Frequently Asked Questions
Compliance & Assessment
Your block must be a minimum of 450m2 and 12m wide
Please call us to discuss your property or simply complete the contact form and be sure to include your property address. We can search your property and complete a desktop assessment. The assessment will only take 10 minutes to complete.
No. We only need approx 20mins to assess your property. Access is only required to the back yard, front, and sides of the house. Internal access is not required.
If after assessing your site, we find that the property is not suitable for a Complying Development Approval (CDC), we will investigate the requirements to submit to Council via the traditional DA process.
No a Granny Flat is on one title. It cannot be subdivided and sold off.
Design & Approval
Design & Approval takes approx 6 weeks for a standard granny flat on a standard block of land. If the land is in a bushfire zone, flood zone, mine subsidence area etc, then additional time will be required. Also, if a custom design is required or additional changes, then of course this will take more time.
In this case we can custom design for you.
We use the Department of Fair Trading Building Contract. This document is written in plain english and very easy for anyone to understand. We also include all selected inclusions, materials, colours and plans.
Firstly a granny flat must be built 3m away from any tree. If removing a tree is unavoidable, you must check whether the tree is protected or not. Your local council can advise you. If it is protected then a tree removal permit from council is required. Please talk to us if this is your situation.
Yes, provided that the property meets compliance requirements for total floor area, site coverage and landscaping.
Yes, most councils charge a contribution fee. This is usually called Section 94 or Section 7.11 contributions. Depending on the council area, this could be as little as $600 or as much as $25,000.
Long Service Levy is also payable. This is charged at 0.35% of the value of construction works. For a granny flat this fee is usually between $380-$500.
Some councils also charge an infrastructure inspection fee and bond. This cost varies between council areas.
Construction
Construction is 14 weeks for a standard Granny Flat and 16 weeks for brick veneer. If there are additional structures like a garage, large alfresco etc, then more time is required.
Temporary fencing will be set up to separate the work zone from the occupants of the main dwelling. A dog bar will also be installed to temporary fencing to stop your dog from getting under.
Firstly you must inform your tenants of your wishes to build a granny flat. Please talk to your managing agent about this process. If a lease in currently in place, you may have to wait until it expires.
Communication between our team, the owners, tenants and agents is important during the build process. The project will be well planned prior to construction to ensure enough notice is given to tenants in preparation for the build. A construction start date and expectations will be advised. During the build period, communication with your tenants will continue to ensure a smooth process.