Homes & Domes Knowledge Centre

Homes & Domes Victoria Pty Ltd is an independent Australian company specialising in premium expandable and portable cottages. We design, specify and deliver expandable cottages built with galvanised steel frames, insulated wall panels and double-glazed windows for customers right across Australia.

We manage the entire customer experience — from your initial consultation and cottage specifications through to delivery, professional installation and ongoing after-sales support. Our mission is to make well-built, efficient living straightforward and accessible.

Homes & Domes Victoria Pty Ltd formerly traded as GV Shelving. Over time, our focus shifted entirely to premium expandable and portable cottages, and we rebranded to reflect that evolution.

Today, we are a fully independent Australian company. We work with specialist manufacturing partners who build to our exact specifications, while Homes & Domes controls quality standards, customer experience and after-sales support.

No. Homes & Domes Victoria Pty Ltd is no longer affiliated with any previous reseller businesses. We operate independently with our own manufacturing partners, quality standards and customer support team.

If you have been approached by or are dealing with a different business claiming to represent our products, please contact us directly so we can clarify and ensure you are working with the right team.

We work with specialist manufacturing partners who build each cottage to our detailed specifications. Homes & Domes controls the design, material selection, quality standards and finishing processes — our partners handle the precision fabrication.

This model gives us the flexibility to specify the best possible product without being locked into a single factory's limitations, and it means we can scale production to meet demand without compromising quality.

Customers choose us for three reasons: we specify premium materials, we deliver a complete, ready-to-use product, and we back every cottage with genuine after-sales support.

Every cottage comes with double-glazed windows, premium insulation, a complete bathroom, a complete kitchen, security fly wire doors and factory-installed fittings. You are buying a finished home, not a shell. We also handle delivery and professional installation, so you have one point of contact from start to finish.

Yes. We have a display model at our Shepparton showroom at 109 Archer Street, Shepparton VIC 3630. We recommend booking a consultation so our team can give you a dedicated walkthrough and answer your questions in detail.

To book a visit, call us on (03) 4804 6038 or email sales@homesanddomes.com.au. We will arrange a time that suits you.

An expandable cottage is a modular building that is transported in a compact, closed form and then expanded on site to its full size. This means you get a full-size living space that can still be transported on a standard truck and set up in a day or two.

Unlike a traditional portable building, an expandable cottage offers full residential features — complete bathroom, kitchen, double-glazed windows and premium insulation — in a structure that can be folded down and relocated if needed.

We offer three core expandable cottage series:

Halo — 20ft: Compact layouts for studios, guest accommodation and small-space living.

Catalyst — 30ft: Additional living space with practical one- and two-bedroom configurations.

Karlen — 40ft: Our largest expandable series, with flexible two- and three-bedroom layouts.

Yes. Every expandable cottage we supply is designed to be transportable. If you need to move it in the future — to a new property, a different position on your land or a new suburb entirely — our team can arrange professional relocation.

The cottage is collapsed back to its transport form, loaded onto a truck, delivered to the new site and re-expanded. This is one of the key advantages of choosing an expandable cottage over a traditional fixed build.

Every expandable cottage includes the following as standard, factory-installed before delivery:

Fully expandable structure, complete residential bathroom, complete kitchen, double-glazed windows, premium insulation, and a security sliding fly wire front door.

This means your cottage arrives ready to live in — you just need to connect power, water and wastewater on site. There is no separate fit-out stage or additional cost for these core features.

Absolutely. While the core structure and standard inclusions are fixed, you can customise your cottage with a range of optional extras including climate control systems, hot water units, off-grid solar packages, exterior cladding upgrades, accessible bathroom packages and premium interior finishes.

Floor plan configurations are also available on selected models — particularly the Catalyst, which can be specified in open-plan or multi-bedroom layouts.

Our expandable cottages are built with premium insulation, double-glazed windows and complete bathroom and kitchen facilities, making them comfortable for year-round use in the Australian climate. However, whether you can live in one permanently depends on your local council's requirements, your property's zoning, and the intended use.

Many customers use them as granny flats, home offices, guest accommodation, short-stay accommodation or rental units. Whether permanent residential occupation is permitted depends on your local council, zoning overlays and planning controls. We recommend checking with your council before purchasing if permanent living is your intended use.

Our expandable cottages are built with premium materials and engineered for long-term durability. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect a lifespan comparable to a traditional residential build.

Key factors in longevity include the quality of the initial installation, regular maintenance of moving parts (like the expansion mechanism and door hardware), and protecting the exterior finish from extreme weather exposure.

BPA stands for Building Permit Approvable. A BPA cottage is a portable cottage that is designed and documented to meet the requirements for a building permit — meaning approval is site-specific and remains subject to planning requirements, building surveyor assessment, engineering reports and relevant authority approval.

