Question 1

Do I need building consent for a Flexicube granny flat or tiny home?

Accepted Answer

No, under new rules, a standalone granny flat or tiny home up to 70m² no longer requires a building or resource consent, provided they meet specific design and safety criteria.

All Flexicube homes come fully comply with the NZ Building Code. Good news — as of 15 January 2026, most standalone granny flats and tiny homes up to 70m² no longer need a building or resource consent, under new national rules designed to speed up housing in NZ.To qualify, your build needs to:Be single storey (no mezzanines or lofts)Sit at least 2m from other buildings or the boundaryBe no taller than 4m, with floor level no more than 1m off the groundBe designed and built (or supervised) by Licensed Building PractitionersFully comply with the NZ Building Code
You'll still need to notify your local council before you start and once it's finished — but that's a simple notification, not a full consent application. It can save you months of processing time and thousands in consent fees.
Every Flexicube home is designed and built to meet the NZ Building Code as standard, so our granny flats and tiny homes are built to qualify under the exemption from day one. We handle the details — you focus on the exciting part.
Find out more here → https://www.flexicube.co.nz/build-without-consent

Question 2

Do you do custom builds?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Flexicube Tiny Homes offers fully custom tiny home builds across New Zealand. Whether you're starting from one of our standard plans or coming to us with your own design, we can build to your vision and budget.

We can combine multiple homes or units together, creating larger 3 or more bedroom layouts without compromising on the speed and quality of off-site construction.
What can be customised?Almost everything. Clients can modify the exterior cladding, roofline, windows and doors, interior layout, fixtures, finishes, and overall floor plan. If you have a specific aesthetic in mind — coastal, industrial, rustic, modern — we can bring it to life.
Can you connect multiple units together?Yes. We can combine and connect multiple Nook units seamlessly to create a larger home, a multi-room retreat, or a multi-purpose property. This makes our builds a popular choice for homeowners looking to expand their living space without a traditional construction project.
Do you build to a set budget?Yes. We work with you from the start to understand your budget and design goals, then find the best solution within that range — whether that's customising an existing plan or designing something from the ground up.
Who is a custom build suitable for?A Nook custom build suits anyone looking for an alternative to a standard home — including those wanting a permanent residence, a secondary dwelling, a granny flat, a short-stay rental, or a remote getaway. If you have a specific block, lifestyle, or brief in mind, a custom build gives you the flexibility to get exactly what you need.

Question 3

What approvals do we need?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your project, but we make it as simple as possible. 
Every Flexicube home comes with compliance certificates ready for council, and in some cases — like granny flats and tiny homes under 70m² that meet the exemption criteria — no building or resource consent is required at all.
For larger builds or sites with specific overlays (like flood zones or hazard areas), standard consent processes may still apply. Requirements can also vary by council and region, so it's always worth checking in with your local council to confirm exactly what's needed for your property.
Not sure where you stand? Give us a call on 0800 227 033 and we'll help you figure out the right path for your build — no guesswork required.

Question 4

Do you offer finance for tiny homes?

Accepted Answer

We know financing is a big part of the puzzle when planning your build.

For the latest finance options and to find a solution that fits your budget, get in touch directly — email us at info@flexicube.co.nz or call 0800 227 033, and we'll talk you through what's available.

Question 5

How much does a container cost?

Accepted Answer

Flexicube NZ container tiny homes are available in two formats to suit different budgets and builds:
DIY kit homes start from $65,000 +gst — ideal if you want to complete the fit-out yourself or work with your own trades.
Fully fitted, move-in ready homes start from $138,000 +gst — completely finished and ready to place on your land.
View our full range at www.flexicube.co.nz/our-homes

Question 6

Do you have options off-grid option for solar power and/or water?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer a range of solar power solutions to suit different sites and lifestyles — from grid-tied setups to fully off-grid systems that operate completely independently of mains power.
For off-grid solar, our partner Rover Off-Grid supplies purpose-built systems designed specifically for tiny homes and remote sites.

