| 103 T T Kelly Deeks Complementary businesses bring people home Transportable homes are increasingly appealing to buyers for their cost transparency and efficiency. Transit Homes and Haulage “It’s all about having the experience, and understanding the challenges. There’s always something new to figure out when you’re shifting a house.” BUILDING For Duane and Selina Cracknell, the world of transportable homes isn’t just business, it’s a passion built on decades of experience, problem-solving, and a love of helping people find their perfect home. Their two businesses, Transit Homes and Haulage and Crackers Contracting, are now perfectly positioned to meet a growing demand for transportable and second-hand homes across the region. The story began with Crackers Contracting, Duane’s foundation and piling business, which has also handled building removals and residential construction. “Duane used to work for Kings House Removals for years,” Selina explains. “He loved shifting houses, so when the opportunity came to purchase Transit Homes and Haulage from the McNamara family, we snapped it up.” Transit Homes and Haulage, a company with a 31-year history, was previously run by Bill McNamara. Since taking over in 2021, the Cracknells have continued to grow the business, completing house relocations, working closely with builders such as Exceed Homes, and providing foundations for the transportable homes they move. “We do a lot of work with Exceed Homes,” Selina says. “It’s all about having the experience, and understanding the challenges. There’s always something new to figure out when you’re shifting a house.” That expertise has seen the Cracknells handle a wide variety of projects, from residential villas to churches. One of their early jobs involved shifting a church, and another large church relocation is scheduled for October. “It’s exciting work,” Duane says. “Every job is different. You need to plan for everything, and that’s the challenge we love.” Transportable homes are increasingly appealing to buyers for their cost transparency and efficiency. Unlike building on-site, where hidden costs can accumulate, transportable homes have predictable expenses: the build, the transport, and the foundation work. Duane and Selina note that more builders are now constructing transportable homes themselves, reflecting a growing acceptance of the sector. Second-hand and relocated homes are also gaining popularity. While ornate villas are popular but hard to source, the Cracknells often buy and sell homes to match buyers with opportunities. Social media plays a role, too, with homeowners posting houses they want to sell – or even give away – allowing the Campbells to connect people with homes quickly and efficiently. The synergy between their two businesses ensures a seamless service. “Our piling and foundation work complements the house-moving side perfectly,” Selina says. “We maintain a high standard, just like Duane’s early days at Kings. Our equipment is well maintained, our crews are well trained, and when needed, we partner with other transport teams to get larger jobs done safely.” Challenges can come in unexpected forms. Transporting homes in Central Otago, for example, involves navigating bridges, the increasing traffic bottlenecks in Queenstown, and the tricky Devil’s Staircase. “We have to be adaptable,” Selina says. “It’s all part of providing a reliable, professional service.” Looking ahead, the Cracknells see a clear opportunity. “Transportable homes are only going to grow in popularity,” Duane says. “We’re ready. We have the skills, the crews, the equipment, and the passion. “When the demand really takes off, we’ll be ready to meet it.” For the Cracknells, it’s more than just moving houses, it’s about helping people settle into homes that suit their needs, efficiently and cost-effectively, while keeping Southland’s house-moving industry moving forward. WREK TEK INDUSTRIES LTD Trading as... Phone DUANE CRACKNELL 0275 778 333 Licensed Building Practitioner Contracting
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