BPA cottages are an excellent option when you want a permanent or semi-permanent structure that meets residential building standards but does not need the expandable transport mechanism.

An expandable cottage is transported in a compact form and expanded on site to its full size. This makes delivery easier on properties with limited access and allows the cottage to be relocated by collapsing it back down.

A BPA cottage is a portable cottage built to building-permit-approvable standards. It is typically delivered at or near full size and does not fold or expand. It is ideal when you have good site access and want a structure that meets formal building code compliance.

Both options include premium features like complete bathrooms, kitchens, double-glazed windows and quality insulation. The right choice depends on your site access, transport requirements and whether you may need to relocate in the future.

Consider three factors: site access, relocation plans, and council requirements.

If your property has narrow access, tight corners or overhead obstacles, an expandable cottage can be delivered in its compact form and expanded on site. If access is straightforward, a BPA cottage delivered at full size may offer better value.

If you think you may need to move the cottage in the future, an expandable cottage is designed for repeated folding and transport. If the cottage will stay in one place long-term, a BPA cottage is a strong option.

If your council requires a building permit for any permanent structure, a BPA cottage comes with the documentation needed for approval.

Yes, but the process is different from an expandable cottage. A BPA cottage is a portable building, so it can be transported — but it does not fold down. Relocation requires a truck and crane or tilt-tray, and clear access at both the pickup and delivery sites.

If relocation is a priority for you, an expandable cottage may be a better fit, as it is specifically designed to be collapsed and transported more easily.

BPA cottages are available in a range of sizes to suit different needs — from compact single-room studios through to larger multi-room configurations. Because they are built to order, we can work with you to specify the right dimensions for your site and intended use.

Contact our team with your size requirements and intended use, and we will advise on the best configuration and provide a quote.

Delivery times depend on your location, the current production schedule and whether your cottage is in stock or being built to order. Once your order is confirmed and deposit received, our team will provide an estimated production and delivery timeframe.

We keep you updated throughout the process so you always know where things stand. Typical lead times range from several weeks to a few months depending on demand and customisation.

Yes. We deliver and professionally install our cottages throughout Australia. Transport and installation logistics are tailored to your location, whether you are in a major city, a regional town or a rural property.

Delivery costs vary depending on distance and site access. We will provide a transparent delivery quote as part of your proposal.

Delivery access requirements depend on the cottage model. For expandable cottages, we need a truck to reach your site, a clear area to park and unload, and enough space to expand the cottage into position.

For BPA cottages delivered at full size, access needs are greater — typically a clear route wide enough and tall enough for the cottage, plus space for a crane or tilt-tray if needed.

Key things to consider: gate widths, overhead power lines, narrow laneways, tight corners, steep driveways and tree branches. If you are unsure, send us photos or arrange a site assessment.

Delivery cost depends on your distance from our facility, the cottage model, site access conditions and whether crane or special equipment is required. We provide a transparent delivery quote as part of your proposal — there are no surprise charges.

For an indicative estimate, contact our team with your suburb or postcode and the cottage model you are interested in.

In most cases, we recommend using our delivery service because it includes professional handling, correct loading and the expertise needed to transport an expandable cottage safely. However, if you have a specific transport provider you would like to use, we are happy to discuss it.

Please note that if you arrange your own transport, you assume responsibility for any damage during transit and the cottage must be collected from our facility in its transport form.

Once your site is prepared and the cottage is delivered, expansion and setup typically takes one to two days for an expandable cottage. This includes unfolding the structure, securing it, and completing the internal and external connections.

Final utility connections — power, water and wastewater — are usually completed shortly after by your licensed tradespeople, or we can arrange this for you depending on your location.

Site preparation typically includes four things: a level foundation or footings, connection points for power, water and wastewater, clear access for the delivery truck and expansion area, and any vegetation or obstacle clearance needed.

Our team provides a detailed site guide tailored to your cottage model and property. We can also arrange a site assessment if your block has slopes, difficult access or unusual ground conditions.

We strongly recommend against DIY installation. Expandable cottages require specialised knowledge to expand, level, secure and connect safely. The expansion mechanism, structural connections and weather sealing all need to be done correctly to ensure the cottage performs as designed.

Incorrect installation can void your warranty and create safety or weatherproofing issues. Our professional installation service is included with delivery and ensures everything is done to specification.

Yes. Professional installation is included as part of our delivery service. Our experienced team handles the expansion, positioning, levelling and securing of your cottage on site.

This means you have a single point of contact from order through to completion, and you know the job is done right.

Foundation requirements vary depending on your site conditions, soil type and local council requirements. Common options include concrete pads, screw piles, stumps or a slab — the right choice depends on your specific situation.

Our team will advise on the appropriate foundation solution during your consultation and provide guidance in the site preparation guide. For complex sites, we may recommend a geotechnical assessment.