Their range includes:Rover PODs — an all-in-one containerised power and water solution. The POD combines a full off-grid solar system with rainwater harvesting, onboard storage, and a 3-stage water purification system, all pre-installed and ready to connect. Fully scalable and can be delivered anywhere in Australia.Rover MINI — a compact solar package ideal for smaller homes or those who need power without the full water system. A straightforward, cost-effective entry point into off-grid living.Solar Trailer — a portable off-grid solar solution for flexible or temporary setups.
All Rover systems run on Tier 1 solar components and lithium batteries, deliver standard 240V AC power, and include remote monitoring so you can check system health from your phone anywhere in the world. Optional add-ons include backup generators, additional battery storage, desalination, and automatic irrigation.
To find the right system for your build, visit roveroffgrid.co.nz or call Rover directly on 0800 227 033 for a free consultation.

Question 7

Are the container tiny homes insulated?

Accepted Answer

Yes — insulation is built in to every build. Every Flexicube container home is fitted with high-performance insulation across the walls, floor, and ceiling, keeping it comfortable whether you're dealing with a frosty NZ winter or a hot summer.
We also include a dedicated moisture barrier as standard. This is what stops "container sweats" — the condensation build-up that untreated steel containers are notorious for — so you get a dry, healthy interior with no damp or mould issues down the track.
Double glazing comes standard across all our homes too, adding another layer of thermal performance and helping to keep noise out and warmth in.
Together, it means a container home that actually feels like a home — energy-efficient, comfortable, and built to last, not just a converted box.

Question 8

Do you provide heat pumps/air conditioning?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every Flexicube home can be fitted with a reverse cycle heat pump, giving you efficient heating and cooling in one system.
Reverse cycle units are the smart choice for compact living: they warm your space in winter, cool it in summer, and run far more efficiently than standard electric heaters or window units — keeping running costs down year-round.
Heat pump placement and sizing are considered as part of your build design, so it's suited to your home's layout and climate. Want to talk through options for your build? Get in touch and we'll help you spec the right setup.

Question 9

Can I live permanently full-time in a tiny home?

Accepted Answer

Yes — you can live permanently in a tiny home in New Zealand, but it depends on how the home is classified and your local council regulations.What determines if you can live in it full-time?The biggest factor is whether your tiny home is considered:A permanent dwelling (fixed to land)A secondary dwelling (granny flat / modular build)Or a moveable dwelling / tiny home on wheels (like a caravan on wheels)Can I live in a tiny home on vacant land?This is where it gets tricky.In many areas, living in a tiny home as your primary dwelling on vacant land is restricted or not automatically approvedHowever, if the home is approved as a Class 1A dwelling (like a standard house), there is a pathway to full-time livingWhat’s the easiest way to get approved?Generally, the smoothest pathway is:Installing your tiny home as a permanent, council-approved dwelling, orUsing it as a secondary dwelling on a property with an existing houseThese options align more closely with how councils already assess housing.How Nook Tiny Homes can helpAt Nook Tiny Homes, we design our homes to support the approval process by providing:Engineering and structural certificationsCompliance aligned with NZ building standards Guidance on site requirements and council expectationsWe can also help guide you through the steps required for council approval, making the process much smoother.
Overall yes — you can live permanently in a tiny home, but it must meet council regulations. The key is ensuring your home is approved as a compliant dwelling and checking with your local council before you start.

Question 10

How long does it take to build a container tiny home?

Accepted Answer

Most Flexicube builds take around 14–18 weeks from order to delivery, depending on the size of your home, the level of customisation, and where things sit in our current production queue.
Because our homes are built off-site in a controlled factory environment, you're not at the mercy of weather delays or the usual bottlenecks of a traditional build — timelines stay predictable from start to finish.
Bigger or more heavily customised builds naturally sit toward the longer end of that window, while simpler layouts can move through faster. Once you're ready to get started, we'll give you a clear timeframe based on your specific design and where you'll land in the queue.

Question 11

Do you have a display I can view?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have a range of display homes available to view at 24 Paerangi Place, Tauriko, Tauranga 3110,New Zealand. Viewings typically by appointment.

You can book online to arrange an inspection at a time that suits you - https://www.flexicube.co.nz/contact

Alternatively, please contact us on 0800 227 033 or email hello@flexicube.co.nz.

Question 12

What is the cheapest tiny home / container home?

