A chance to find out all about building

By Samantha Elley

Tiny homes were certainly a drawcard at the Lismore Housing Expo last weekend.

Held at the South Lismore Bowling Club, the expo saw a steady stream of people who wandered the booths of house builders, financiers, insurance companies, council staff, Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation and even well-being groups such as Social Futures.

Examples of tiny homes were set up for the public to peruse and that is where Pauline Luethi of Alstonville, along with Jenny Luethi of Lismore and Regi Lippuner of East Lismore, were, inspecting the latest in this housing phenomenon.

“I am genuinely interested in tiny homes,” said Pauline.

“I was looking four years ago, but wasn’t ready, but now we are looking again as it is probably a good time.”

Co-owner of Tiny Homes Australia, Dang Nguyen said she and her partner, Peter Wigley had started their company because they believe passionately in tiny homes.

“We push for tiny home communities,” said Dang.

“So that people will be with each other but separate in their own space.”

Pauline Luethi of Alstonville, Jenny Luethi of Lismore and Regi Lippuner of East Lismore inspecting a tiny home.

The tiny homes are made from trailers and can be added to, to make room as space is needed.

The tiny home on display at the expo had a kitchen and dining area in the first trailer, then a couple of bedrooms in the second one, as an example.

For the Lismore area, Dang said the benefit of a tiny home is that it is moveable.

“The home has wheels which are lifted up when in one place, but can come down and be moved as needed,” she said.

For Richmond Hill couple Donna and Antonio Cruz, the home expo was a chance for them to do some investigation work.

“We are looking at building  a granny flat onto our house,” said Donna.

“It will be an investment.”

The Tiny Homes Australia tiny home, that is moveable and built from trailers.

Suncorp’s Senior Mobile Lending Manager, Grant Burdon and Design and Resilience specialist, Tegan Mortimore were on hand to discuss all things finance and insurance, for people looking to build, invest or renovate.

“Each loan is assessed under normal home loan conditions,” said Grant.

“Serviceability is important, such as can you pay back the loan.

“Some homes may not fit the mortgage conditions but each situation is treated individually.”

For people wanting to build that extra granny flat on their property Tegan said its important to ensure the new building meets insurance requirements.

“We want to educate people and encourage them to speak to their insurer,” she said.

“There may be  a number of underwriting issues such as separate metering, that needs to be addressed.”

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