Frequently asked questions.

If you are new to Bathroom pods, you are likely to have a lot of questions.
To help you get started, we’ve create this FAQ that answers most of the common questions we get.

If you are ready to find our more, we’re here to help. Call Phil on 021 915 525 or email Phil@Multipod.co.nz

CONTACT Phil: 021 915 525

Basics

  • A bathroom pod is a complete, factory-built bathroom—walls, floor, ceiling, fixtures, plumbing and wiring—that arrives finished and connects to your site services. It cuts on-site trades and installs in hours, not weeks.

  • Absolutely. Components meet or exceed AU/NZ standards. We supply WELS-rated plumbing and NZ/AUS-rated electrical gear with supporting SDoc documentation.
    The bathroom pods are shipped to NZ flat packed and assembled offsite by NZ qualified tradespeople.  They are then inspected by Council prior to dispatch to site

  • While every program is different, savings of up to 30% can be expected.  Savings come from China sourcing, substantially reduced program time (and delays/rework), a reduction in the number of on- site trades required (from up to 12 down to just 3) and less program management.  Additionally, you get the benefit of a fixed price

  • We think they are better!  They are precision-made, fully tested and certified before delivery.  The single-piece floor design guarantees a leak-free enclosure, while the ultra-durable fiberglass composite SMC material used in the cabinetry, walls, floor and ceiling offers a service life exceeding 20+ years.

  • No. The only noticeable change will be that SMC floor feels softer and warmer under foot.  Customers wanting a classic tiled bathroom can select the Tile series product that uses polished ceramic tiles for the walls and floor.

Compliance, council & sign‑off

  • All materials and components are individually tested and certified to NZ standards.  The kitsets complete a rigorous QA process that is supervised by a 3rd party inspection company prior to shipment in NZ.  In NZ, the flat-pack kits are assembled locally, signed off by qualified NZ trades, and booked in for council inspection pre‑delivery.

  • We use a NZ certified electrical harness system (similar to the automotive industry) where all electrical connections are made using an innovative plug & socket system.  Assembly in NZ involves literally plugging the leads in. The completed works are certified by NZ‑qualified electricians and warranted to meet NZ code requirements.

  • All plumbing components supplied in the kitsets are certified to NZ standard.  Assembly in NZ involves fitting the factory supplied pre-cut and pre-plumbed piping runs into the pod according to the plans.  All NZ works are completed and certified by licensed NZ plumbers.  Council inspection is completed prior to the Pod leaving the local assembly facility.

Programme & logistics

  • Where bathroom pods are assembled offsite, installation onsite typically takes less than half a day.  If site restrictions require that the flat pack kitset needs to be assembled on site, allow 2 days to assemble and install each pod

  • A typical program takes around 20 week

    ·        4- 6  weeks to finalise the design and integrate it into the site plans

    ·        6 weeks production

    ·        4 weeks shipping

    ·        2 – 4  weeks for offsite assembly (will vary by project size)

    ·        1 - 3 week for onsite installation (wall vary by project size)

    On top of this are the normal allowance for consenting the project.

  • The modules are lifted using lifting eyes located in the 4 corners.  Depending on your site, you should be able to use a simple Hiab crane to lift the pod 2 – 3 levels up.   Once on the right level of the site, the pod can be wheeled into position using a dolly.

    For sites with limited access, choose flat‑pack kits that can be carried through standard openings and assembled in situ.

  • Yes. Our bathroom Pods are largely weathertight and can be installed before the building is closed in. We do recommend placing a tarp above an installed bathroom pod until the building is made watertight to prevent water being trapped between the outside of the Pod and the building’s linings.

    Modules waiting to be installed can be stored outside with only limited weather protection

  • Manufacturing is via our global supplier in China.  They are one of the world’s largest bathroom pod vendors, supplying product to dozens of international markets.  Their high-tech production facility uses specialist manufacturing technologies that are not available in NZ    

Design, customisation & technical

  • We provide detailed BIM drawings early in the design process so you can coordinate framing, services and a rebated floor for level entry. The module components are machine molded and guaranteed to be millimeter perfect.  For larger orders we can supply a prototype for customer review and sign‑off.

  • Yes—use factory‑supplied or your own local supply chain (or mix both). WELS/NZ‑rated options are available.

  • Absolutely. Choose from multiple finishes and accessories. We can tailor each plan and orientation, including left/right variants

  • Yes—detailed BIM plans are supplied for design coordination and clash detection.

  • You can start from proven floor plans or, for larger quantities, create a bespoke footprint, finishes and accessories.

  • Yes—most plans support mirrored (L/R) variants, ideal for repeated layouts.

