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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