Accepted Answer

The cheapest tiny home option at Flexicube Tiny Homes is our fully fitted studio builds starting from $97,000 +GST, with a complete turnkey finish designed for immediate use.
What is the most affordable option?Our entry-level ready-to-live option is:Palms or Coastal style Studio builds — from $97,000 +gst
A compact, fully fitted studio tiny home with all the essentials included, designed for:Home office / studioGuest accommodationAirbnb or rental useCompact lifestyle livingThis is the most cost-effective “move-in ready” option in the Nook range.Is there a cheaper way to build with Nook?Yes — if you're looking to reduce upfront costs further, we also offer:DIY Container Home Kits — from $65,000 +gstThese are ideal if you want to:Save on labour costsComplete internal fit-out yourselfAdd your own fixtures, finishes, and stylingBuild in stages based on budgetThis is our most affordable entry point into the Nook system.What about other build options?Beyond studio and DIY kits, we also offer a full range of container and steel frame modular homes, which scale up in size, layout, and finish level depending on your needs.You can explore:Studio homes1–3 bedroom layoutsSteel frame modular “Retreats”Custom designs tailored to your site and budgetFull range here: https://www.flexicube.co.nz/our-homesThe cheapest way into a Flexicube Tiny Home is a DIY kit (from $65K +gst), while our most affordable fully finished live-in option starts from $97K +gst with our Studio builds.

Question 13

Do you have delivery options?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we've got you covered nationwide.

Free delivery is included as standard to most of New Zealand's main centres, so there's no surprise cost tacked on at the end.
If you're located outside these main centres, we can still get your home to you — just get in touch and we'll put together a delivery quote based on your location.
Either way, delivery is factored into your build from the start, so you know exactly what to expect from order through to your home arriving on-site.

Question 14

Can we connect the container to normal town services (electricity, water and waste)?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Flexicube homes are fully compliant and built to the NZ Building Code, so connecting to standard town services for electricity, water, and waste is no problem at all.
Whether you're placing your home on a section with existing connections or need to tie into council infrastructure, your build is designed to integrate smoothly with normal utility services from day one.Prefer to go off-grid instead? That's an option too — just let us know your setup and we'll make sure your home is built to suit.

Question 15

Can I rent out a tiny home? (Airbnb, rental income, holiday home)

Accepted Answer

Yes — tiny homes are a popular and proven way to generate rental income, whether through Airbnb, short-term stays, or as a private holiday home.

We have multiple clients that are using their Flexicube tiny home as an Airbnb and for additional rental income through New Zealand.
Can I legally rent out a tiny home?In most cases, yes — but it depends on your local council regulations and zoning.Things to consider:Whether your property allows short-term accommodation (Airbnb)If the home is installed as a Class 1A dwelling (more flexibility)Access to utilities (power, water, waste / septic)Many owners use them as secondary dwellings or eco-retreat stays, but it’s always best to check your local council requirements first.How much income can a tiny home generate?This varies based on location, setup, and demand — but tiny homes are often used for:Airbnb / short-stay rentalsFarm stays or eco retreatsHoliday accommodation in regional areasBecause of their lower upfront cost compared to traditional builds, they can offer strong rental returns and faster ROI.Why tiny homes work well for AirbnbTiny homes are ideal for short-term rentals because they:Offer a unique, experience-driven stay (big appeal on Airbnb and Stayz)Have lower build and setup costsAre quick to install, so you can start earning soonerCan be placed in high-demand lifestyle locationsWhat makes a tiny home successful as a rental?The top-performing setups usually include:A well-designed interior (modern, clean, functional)Outdoor features (deck, fire pit, views)Privacy from the main dwellingA strong “experience” angle (nature, luxury, off-grid, etc.)
Can I use it as a holiday home too?Absolutely. Many owners choose to:Use the home personally for holidaysRent it out when not in useThis creates a dual-purpose asset — lifestyle + income.
Overall yes — tiny homes can be rented out and are widely used for Airbnb and holiday stays, offering a flexible way to generate income while also enjoying the space yourself.

Question 16

Can tiny homes / container homes go fully off-grid and how?

