February 11, 2025

The inside scoop on assessing your property’s suitability for a Granny Flat.

So, you've decided you want to build a granny flat to house your parents, an adult child, or to rent out. After surveying your backyard and confirming that you have enough room for a granny flat, you ask, "What comes next?"

No doubt, you've read our 21-step checklist and realise there are a few key points to consider before deciding where to place the granny flat. If you want to get ahead of the game, here’s the secret to our desktop assessments, which will bring you up to speed quickly.

The first thing we check when researching a property is the location of all services (sewer, stormwater, etc.), as this determines where we can and cannot place the granny flat. If you're interested in researching this yourself, here's the link (for Gold Coast residents).

Next, especially for acreage or rural properties, we examine potential bushfire zones. By accessing the State Planning Mapping and selecting ‘Safety and Resilience to Hazards’ > ‘Bushfire Prone Area,’ the results will show the potential impact zones. While most properties on the Gold Coast won’t have a bushfire rating, due diligence is key. If your property has a bushfire (BAL) rating, we build according to the legislative requirements.

Finally, by checking the City Plan, we can determine the zoning for your property. It also indicates the approval type and reports required for approval, as well as the allowable footprint for the build on your property.

After completing this research, a site visit is the next step to apply our findings. A detailed quote follows, but not before these steps are completed.

Note: If services and boundaries appear tight, this isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker. However, additional approval documents and steps may be required.

If you need any help with your granny flat research, then don’t hesitate to call us on 1300 109 329.

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How to Speed Up Council Building Approval

By Krystle Barnett • August 20, 2025

While we aim to avoid council approvals where possible, we understand that sometimes you don't want to compromise on your dream – and we hear you. If your build requires council approval, here are some proven ways to ensure the process is as quick and smooth as possible. Don't Cut Corners on Documentation Want a surefire way to delay your approval? Submit incomplete plans or forget a key document. We've watched families wait months because they missed one piece of paperwork. Here's what you'll typically need for a smooth approval process: Site plan, floor plans, and elevations Engineering details (structural documentation) Sewer and stormwater plans Energy efficiency report Title search and site survey Any specialist reports (bushfire, acoustic, etc.) We can help you gather all the required documentation. Don't try to navigate this alone – it's not worth the risk of delays and costly mistakes. Get Pre-Approval Advice – It's a Game Changer Did you know you can book a pre-lodgement meeting with your local council? Whether you're building in Moreton, Ipswich, Logan, or Gold Coast, this gives you the opportunity to: Ask all your burning questions Clarify complex planning rules Get early feedback on your design Build rapport with the assessment team This can be absolute gold for challenging blocks or if your design pushes boundaries. Think of it as insurance against rejection. Be Ready to Respond Quickly Sometimes the council or certifier will come back with an RFI (Request for Information). Don't panic – this is completely normal. But here's where speed makes all the difference. The faster you respond with clear, complete answers, the faster your Granny Flat approval moves through the system. Treat these requests like priority mail, because that's exactly what they are. When in Doubt, Call in the Experts If your project hits a snag, for example zoning challenges or energy efficiency overwhelm, don't try to battle it alone. We've seen too many families get months into their project only to hit a roadblock, pushing back their builds and costing them valuable time and money. We know building a Granny Flat in South-East Queensland can be confusing, which is why we created the " 21 Steps to Building a Successful Granny Flat ". It's packed with real advice from our Queensland builds, including design tips, approval checklists, and insider shortcuts that most builders won't share. This isn't some generic guide. It's based on real projects we've completed – the kind of practical advice that only comes from actually doing the work, day in and day out.