Your cottage needs three utility connections: electrical power, water supply, and wastewater disposal. These are prepared on site during the site preparation phase, before the cottage arrives.

Power is connected by a licensed electrician, water by a licensed plumber, and wastewater via a septic system, sewer connection or greywater system depending on your property. We can recommend trusted local tradespeople or work with your own.

If you are going off-grid, our solar package can handle power needs, and we can advise on water tank and wastewater options.

Yes. Financing options are available through your preferred lender. We recommend speaking with your bank or mortgage broker about construction loans, personal loans or asset finance options that may suit your situation.

Because our cottages are substantial, permanent-quality structures, many lenders treat them similarly to traditional building projects for lending purposes.

We offer flexible payment options including staged payments tied to production milestones. A deposit secures your order and production slot, with further payments due at agreed stages through to completion.

This staged approach means you are not paying for the entire cottage upfront — payments align with the progress of your build.

Yes. Our standard payment structure is staged across key milestones — typically deposit, production start, pre-delivery and completion. The exact stages and amounts are confirmed in your quote and agreement.

This approach spreads the cost over the production timeline and gives you visibility of progress at each payment stage.

In many cases, yes. Because our cottages are built to residential standards and can be installed on permanent foundations, some lenders will treat them as eligible for construction loans or even mortgage finance.

We recommend discussing this with your bank or broker. We can provide specifications, engineering documentation and compliance certificates to support your application.

No. We provide a transparent quote that includes the cottage, delivery, installation and any optional extras you have selected. The main items that are not included are site preparation (foundations and utility connections) and council fees, as these vary by property and location.

We will clearly outline what is included and what is not in your proposal, so you can budget accurately. If you are unsure about anything, ask — we would rather you have full clarity before committing.

Building approval requirements vary by state and local council. In most cases, yes — you will need some form of building permit or approval to install a cottage on your property, particularly if it includes a bathroom and kitchen.

Our cottages are designed to be Building Permit Approvable (BPA), meaning they come with the engineering documentation and compliance certificates needed for your building permit application. We can guide you through the process.

Building Permit Approvable means the cottage is designed, engineered and documented to meet the requirements that a building surveyor or council needs to issue a building permit. This includes structural engineering, energy efficiency compliance, plumbing and electrical certification.

When you choose a BPA cottage, you receive the documentation package needed for your permit application. This saves you time and removes the guesswork from the approval process.

Yes. While we are not a town planning service, we provide all the technical documentation your building surveyor or council needs — including engineering certificates, energy efficiency reports and compliance documentation.

We can also recommend building surveyors and town planners familiar with our products who can handle the approval process on your behalf. In some cases, your builder or installer can manage this too.

Yes. Our cottages are designed and built to meet relevant Australian building standards, including the National Construction Code (NCC) requirements for structural integrity, energy efficiency, plumbing and electrical safety.

BPA cottages come with the certification documentation to prove compliance. For expandable cottages, the engineering and component specifications meet or exceed residential building standards.

In many cases, yes — subject to council approval. Our cottages are well-suited to use as granny flats, secondary dwellings or dependent person's units. However, the rules for secondary dwellings vary significantly between states and councils, and approval is not guaranteed.

Some councils require a specific planning permit for a second dwelling, while others allow it under certain conditions (such as floor area limits or occupancy restrictions). We recommend checking with your local council or a town planner.

Every cottage comes with a manufacturer's warranty covering structural defects and workmanship. The specific warranty period and terms are detailed in your purchase agreement.

We stand behind the quality of our products. If something is not right, we want to know about it and we will work with you to resolve it.

The warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship — including the structural frame, expansion mechanism, cladding, windows, doors, and factory-installed fittings and fixtures.

It does not cover damage caused by improper installation, modification, misuse, lack of maintenance, extreme weather events, or normal wear and tear. Full warranty terms are provided in your purchase agreement.

Contact our team on (03) 4804 6038 or email sales@homesanddomes.com.au with your purchase details and a description of the issue. Photos are very helpful — please include them if you can.

We will assess the claim, arrange an inspection if needed, and coordinate the repair or replacement. Our goal is to resolve warranty issues promptly and fairly.

Yes. After-sales support is a core part of what we do. Unlike some suppliers who disappear after delivery, Homes & Domes is here for the life of your cottage.

Whether you need advice on maintenance, want to add optional extras later, have a warranty question, or are planning a relocation — our team is available to help. Call us on (03) 4804 6038 or email sales@homesanddomes.com.au.

Yes. We stock or can source replacement parts for all our cottages — including door hardware, window seals, expansion mechanism components, cladding panels and internal fixtures.

If you want to add accessories later — such as air conditioning, solar, or interior upgrades — we can arrange that too. Contact our team with what you need and we will provide a quote.

