Why access is the forgotten risk

An expandable cottage is a large, heavy load. It arrives on a truck and is lifted into place by crane. If the route to your property, your driveway, or the site itself can't accommodate the truck and crane, delivery becomes more complex and expensive — or, in rare cases, impossible without alternative arrangements. An access assessment early in the process identifies problems while there's time to solve them, rather than discovering them on delivery day.

Road restrictions: width, height, weight

The delivery route must be passable for a large truck: adequate width (a standard cottage transport needs 3–4 metres plus clearance), adequate height clearance (overhead powerlines, branches, signs and bridges), adequate load-bearing capacity (some rural roads and bridges have weight limits), and navigable corners. Narrow rural lanes, low bridges, and tight roundabouts can all block a route. The transport company checks the route, but you can flag obvious issues early — a quick drive of the route with a tape measure can save a costly discovery later.

Your driveway: load and width

Your driveway needs to bear the truck's weight and be wide enough for it to pass. Soft, wet, or steep driveways may need temporary reinforcement or a different delivery plan. On site, there needs to be a clear, level area for the crane to set up — typically a pad roughly the size of the crane's outriggers, with enough clearance to lift the cottage over the foundation position. The crane needs firm, level ground; soft or sloping ground may require matting or a different crane position.

The crane: size, reach, setup area

Cranes come in sizes; the right crane depends on the cottage weight and the distance from the crane position to the foundation (the lift radius). A longer reach needs a larger crane, which costs more and needs more setup space. If the site doesn't allow a crane close to the foundation, a larger crane with longer reach is needed — or, on very difficult sites, the cottage may need to be delivered in a different configuration. The lift plan is usually finalised once the site and cottage dimensions are confirmed.

Overhead powerlines: a safety-critical issue

Overhead powerlines near the lift area are a serious hazard. A crane boom or a suspended load contacting a powerline can be fatal. If powerlines cross the site or the route, the power may need to be temporarily isolated (arranged with the distributor), or a different crane position chosen that keeps the lift clear of the lines. Tell your supplier about powerlines early so the lift plan accounts for them. Never assume the crane operator will 'work around' live powerlines — they won't, and they shouldn't.

What happens when access is difficult

If the standard delivery won't work, options include: a different route, a smaller cottage or a cottage delivered in sections, a larger crane with longer reach, temporary road or driveway works, or — in extreme cases — a helicopter lift (rare and very expensive). An access assessment in the feasibility phase tells you which options are viable and what they cost, before you commit to a cottage that can't reach your site. In some cases, access constraints may mean a particular cottage model isn't viable, and a smaller or sectional alternative is needed.