Written by Fox Modular | 25 February 2025 | Modular Homes
One of the biggest advantages of building a modular home is flexibility. Not only can you design a home that suits your lifestyle, but you can also tailor it to meet the unique demands of your site. In Western Australia, location matters. From bushfire-prone areas in the Perth Hills, to coastal towns like Jurien Bay & Kalbarri, or cyclone regions up north in Karratha and Port Hedland, each environment comes with its own building requirements.
At Fox Modular, we work with you to identify what’s required for your block and ensure your home is built to the right standard from the start. Here are some of the most common location-based upgrades you may need to consider.
Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Ratings
If your block is in or near bushland, such as in the Perth Hills, Margaret River or parts of the South West, your home will be assessed for its Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating. This rating determines the potential intensity of a bushfire your property may face, from BAL–LOW through to BAL–FZ (Flame Zone).
• What it means for your home: Higher BAL ratings require fire-resistant materials and designs, such as non-combustible cladding, ember-resistant vents, toughened or double-glazed windows and metal mesh screens.
• Why it matters: BAL compliance is mandatory in many areas, but it also gives you peace of mind that your home is better prepared for WA’s bushfire risks.
Our designs can be built to meet BAL-29 (BAL-40 depending on shire acceptance) requirements.
Coastal Homes
Living near the beach is a dream for many West Australians, whether it’s in Geraldton, Bunbury or along Perth’s northern beaches. But coastal conditions can be tough on homes. Salt-laden air accelerates corrosion, meaning standard building materials may not last as long without protection.
• Potential upgrades: Stainless steel fixings, marine-grade coatings, powder-coated finishes and durable external cladding help protect your home from rust and deterioration.
• Why it matters: Coastal upgrades ensure your home continues to look great and perform well for decades, even in harsh sea air.
Cyclonic and High-Wind Regions
Northern WA, including Broome, Port Hedland, Karratha and Onslow, falls within designated cyclonic regions. Homes here must be engineered to withstand extreme wind speeds and flying debris.
• What it involves: Structural upgrades such as reinforced framing, stronger tie-down systems, impact-resistant glazing and specific roof designs that resist uplift.
• Why it matters: Meeting cyclone codes isn’t just about compliance, it’s about protecting your family and ensuring your home can weather the storm.
Our homes can be upgraded to suit up to Region D, Australia’s most severe cyclonic classification which covers a 50 km wide band along the Northwest coast of Western Australia from Port Hedland to Coral Bay.
Energy Efficiency Requirements
WA’s climate zones vary dramatically. A home in Kalgoorlie or the Wheatbelt will face very different conditions compared with a home in Albany or Augusta. Depending on where you build, your modular home may need different energy efficiency strategies to meet the 7-star NatHERS standard.
• Hot inland climates: Extra shading, reflective roofing and cross-ventilation help reduce cooling loads.
• Cooler southern areas: Higher insulation levels and north-facing living spaces make heating more efficient.
• Why it matters: Tailoring your home’s design to your climate reduces energy bills and keeps you comfortable all year round.
Soil and Site Conditions
Your block’s soil type and slope can also influence the foundation system and upgrades needed. For example:
• Perth’s sandy soils may require different footings compared with the clay-rich ground in parts of the Wheatbelt.
• Sloping blocks in hilly regions (like Roleystone or parts of the South West) often need stumping or retaining walls.
• Rocky ground in areas such as the Pilbara can affect excavation and service connections.
As part of the building process, we carry out soil tests early on so you know exactly what’s required.
Building Smarter, Wherever You Are
No two blocks in WA are the same, which is why there’s no one-size-fits-all home design or price. Modular homes offer the flexibility to adapt to your site conditions while maintaining high quality and efficiency.
We will guide you through every step, from initial site assessments to final handover, making sure your home meets all location-specific requirements and provides lasting value.
Thinking of building in a bushfire, coastal or cyclonic area? Get in touch with us to learn how we can tailor a modular home that’s built for your lifestyle and your location.
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