requirements when assessed under AS 3959:2018 and AS 1288
  • The overall build doesn’t include gaps greater than 2mm to prevent ember entry

For a full list of how this product complies with Australian bushfire restrictions or for our most recent fire-restriction build in an area with BAL-29 call Chris on 0497 034 612

5. Can Avrame homes handle different Australian climates?

Yes.

We have Avrame homes from Queensland to southernmost Western Australia.

Our homes meet European energy efficiency standards which far exceed all Australian standards. This means heating and cooling is very cost effective.

A-frame geometry performs well structurally due to its shape and low centre of mass making our homes good options in cyclone-prone areas.  

6. Can I talk to someone before committing to a design?

Absolutely.

We strongly encourage a conversation early in the process. A short call can help clarify:

  • suitability for your site
  • approval risks
  • model selection
  • realistic costs and timelines

This often saves time and avoids false assumptions.

Chris bought and built an Avrame home himself. Call him on 0497 034 612. Early research welcome. 

7. Can I customise an Avrame home?

Yes, Avrame homes are highly customisable as they have no load-bearing interior walls. This means that room design and floor plans are completely customisable.

Additional customisation can include additional windows, larger dormers, second story extensions and connecting multiple A-frame houses. 

Call Chris on 0497 034 612 for more information. No commitment, just clarity.

8. How much does customisation typically cost?

Interior room design is free.

Additional customisation starts at ~$600 AUD.

Talk with Chris on 0497 034 612 or request a detailed catalogue via our contact page.

9. How long will the on-site build take?

All models are optimised to be built between 2 to 4 builders. Our smallest models can take as little as 200 hours and our largest 2100 hours.

To find out how long your build should take and how to budget for the work, call Chris on 0497 034 612 directly. Early research welcome.

10. Can you ship to my location in Australia?

Yes, we ship Australia-wide, including regional areas, via major ports and road freight.

A-frames are flat pack, so they are very compact and convenient to transport.

For a comprehensive shipping and freight quote, give our building consultant and Avrame distributor Chris a call on 0497 034 612   

11. How much does delivery typically cost?

Shipping costs around $6500 including container insurance, customs, dock fee and tailgate fee. Additional road freight starts at $800.

For smaller models it is possible to share shipping costs. If you would rather use another customs or freight company this is also possible.

For a comprehensive shipping quote call Chris on 0497 034 612.

12. Can two Avrame houses be joined together?

Yes.

Multiple different models can be connected and planned as a single structure. A second house can even be added subsequently to the initial build.

See the example below  




13. Will I have one point of contact throughout the build?

Yes.

We pride ourselves on our fast response time and continued support across every phase of the build.

Our building consultant Chris bought and built an Avrame home himself and will guide you through each stage of the process. Call Chris on  0497 034 612. No commitment, just clarity. 

14. Do you assist with finding local builders?

Yes, but it is important that we discuss this early to find the best solution for your build.

Call Chris on 0497 034 612 for a quick chat or book a call via our contact page.

15. What exactly is included in the kit?

Avrame kits include a structural kit, exterior kit and interior kit, plus optional extras. All components are made in Scandinavia, Germany and Estonia from high quality materials.

The structural kit includes:

  • Strength graded timber
  • All hardware, screws, nuts and bolts
  • All building underlays and mesh

The exterior kit includes:

  • PVC windows
  • Wooden exterior cladding
  • Battens
  • Metal sheet roofing

The interior kit includes:

  • Interior cladding
  • Doors
  • Staircase and handrail

If you wish to source part of your kit locally we are also happy to accommodate your specific needs.

For a complete component list talk with Chris on 0497 034 612 or send us an email. Early research welcome.

16. What needs to be sourced locally?

Items typically sourced locally include:

  • Insulation
  • Electrical systems
  • Plumbing
  • Heating and ventilation
  • Kitchen and bathrooms
  • Interior finishes, excluding interior cladding

These components are not included as they are price competitive locally. All kit components are made in Europe and outcompete locally produced components.

This reduces the amount of container space needed in your delivery.

