What actually happens when you add a Granny Flat

Thinking about adding a granny flat often starts with a simple idea. Then come the questions – How long does it take? What do we need to do first? Is it complicated? Are there surprises? If you’ve been following the recent changes to granny flat rules, you might be feeling encouraged, but be wondering what actually happens next. So here’s what the journey really looks like, from first idea to install day.

Step 1: Discovery (and the “is this even possible?” phase)

Most people come to us with a reason, not a floor plan. It might be housing parents or family close by, creating rental or Airbnb income, giving adult kids some independence, planning ahead for future needs, or adding flexibility to their property. At this stage, people usually worry about space on their section, Council rules, budget restrictions and whether it’s worth it.

This is where an early conversation makes a huge difference. We chat about what you need the cabin for, discuss size, features and location, and take the time to understand your priorities and preferences. You don’t need all the answers yet, just clarity on whether a granny flat is realistically achievable on your site.

Step 2: Fit check (site & suitability)

Before anything is built, it’s important to understand how your property works. Things we look at include access to the site, available space and layout, ground conditions, distance to boundaries and existing buildings, and where services (water, power, wastewater) are located. We also talk through budget expectations and project timing, and make sure we’re the right team to build with for your goals and situation. Sometimes adjustments are needed (like orientation, size, or placement), but this is where good planning saves stress later.

Step 3: The proposal (a design that fits your life, not just the section

This is where the idea starts to feel real. Rather than starting with “what can we build?”, we focus on who will live in it, how long they’ll be there, how private it needs to be, storage, accessibility, and future flexibility. From there, we present custom concept plans, discuss size, features, and location, and share a detailed quote so you have a clear picture of what’s possible. For some, that means a compact, low-maintenance space. For others, it’s about long-term comfort and accessibility. The goal is a design that works now, but still makes sense in 5, 10, or 20 years.

Step 4: Contracts and paperwork

Let’s be honest, this is the part people worry about the most. Depending on your situation, this may involve building consent, service approvals, and site-specific council requirements. It’s also the stage where you sign the agreement, pay a deposit, and finalise finishes and features so everything is locked in before construction begins.

The key thing to know? This process is manageable when it’s done early and done properly. Understanding what’s required upfront avoids delays, redesigns, and unexpected costs later on. It’s also where the recent granny flat rule changes have helped simplify things for many clients.

Step 5: The build (where the magic happens)

One of the biggest advantages of our transportable granny flats is that the build happens off-site. That means less disruption at home, no long months of tradies coming and going, and consistent build quality in a controlled environment. Our team manages the full build process, with clear progress payments and weekly construction updates so you always know how things are tracking.

While the cabin is being built, site preparation and service connections can often happen in parallel, keeping the overall timeline tight and predictable. This may include foundations or piling, connecting power, water, and wastewater and access preparation for delivery. This stage is often quicker than people expect, especially when planned alongside the build.

Step 6: Delivery & install day

This is the exciting part and usually the fastest. On install day the cabin is delivered, positioned on site and connected to services, any final touches are finished off and made ready for use. Many people are surprised at how quickly this happens. What felt like a big idea weeks or months earlier suddenly becomes a very real, very usable space.

Once installed, your granny flat can be used straight away. Whether it’s a parent moving in, a tenant arriving, guests booking their stay or simply knowing the space is there when you need it, this is where the value really shows, not just financially, but in flexibility and future-proofing your home.

Adding a granny flat might feel overwhelming at first, but when broken into steps, it’s far more achievable than many people expect. The biggest mistakes we see usually come from leaving key questions too late, underestimating site and service planning, not aligning the design with long-term needs. With the right guidance, it’s a smooth, well-paced journey from idea to install.

If you’re at the “we’re just exploring” stage, that’s the perfect time to talk. A quick conversation can help you understand what’s possible before you invest too much time or energy worrying about the what-ifs. You can also view our granny flat range to get a feel for layouts, sizes, and options.

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