QLD HIA Award Winners!
November 19, 2024
2024 HIA-CSR QLD Housing Awards
Did you see the post on our Instagram yet? We won the 2024 ‘Start Up Business’ award last week at the QLD Hia Awards in Brisbane.
When we started BCC Homes in the post-COVID landscape, most people thought we were a bit insane, as the industry was a shambles for some time. We also realised it was no easy feat! It required savvy, grit, focus, long hours of planning, and a clearly defined mission and purpose. We had to stand out from our competitors in this ever-evolving market where trades and suppliers were frightened of being burned by another builder.
Thankfully our team has years of experience in the industry building traditional homes, however, we knew that changes were coming to the market and the needs of our clients were evolving due to; limited land supply, interest rates rapidly increasing, homelessness on the rise, an aging population and the next generation becoming increasingly priced out of the market.
We knew something needed to radically alter in the space, as there were supportive changes in the state legislation relaxing tenancy laws and an ever-increasing demand for affordable housing – and if we must say a ‘glow up’ required as far as granny flats were concerned!
Starting BCC Homes was born from a passion for working closely with clients and delivering what they were screaming out for; high-quality homes at affordable prices and finishing homes ahead of schedule. These qualities provide the cornerstone of who we are and what we aim to achieve. This award is a reminder that the building industry is constantly changing, and innovation is a key driver to standing out in the marketplace.
We are obviously over the moon to receive this award but also honoured to be recognised by our industry, which is more than just about accolades. It’s about contributing to the marketplace with integrity, dedication, and passion. To be a recipient of this kind of award is not just a moment of shared personal pride for our entire team, but it’s a line in the sand – who we were aiming to be, and who we’ve become.
So, you're ready to build. Maybe it's a Granny Flat for Mum, a teenager retreat, or a smart way to boost your property value. But before the dream takes shape, there's the not-so-glamorous hurdle of building approvals. We hear this question all the time from families across the South East Queensland: "How do I get building approval quickly and without all the runaround?" We've helped countless Queensland families cut through the red tape and get their Granny Flat projects moving faster. Here are our top tips to avoid lengthy approvals and start building sooner. First things first – the aim is to qualify as a Secondary Dwelling. We'll share how you can do this below, and knowing these secrets is where you're going to save both time and money! Secondary Dwelling Code: Your Fast-Track to Approval By following a few simple rules, you'll be able to have a Private Certifier approve your Granny Flat instead of your local council. This isn't just a faster turnaround time – it can also save you thousands of dollars. Even better, if you're adding a Granny Flat for additional income, you'll start seeing a return on your investment much sooner. Why Avoid Development Applications? All councils, including the City of Gold Coast, follow a standardised development assessment process guided by the Planning Act 2016 and the Development Assessment Rules. This process involves several lengthy stages, including application, referral, information requests and then finally the decision from Council. Fortunately, the City Plan supports secondary dwellings, therefore if you have followed the requirements and provided the necessary documents, in most cases you will get approval. This is however where you'll spend months waiting and where possible, want to avoid. Our Top Tips for Qualifying Under the Secondary Dwelling Code Here's how to stay within the rules and fast-track your approval: Stay Off the Boundaries There are minimum distances that secondary dwellings must be built from your boundary lines. Knowing what these are and building within those requirements will save you significant time when it comes to approvals – and determines which approval pathway you'll need to take. Stay Under 80m² - size matters There are a few variations, but keeping your Granny Flat under 80m² on the Gold Coast will mean you'll be eligible to classify it as a Secondary Dwelling, which means faster approvals and lower costs. Note: Each council varies slightly on sizing, just contact us to find out more. Build Within the Correct Zones For most areas, your Granny Flat needs to be built within a specific distance of your main property. On the Gold Coast it's 20 metres for a rural property, or 10 metres from eave to eave on a low/medium density home, but again this can vary depending on which council area you're in. Building your Granny Flat within these requirements can again avoid delays. These requirements will be available from your local council and providing you abide by the zoning regulations; you can proceed under the Secondary Dwelling pathway. The Bottom Line If you go outside these rules, the council gets involved as your project becomes "code assessable" and a Development Application will need to be lodged. This means months of waiting and thousands in additional costs. Stay within these simple guidelines and you can obtain Secondary Dwelling Code approval via a Private Certifier – meaning no council delays, faster approvals, and money saved. The best part? We've already decoded this process for you. Ready to build your Granny Flat smarter, not harder? Contact us today and discover how our proven process can get your project approved quickly and built to the highest standards. Let us help turn your vision into reality!
Discover how one family’s backyard vision came to life with a quick custom granny flat by BCC Homes, crafted with care to suit their growing lifestyle. Read on!
Granny Flat investments offer strong market value. Learn how BCC Homes helps investors build wealth with high-yield, well-designed rental properties!
Ready to start your granny flat journey in 2025? BCC Homes designs compliant, stylish granny flats that complement your main dwelling. Read on for more details!
BCC Homes wraps up 2024 on a high note, delivering homes despite December challenges. Thank you to everyone who made this year so rewarding. Merry Christmas!
Discover how BCC Homes redefined the Granny Flat in Kingsholme, aligning its specifications with the main house to create a seamless living experience. Read on!
Learn how to fit a granny flat on smaller blocks with BCC Homes. Find innovative solutions to maximize space and add value to your property. Learn more.
Stay updated with BCC Homes on the new Australian construction rules and regulations. Ensure compliance and excellence in your building projects. Learn more.
Learn how to use the First Home Owners Grant to build a granny flat. Discover tips and guidelines to maximize your benefits for your new project. Read more.