Accepted Answer

Yes — container and modular steel frame tiny homes can absolutely be fully off-grid, allowing you to live independently from mains power, water, and sewer connections.
What does “off-grid” actually mean?Going off-grid means your home is fully self-sufficient, typically using:Solar power and battery storageRainwater collection and filtrationWastewater or septic systemsThis allows you to live in remote or rural locations without relying on traditional infrastructure.How does an off-grid system work with a tiny home?Modern systems make off-grid living simple and reliable.For example, companies like Rover Off-Grid provide all-in-one solutions that combine:Solar power generation and battery storageWater collection, storage, and purificationOptional wastewater treatmentThese systems are often pre-built and containerised, meaning they can be delivered to site and connected quickly.Do I need a full off-grid setup?Not always — it depends on your property.You can choose:A complete off-grid system (power + water + waste)Or a solar-only setup to reduce reliance on the gridMany customers start with solar and expand over time.Why go off-grid?Off-grid tiny homes are popular because they:Allow you to build on remote or rural landReduce or eliminate ongoing utility costsProvide energy independence and sustainabilityCan be more cost-effective than connecting to mains services in some areasHow Nook Tiny Homes supports off-grid livingAt Nook Tiny Homes, we’ve partnered with Rover Off-Grid to make off-grid living simple.They provide:Complete plug-and-play off-grid systems (power + water)Compact, high-performance solar solutionsScalable setups that can grow with your needsThis means your home can be delivered ready to connect and live in — even in remote locations.
Overall yes — tiny homes can go fully off-grid, and with the right system, it’s a simple, reliable way to live independently almost anywhere.

Question 17

Do you offer new container builds?

Accepted Answer

Yes — quality starts with the container itself. 
We only use Single Trip A-Grade containers for our homes, never old "cargo worthy" containers that have spent years in rough conditions at sea.
Single Trip containers have made just one journey from the factory, meaning minimal wear, no rust or structural damage, and a clean, solid shell to build from. Cargo worthy containers, by contrast, can be years — sometimes decades — old, carrying dents, corrosion, and hidden structural issues that compromise the finished home.
Starting with A-Grade containers means a stronger, longer-lasting, better-insulated home from the ground up — not just a repurposed box with a fresh coat of paint.

Question 18

How big is a converted shipping container?

Accepted Answer

It depends on which container size you choose:20ft container: 6m x 2.4m — approximately 15m² of internal space40ft container: 12m x 2.4m — approximately 29m² of internal space
Both come with a minimum ceiling height of 2.5m, so you get a comfortable, open feel rather than a cramped "box" experience — no low ceilings or tight ceilings to work around.
Need more room? Remember, containers can also be combined to create larger, multi-room layouts — so your footprint isn't limited to a single unit if your project calls for more space.

Question 19

Can you provide hot water systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every Flexicube home can be connected to a hot water system, with the choice of gas or electric depending on your preference and site setup.
Electric hot water is the natural choice for homes running on solar power, integrating seamlessly with an off-grid or grid-tied system for a fully self-sufficient setup.
Gas hot water is a great option for sites with LPG access, delivering reliable, fast-heating hot water independent of your power system — particularly useful in areas with limited solar generation or as a backup option.
Not sure which suits your build? Our team can help you work through the right choice based on your site, energy setup, and how you plan to use the home. Email us at info@flexicube.co.nz or call 0800 227 033

Question 20

Can we choose the colour of the container?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every Flexicube tiny home is customisable on the outside — you're not locked into the standard container colour, unless you want it.
You can choose from a wide range of exterior colours to suit your style, site, or surroundings. And if you want to go further, we can also add external cladding to completely transform the aesthetic — whether that's a sleek modern finish, a warm timber look, or something that blends naturally into a bush or coastal setting.
It's your home, and we want it to look exactly the way you imagined it. Get in touch with our team at info@flexicube.co.nz or call 0800 227 033 to discuss your vision.

Question 21

How is the container installed?

Accepted Answer

Installation is flexible and tailored to your site — there's no one-size-fits-all approach.

Depending on your location and local council requirements, you've got a range of certified footing options to choose from:Simple sleepers or concrete blocksTimber or steel posts (typically 4–6 required)Fully engineered, NZ Code-approved footing systems for more complex sites
The right option comes down to your ground conditions, site access, and local requirements. Get in touch and we'll talk you through the best fit for your property.