Start with how you plan to use the space. A home office or guest room might suit the Halo. A granny flat or rental unit might need the Catalyst. A family home or dual-living arrangement might call for the Karlen.

Consider the number of occupants, whether you need bedrooms, and your site size and access. Then think about your budget — including the cottage, delivery, installation, site preparation and council fees.

Our team can help you narrow it down. Call us on (03) 4804 6038 with your requirements and we will recommend the best model and configuration.

Five key things: your intended use, your site and its access, your budget (including site prep and council fees), your timeline, and whether you may need to relocate the cottage in the future.

Also consider your utility situation — do you have access to mains power, water and sewer, or will you need off-grid options? And think about orientation — positioning the cottage to maximise natural light and cross-ventilation makes a big difference to comfort and energy efficiency.

Absolutely. We have a display model at our Shepparton showroom at 109 Archer Street. We recommend booking a consultation so our team can give you a dedicated walkthrough and answer all your questions.

To book a visit, call (03) 4804 6038 or email sales@homesanddomes.com.au. We will arrange a time that works for you.

The process is straightforward. First, contact us for a consultation — we will discuss your needs, recommend the right model and provide a detailed quote. Once you are happy with the quote, you pay a deposit to secure your order and production slot.

From there, we confirm the production schedule, provide your site preparation guide, and keep you updated through to delivery and installation. It is a guided process from start to finish.

A deposit is required to secure your order and reserve a production slot. The deposit amount is confirmed in your quote and is typically a percentage of the total cottage price.

The deposit is credited toward your total purchase price — it is not an additional fee. The balance is paid in staged payments across production milestones.

Yes. Because our cottages are built to residential standards with permanent-quality construction, most insurers will cover them under a home and contents policy or a specific dwelling policy.

If the cottage is on a trailer or classified as a movable structure, your insurer may recommend a different policy type. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to discuss the right coverage for your situation.

Our cottages are built with premium materials and residential-grade construction, which helps them hold their value well — particularly compared to lower-quality portable buildings.

Expandable cottages have the added advantage of being relocatable, which means if you sell your property you can potentially take the cottage with you or sell it separately.

Factors that affect resale value include the cottage condition, model, age, and whether it has been properly maintained. Keeping documentation and maintenance records helps.

No. Expandable cottages are designed as relocatable, expandable structures. Their permitted placement depends on your property, local planning controls and intended use. They are not represented as Class 1a dwellings.

That depends on your council and zoning. We recommend speaking with your local council about your intended use before placing an order.

Yes, in most cases. The requirements depend on your location, zoning, overlays and intended use. We recommend contacting your local council early in your decision process.

No. A trailer does not automatically exempt a structure from planning or building requirements. Check with your local council about what applies to your situation.

Site preparation including access, level ground, utility connections, and crane access if required. Our team provides a site preparation guide tailored to your cottage model.

Delivery, site works, connections, permits, optional extras, and external works unless specifically stated in your purchase agreement.

No. Delivery estimates are indicative only. Final costs are confirmed after site assessment and are detailed in your purchase agreement.

Production begins after your deposit is received and your order is confirmed. We will provide an estimated production and delivery timeframe at that point.

We will discuss alternative delivery methods, but additional costs may apply. We recommend confirming access suitability before placing your order.

Cancellation after production starts may incur costs for work already completed. See our Refunds Policy for full details on cancellation at each stage.

No. Architectural visualisations are illustrative. Actual products may vary in colour, finish and detail. See our Disclaimer page for more information.

Our registered company name is Homes and Domes Victoria Pty Ltd. We are an independent Australian company formerly trading as GV Shelving.

We are no longer affiliated with any previous reseller businesses. Homes & Domes controls specifications, quality standards and customer support for all cottages we supply.

Our showroom and office are located at 109 Archer Street, Shepparton, Victoria 3630. We serve customers throughout Australia — delivery and installation are available nationwide.

We recommend booking a consultation before visiting so our team can give you a dedicated walkthrough of the display model.

Our team is available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM AEST. Outside these hours, you can leave a message on (03) 4804 6038 or email sales@homesanddomes.com.au and we will respond on the next business day.

Showroom visits are by appointment. Call ahead to book a time that suits you.

You can reach our team three ways:

Phone: (03) 4804 6038 — call us Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM AEST.

Email: sales@homesanddomes.com.au — we will respond on the next business day if you reach out after hours.

Website: www.homesdomes.com.au — browse our cottage models, floor plans and optional extras online.

Alternatively, use the contact form on our Contact page and we will get back to you promptly.

Yes. We work with builders, property developers, real estate agents and accommodation providers who need multiple cottages or ongoing supply arrangements. Our team can discuss volume pricing, custom specifications and project timelines.

If you are a builder or developer looking for a reliable modular housing partner, contact our team on (03) 4804 6038 to discuss your project requirements.