  • For larger production runs we recommend customers ordering a prototype be sent to NZ for formal review and sign‑off prior to full production commencing. 

  • We can arrange a prototype viewing locally. Ask us for current sample availability.

Materials, durability & performance

  • The pod’s walls, ceiling are floor are manufactured from a fiberglass composite material known as SMC.  SMC is the same material that Boeing uses to finish the interior cabins of their 787 Dreamliner planes.  It is a waterproof, hard‑wearing composite that’s easy to clean.
    Additionally, the cabinetry has a 100% waterproof SMC carcasses with durable fronts.

  • The one‑piece moulded SMC floor is fiberglass reinforced and mechanically joined to the walls.  Unlike acrylic (used for many shower bases), it engineered to be highly impact resistant and designed for a long service life.

  • Yes. Pods are supplied with built‑in falls for rapid water run‑off to wastes..

    For sites with limited access, choose flat‑pack kits that can be carried through standard openings and assembled in situ.

  • Cabinet carcasses are SMC (100% waterproof) with moisture‑resistant fronts for durability.

  • Yes—the single‑piece SMC floor and silicone‑free mechanical joints create a sealed wet room without membranes or reliance on sealants.

  • The bathroom pods floors are flat, with a fall molded into them to direct surface water towards a floor waste.  Depending on the model, there can be a small lip (less than 20mm) between wet and dry areas. 

  • Yes—level access and dedicated options support senior living and accessible designs

  • Yes, we typically get the builder to rebate the slab (e.g., ~70 mm) to achieve level entry into the bathroom pod from the connecting room.

Supply options & site process

  • Yes. With the Shell‑only option, we supply just the enclosure + optional pre‑plumbed/prewired services.  You can then use your own supply chain for the fit out. Either use us for the assembly or use your own assembly team to put it all together. 

  • The Pod is installed after framing and services but before wall/ceiling linings. 
    If site access is tight, the Bathroom Pod can be installed earlier, with framing installed around the completed Pod.

  • All service connection points are carefully pre‑planned and located on the exterior of the modules to make completing service connections easy.  A hatch in the Pod’s ceiling allows access above the Pod to complete ventilation and electrical connections.

  • Absolutely!  To ensure a seamless connection between the site plumbing and the Bathroom Pod we use the same PEX water pipes and PVC pipes that are used in NZ.   

  • Yes—use our assemblers or yours; we’ll support testing and council inspection.

  • Yes!  In a recent NZ project, a build was able to reduce the number of trades on site from 12 trades to just 3.  No more tradespeople tripping over themselves in small space

Orders, pricing & warranties

  • Yes.  For orders over 50 units we can manufacture your own mold that can be dimensioned to fit your specific requirements

  • The Pod is installed after framing and services but before wall/ceiling linings. 
    If site access is tight, the Bathroom Pod can be installed earlier, with framing installed around the completed Pod.

  • Common practice is a deposit at order, staged payments through production/assembly, and balance before delivery. We’ll tailor this to your project.

  • Pods are with backed full warranties. Additionally, our process includes robust testing before shipment and local inspection prior to site. In the unlikely a program occurs after install, components or a replacement parts can be supplied promptly..   

Managing risk

  • Bathroom pods are widely used throughout Asia.  Australia is catching up, with over 33,000 units sold.  While NZ has been a slow adopter, the timing now is right for Bathroom Pod as NZ builders and developers explore new ways to remain competitive in today’s challenging market.    

  • No.  If deployed correctly, Bathroom Pod reduce risk: fewer trades to coordinate, factory QA/QC, shorter programme and a sealed wet room.

  • The durability of the SMC material used to manufacture the bathroom Pod means that transit damage is almost unheard of.  However, we do ship spare components for warranty claims that can be utilized in the unlikely event a unit becomes damaged.All service connection points are carefully pre‑planned and located on the exterior of the modules to make completing service connections easy.  A hatch in the Pod’s ceiling allows access above the Pod to complete ventilation and electrical connections.

  • While Covid is in our recent memories, historically exports between China and NZ have been highly reliable.  Additionally, the factory manufactures all the base pod components in house.  If supply issues prevent China source of some of the fit out elements (e.g. tapware), any missing components could be sourced in NZ if required.

    Typically we build in a 4 – 6 week buffer into our program to as a contingency against delays.   

  • Pods simplify the job: fewer trades, less rework, and clear installation guidance. Where you have existing supply agreements with NZ vendors, these vendors can still be involved in the supply of fit out items, the assembly and the site installation.

  • Best value comes with repeated layouts (multi‑bathroom projects). Smaller builders can align with popular runs to capture savings

Did we miss something?

Ask our team:
info@multipod.co.nz or call 021 915 525

We’ll add it to the FAQ.