Question 22

Can we have a compost toilet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both composting toilets and Cinderella incineration toilets are available as special add-on options, making them a great fit for off-grid builds or sites without access to mains sewerage.
Composting toilets separate and break down waste naturally without the need for water or a septic connection — low maintenance, eco-friendly, and well-suited to rural or remote blocks.
Cinderella toilets use heat to incinerate waste into a small amount of ash, leaving nothing behind but a clean bowl. They require no plumbing connection whatsoever, making them one of the most practical options for truly off-grid living.
Both options work seamlessly alongside our solar power packages, giving you a fully self-sufficient home that can be placed virtually anywhere — even on land with no existing services.
To discuss which toilet system best suits your site and build.

Question 23

What size are your homes?

Accepted Answer

Our range spans from 15m² right up to 60m² — with larger custom builds available if you need more space. Because our standard range sits comfortably within the new 70m² exemption threshold, most Flexicube homes can be built without the need for building or resource consent, saving you time, cost, and hassle.
Whether you're after a compact single-occupancy tiny home or a larger multi-room layout, there's a size to match your needs and your section.View our full range of builds here → https://www.flexicube.co.nz/our-homes
(Worth noting: consent-free status still depends on meeting the exemption conditions — single storey, LBP-built, and site-specific factors like flood zones or overlays. Happy to add a short caveat line if you want to cover that here too.)

Question 24

What is a container tiny home and why is it a good option?

Accepted Answer

Container homes are built using new single-trip high cube shipping containers, creating an extremely strong and durable structural base. At Flexicube NZ, we use only high-quality new containers and complete extensive structural, insulation, ventilation, and finishing work to transform them into premium long-term living spaces.
One of the major advantages of container construction is structural strength. Shipping containers are engineered to withstand global freight conditions, stacking loads, harsh environments, and transportation stresses, making them exceptionally robust for modular housing applications.Container homes also offer significant transport efficiencies due to their standardised dimensions, which can make them easier and more cost-effective to deliver to regional, rural, or difficult-access sites compared to wider modular structures.
Additional advantages of container construction include:Excellent durability and longevityStrong suitability for cyclone-rated and BAL-rated applicationsHighly robust steel constructionEfficient transport and installationStrong performance in harsh Australian and New Zealand environments
Container homes are ideal for:Airbnb and short-stay accommodationRural and regional propertiesCyclone or bushfire-prone areasCompact and transport-efficient modular livingBuyers seeking a durable and architecturally unique home

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Do I need building consent for a Flexicube granny flat or tiny home?

Do you do custom builds?

What approvals do we need?

Do you offer finance for tiny homes?

How much does a container cost?

Do you have options off-grid option for solar power and/or water?

Are the container tiny homes insulated?

Do you provide heat pumps/air conditioning?

Can I live permanently full-time in a tiny home?

How long does it take to build a container tiny home?

Do you have a display I can view?

What is the cheapest tiny home / container home?

Do you have delivery options?

Can we connect the container to normal town services (electricity, water and waste)?

Can I rent out a tiny home? (Airbnb, rental income, holiday home)

Can tiny homes / container homes go fully off-grid and how?

Do you offer new container builds?

How big is a converted shipping container?

Can you provide hot water systems?

Can we choose the colour of the container?

How is the container installed?

Can we have a compost toilet?

What size are your homes?

What is a container tiny home and why is it a good option?

Built by Flexicube.
Designed for Life

Do I need building consent for a Flexicube granny flat or tiny home?

Do you do custom builds?

What approvals do we need?

Do you offer finance for tiny homes?

How much does a container cost?

Do you have options off-grid option for solar power and/or water?

Are the container tiny homes insulated?

Do you provide heat pumps/air conditioning?

Can I live permanently full-time in a tiny home?

How long does it take to build a container tiny home?

Do you have a display I can view?

What is the cheapest tiny home / container home?

Do you have delivery options?

Can we connect the container to normal town services (electricity, water and waste)?

Can I rent out a tiny home? (Airbnb, rental income, holiday home)

Can tiny homes / container homes go fully off-grid and how?

Do you offer new container builds?

How big is a converted shipping container?

Can you provide hot water systems?

Can we choose the colour of the container?

How is the container installed?

Can we have a compost toilet?

What size are your homes?

What is a container tiny home and why is it a good option?

Built by Flexicube. Designed for Life

Built by Flexicube.
Designed for Life