FAQ

No.  Many of the same materials, fixtures and fittings that are used in traditional construction are also used in modular construction.  We use a range of leading brands in the construction of our buildings and are proud of the quality of our buildings.

Modular buildings can be temporary, permanent, or a combination of both, depending on how they are designed, installed, and used. Ausco Modular delivers solutions across all three scenarios, allowing buildings to support short-term projects, long-term operations, or evolving needs over time.

Temporary (hire) modular buildings are compliant to the NCC at the year of build and designed for short-term or project-based use and are available across all Australian states. They are commonly hired by industries such as construction, mining, education, government, and technical services.

Typical hire buildings include:

• Offices
• Lunchrooms
• First aid rooms
• Toilets and ablutions
• Remote accommodation
• Classrooms

Hire periods are flexible and can be adjusted to suit changing project timelines and operational requirements.

Permanent modular buildings are designed and manufactured as long-term structures and are built to meet the requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC). They are used across a wide range of sectors, supporting durable and compliant building outcomes.

These buildings are commonly delivered for:

• Education and sporting facilities
• Primary healthcare facilities
• Regional and remote communities
• Remote worker accommodation
• Renewable energy generation facilities

Permanent modular buildings are designed to offer the same durability, performance, and lifespan expectations as traditionally constructed buildings.

Many modular buildings, particularly Ausco Modular’s temporary hire buildings, are designed to be relocated, expanded, or reconfigured as needs change. Permanent modular buildings can also be moved, although this requires planning around service connections such as power, water, and sewerage. This modular approach allows buildings to adapt over time, rather than being locked into a single location or use.

Yes. Ausco Modular buildings are designed and delivered to meet relevant Australian building codes and standards, with compliance requirements assessed based on the building’s location, use, and duration.

All Ausco Modular buildings are designed in accordance with the National Construction Code (NCC).

Depending on where the building is installed, additional standards and local council regulations may apply. This can include Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) requirements, cyclonic wind ratings, and energy efficiency considerations. These compliance needs are addressed across both hire buildings and permanent modular installations.

Ausco has extensive experience delivering compliant modular buildings for government, health, mining and education sectors, including projects in remote and regional locations such as Groote Eylandt, Windorah, and Broome.

This experience helps ensure buildings meet the required standards while navigating local regulations, site conditions, and approval processes.

Modular building uses state of the art, purpose-built factories to complete much of the construction task in a production line environment.  Skilled tradespeople work as a team to deliver a high quality, reliable and consistent building, that is then transported to site and assembled.  Assembly on-site is a relatively quick and easy process, as the building is completed and any services (eg electricity, water & the like) are connected and tested.

With much of the building work taking place off-site in purpose-built factories, delays due to adverse weather are all but eliminated.  Also, time spent on-site is significantly reduced.  Depending on the complexity of the site and design, the on-site time could be as little as 3-5 days!

It really depends on the complexity of the design and the site.  What we can say with confidence, however, is that choosing to build with a modular construction company will save you time, meaning you can get in and start using your building sooner!

The time it takes to install a modular building depends on whether it is a temporary hire solution or a permanent installation and the project scope, as well as the site location, number of modules, and overall project complexity.

In most cases, the on-site installation of modular buildings is fast, with modules typically installed in days.

For temporary hire modular buildings:

• Sites with fewer than 5 modules can often be installed in a single day
• Sites with 5 to 10 modules typically take 2–3 days
• Larger or more complex setups may take two weeks or more, particularly where services (power, water, sewerage) and access infrastructure such as steps, walkways, and landings are required

Delivery lead times vary depending on location, and availability and logistics are assessed as part of the planning process.

For permanent modular buildings, timeframes generally include three stages:

1. Design: Selecting from Ausco’s existing designs, such as offices, classrooms, primary healthcare facilities, social and government housing, or remote workers’ accommodation, can help shorten this stage. Custom designs may take longer.
2. Manufacture: Once the design is finalised, manufacturing typically takes around 12–16 weeks, depending on production schedules and project requirements.
3. Installation: Modules are installed on site in a matter of days, with additional time required before and after installation for site preparation, internal fit-out, and connection to local infrastructure such as power, water, and sewerage.

Timelines vary depending on the project scope and site requirements. Your local Ausco Modular service centre can provide guidance based on your location and intended use.

The cost of an Ausco Modular building in Australia depends on whether you choose to hire or purchase, as well as the location, number of modules, and overall complexity of the build.

For modular building hire, pricing is influenced by factors such as the hire duration, the size and configuration of the modules, transport and installation requirements, and any compliance considerations.

For purchased modular buildings, costs vary based on the design, class of building, including the number of modules required, internal fit-out specifications, site conditions, transportation, and installation logistics.

Location also plays an important role. For example, modular buildings installed in northern Australia may require Cyclonic wind classifications, while buildings in other regions may need to meet Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) requirements. These compliance needs apply to both temporary hire buildings and permanent modular installations, and can impact overall cost.

