Hi Tebikei Tiune,
We appreciate your feedback and understand the concerns around affordability and sourcing. At Expanders, we take quality and compliance very seriously, which is why we work closely with New Zealand-based architects, engineers, and compliance teams to design our homes.
While our manufacturing is based in China to keep costs down, I have personally visited 11 different factories before carefully selecting a partner that meets our strict quality and regulatory standards.
One of the biggest risks when ordering directly from overseas suppliers is quality control. Many manufacturers cut corners to lower costs, which can lead to significant issues — especially when it comes to homes, where safety and durability should never be compromised. A one-off order from China might seem cheaper upfront, but if something goes wrong, returning a house or requesting a refund is nearly impossible. We have warranties and guarantees in place to ensure our customers receive a high-quality product that meets their expectations.
Additionally, the true cost of importing a single unit from China is often overlooked. Beyond the manufacturer’s price, you need to factor in:
- Shipping (~$5,000 NZD)
- Customs fees ($7,000–$8,000 NZD)
- Local transport and delivery costs ($3,000+ NZD)
This is why many people end up paying much more than they anticipated when ordering direct. With Expanders, we handle all of this for you and offer a quality, ready-to-go product backed by local support.
We are here to make portable homes more accessible while ensuring our customers receive a safe, high-quality, and affordable solution. If you have any further questions, we’d be happy to discuss!
- Shad, Director at Expanders
