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.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Sam and Krystle Barnett, BCC Homes is a family-owned company specialising in custom Granny Flats and renovations across South-East Queensland. After more than a decade in the construction industry, including over 1,200 homes built under Sam’s licence, we recognised a gap in the market, and an opportunity to build something that truly made a difference in people’s lives. That moment came when we met a homeowner who had been taken advantage of by another builder. Rather than walk away, Sam was driven to help. From that experience, BCC Homes was born: a business built on trust, service, and the belief that everyone deserves a quality home delivered with integrity. Our mission is clear: deliver exceptional, fairly priced housing solutions, built to the highest standards. Our vision: to become a leader in Granny Flat construction by aligning with trades, suppliers, and clients who share the commitment to quality and community. Granny Flats are so much more than just additional dwellings, they’re meaningful extensions of the home, spaces where memories are made, and family connections are deepened. Whether it becomes a first home for adult children or a forever home for parents or grandparents, a Granny Flat carries real emotional weight. That’s why we approach every build with the same level of care, respect, and thoughtfulness it deserves. Because these homes are built in the heart of family backyards, the relationship between builder and client must be strong, and rightly so. From day one, we’re hands-on, attending site inspections together, answering questions personally, and designing tailored solutions to suit each family’s unique needs. We don’t just build spaces, we create environments that feel like home from the moment you step inside. Behind the scenes, our systems are sharp and refined. From efficient qualification processes and transparent contracts to weekly team meetings and digital job tracking, every project is carefully managed to ensure smooth delivery and happy clients. But what truly sets BCC Homes apart is how we make people feel. Our clients aren’t treated like a number, they’re welcomed like family. Whether it’s a handshake or a heart-to-heart conversation on-site, the BCC experience is built around connection, respect, and results. Today, our growing referral base is a testament to that approach. With a trusted team of highly skilled trades and a clear passion for the craft, we continue to help everyday families unlock the potential of their property, one Granny Flat at a time. Clic k here to b ook a discovery call .