Because every project is different, the most accurate way to understand pricing is to speak directly with Ausco. Your local Ausco Modular service centre can help assess your requirements and provide guidance based on your location, timeframe, and intended use.

There are very few design restrictions with modular.  Each module is built on a steel chassis that allows us great flexibility with design.  We can add details like angled or curved walls, pitched roofs and, where needed, we’re able to build up as well as out!  Need a lift?  No problem!

Ausco Modular buildings are used across a wide range of industries in Australia, supporting both temporary and permanent needs. They are commonly selected where speed, flexibility, compliance, and access to location are critical.

Ausco Modular has a long history of supplying modular buildings for public, commercial, and community infrastructure, with solutions tailored to specific industry requirements.

Common uses for modular buildings include:

• Schools and training facilities
• Primary healthcare facilities
• Social and government housing
• Remote workers’ accommodation
• Modular changerooms
• Local and regional councils

Ausco Modular is also the preferred modular supplier for the AFL, delivering facilities that meet the operational and compliance requirements of elite sport.

Modular buildings are widely used in regional and remote Australia, where traditional construction can be challenging. Ausco has delivered projects in locations such as Groote Eylandt, Windorah, and Broome, supporting essential services in hard-to-reach communities.

Depending on where your building(s) are going (and in some cases the length of time the buildings will be there), you’ll likely need a Development Approval (DA) from your local regulatory authority.  Our project managers may be able to help you through this process.

Yes!  Ausco have a range of architectural and design experience in house and can lead or be a part of your design team.  Our passion is delivering buildings that you’re proud to live, work or learn in.

Ausco has a team of highly qualified, experienced project managers working across Australia.  Our team will work with you to understand your needs, design a building (or multiple buildings, depending on the size and scope of your project) to meet those needs then actively manage construction and installation for you.  All the while they’ll keep you updated as your building progresses towards completion.

Safety and Sustainability are important to Ausco Modular, too.  From a safety perspective, the controlled production environment at our factories greatly contributes to lessening the risk of injury associated with construction.  Additionally, our innovative, patented SealSafe technology removes working at heights risks on site when complexing modules together, while also giving our buildings a weather proof seal. 

Our buildings are all fitted with insulation and LED or fluorescent lighting, and we’re always making design improvements to our fleet to further improve their energy efficiency. 

Perhaps most importantly, when you build with Ausco the building itself is reusable.  If you’re hiring a building from us for a short- or medium-term need, you’ll rest easy knowing that the same building has been used before and will be used again for another project.  If you’re building a permanent building with Ausco, your finished structure can be extended or re-used in future – even relocated to another site if the need arises!

Ausco Modular recognises that Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people are Australia’s first people.  We acknowledge that there has been considerable loss to them – their lands, kin, languages and cultural identity.  We also acknowledge that there is significant diversity amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with various languages, lands and cultures across the areas they reside in throughout Australia which can lead others to making false assumptions that they are all alike.

With this in mind, Ausco Modular has commenced a journey towards reconciliation and have established a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).  The RAP provides a framework for organisations to support the national reconciliation movement.  Through this RAP, we will focus on building relationships and raising awareness - both internally and externally, to ensure there is shared understanding and ownership around cultural diversity and inclusion within Ausco.  As an organisation, we support a long-term commitment to the development of higher levels of engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations.  We are committed to listening, learning and understanding more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and through our RAP, will establish goals to achieve this commitment which help foster a culture of respect and greater awareness.

At Ausco Modular, our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is driven by a desire to foster a culture of respect.  It is not just another business initiative, but rather a long-term cultural journey.

The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a strategic document that supports an organisation’s business plan.  It includes practical actions that will drive an organisation’s contribution to reconciliation both internally and in the communities in which it operates. There are four (4) RAP types (Reflect, Innovate, Stretch, Elevate) which set out minimum elements required from the organisation to develop respectful relationships and create meaningful opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our buildings are designed, engineered, manufactured and maintained to Australian building standards.  Our manufacturing locations are certified to the Australian Quality Standard ISO9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.

Our design and assembly are rigorously tested by our in-house NATA accredited testing facility, against selected sections of AS1170, AS4040 and AS4100 as well as proof testing of building tie downs and mechanical testing (windows, doors, walls, floors & ceilings).  All areas of the finished works which have an impact on safety have been designed in accordance with Building Code of Australia and Australian standards.

Please follow the guide below prior to contacting us with a maintenance request:

Airconditioning troubleshooting guide:

Please follow the guide below prior to contacting us with a maintenance request:

Please follow the guide below prior to contacting us with a maintenance request:

When your hire period comes to an end, our team will send you a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the process. The most important elements will be to ensure all the Ausco products you hired (such as furniture and kitchen equipment) are accounted for and packed properly in the building. We will also give you instructions on preparing toilets, showers and wet areas for safe transportation. And finally, and most importantly, you will need to make sure there is no debris or loose items on the roof. As part of your responsibility as the hirer, you need to make sure nothing can come off the buildings during the transportation back to Ausco.