Mark Radford and Gordon Shorrocks faced significant financial challenges in realizing their plan to build a new home in Perth after returning from overseas. The pair had purchased a block of land with the intention of demolishing an old wooden cottage and constructing a modern residence. However, their initial architect’s design came back at three times their budget, and subsequent negotiations with a local builder fell through because the builder would not agree to a fixed-price contract required by their financier.

The turning point came when they explored the option of modular construction. After visiting a local display home, Mr. Radford immediately saw the potential for the modular building method to suit their site and budget. The modular home approach allowed them to maintain control over costs, including civil works, transport, crane hire, road closures, and the complex logistics needed to lift power lines along the route from the factory to their Gooseberry Hill location.

The home’s modular components feature steel frames, which Mr. Radford said ensure the structure’s robustness. Fit-outs and cabinetry were completed inside Fox Modular’s Gnangara factory, where the couple inspected the build before it was shipped to the site.

Financing for the project was arranged through Bankwest, a Commonwealth Bank subsidiary, which provided a mortgage tailored to the modular home construction payment schedule. Mr. Radford explained that the couple made an initial payment of 5 percent, followed by a 45 percent progress payment, and the remaining 50 percent upon completion.

Although their path to homeownership deviated from their initial plan, adopting a modular building approach and securing appropriate financing enabled Mark Radford and Gordon Shorrocks to turn their vision into reality on their Perth property.