17. Are windows, doors, and structural elements included?

Yes, windows, doors and structural elements are all included. For a comprehensive list of everything that is included call Chris on 0497 034 612  or send us an email

18. What type of foundations can be used?

Common options include:

  • concrete strip foundations
  • post foundations
  • slabs

For advice on which sort of foundation could suit your project give Chris a call on 0497 034 612

19. Can I build a basement under the house?

Yes, a solution with full basement is easily doable.

A-frames need just 3 support points. They can be supported by a metal beam in the middle and by the stone part on the sides.

20. Can Avrame homes achieve Australian energy efficiency ratings?
Yes, Avrame homes easily meet Australian energy efficiency ratings. Our products are designed to meet European energy efficiency standards which far exceed all Australian standards. This means heating and cooling is very cost effective.
21. What insulation options work best in Australia?

Insulation is sourced locally. Commonly compatible options include:

  • rockwool
  • earthwool
  • fibreglass
  • spray foam
  • structural insulated panels (SIP)

For more information, give Chris a call on 0497 034 612.

22. What heating systems are suitable?

Avrame homes are compatible with all heating systems, such as:

  • reverse cycle air conditioning
  • electric heating
  • wood heaters
  • gas heaters
  • heat pumps

Importantly, Avrame’s thermotreated pine is wider than typical Australian machine grade pine (MGP), allowing you to pack more insulation between the roofing and interior walls. This means you can meet passive‑house heat efficiency standards and significantly reduce heating costs.

23. What ventilation systems are recommended?

You can install any kind of ventilation system in your Avrame home.

Our homes are a great product for natural ventilation, but are also compatible with mechanical ventilation. Our homes have a higher floor to ceiling height, and all the awnings have a tri-lock system designed for optimal ventilation.

For more information give our building consultant and Avrame distributor Chris a call on 0497 034 612

24. Can Avrame homes be built in cyclone-prone or seismic areas?

Yes.

A-frame geometry performs well structurally due to its shape and low centre of mass making our homes good options in cyclone-prone or seismic areas.  

We have built in cyclone-prone and seismic areas around the world.

25. How long does kit production and delivery take?
Production time takes roughly 10 weeks and shipping to Australia takes roughly 8 weeks
26. How are the houses shipped?
Houses are shipped flat-pack to major ports and then transported with road freight to your site location.
27. What are the payment terms?

Payment terms are:

  • 50% on contract signing
  • 50% during production (around week 10)

Delayed deposit might cause delays in the delivery.

28. What is the expected lifespan and maintenance?

With proper construction and maintenance, timber homes can last for generations.

Maintenance is similar to other timber houses, mainly involving external cladding upkeep every 5–10 years.

For the warranty information about a particular component please call Chris on 0497 034 612

29. Can Avrame homes be built off-grid?

Yes.

Avrame homes are ideal for off-grid living as they are very energy efficient, reducing the power consumption of heating and cooling.

Our building consultant Chris built his Avrame home entirely off-grid. Give Chris a call on 0497 034 612 to learn more.

30. What should I consider before going off-grid?

Before going off‑grid, consider:

  • energy demand
  • water supply
  • waste systems
  • council requirements

Planning these early is essential. Call our building consultant and Chris on 0497 034 612 to hear how he managed these in his own off‑grid Avrame home.

31. Can I purchase plans and do the cutting locally?
No, it’s not possible with larger houses, but we do have DIY drawings for our smallest models, which are Solo+ - https://shop.avrame.com/collections/diy-plan-sets
32. Is there a walkthrough video of each model?

We have walk‑through videos on our YouTube channel including:

More videos are continuously uploaded. Make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss them.

33. What is a dormer?

A dormer is a structural addition that can:

  • create an entrance
  • add headroom
  • enlarge bathrooms or bedrooms

Dormers are planned during the drawings phase.

See the image below:

34. Still have questions?

We welcome all questions big and small. If you’re unsure about next steps, many customers find it easiest to call our building consultant and Avrame distributor Chris on 0497 034 612 early and talk it through. You can also send us an email or use the form on our contact page.