You'll be surprised where you can fit a granny flat - even on smaller blocks.
July 23, 2024
‘I want to build a granny flat, but I’m not sure we can fit one on our property.’ If I had a dollar....
Building a granny flat
is an easy and affordable way to create extra rooms, generate income, or house mum and dad, and with few barriers to entry. Yet some people fail to go to the next step because they don’t realise the potential their backyard has to offer.
Considering some of the more challenging blocks we’ve inspected and built on, it is so rare that we have been unable to provide a solution to clients that suits their block and budget simultaneously. This blog post highlights some of the more intricate spaces we have had to overcome to provide a solution for our clients.
Our first-ever granny flat was built over an existing shed concrete slab where the floorplan was custom-designed to work with the slab and maintain a 900mm distance between the granny flat and the main house, from eave to eave at the closest point - this is as close as you can build between the two dwellings under the Gold Coast City Council secondary dwelling code. The challenges to overcome here were getting a floor plan that provided enough distance between the two homes while incorporating the existing slab and orientating the granny flat to give each respective home sufficient privacy. However, this is exactly what we achieved, and the clients couldn't be happier (just watch their testimonial on our website)!
By comparison, another job we have recently started in Miami is on a block of only 400m2 yet, we have managed to build a 74m2 granny flat there. The site certainly wasn’t ‘ideal’ to build a secondary dwelling on as it has all the nightmare features that make building homes a real 'head-scratcher'; an electrical board dating back to the 50s, overhead powerlines, 980mm access down one side for all machines and materials to access the site. The site is a street back from the beach, so the site was basically sand, which required 15 screw piers at 2.8m deep (on average). Nonetheless, we carry on making magic!
As I write this, I’ve just finished selecting fixtures and fittings for another client about to start building a granny flat on top of an existing garage! After meeting with the clients for the first time earlier this year, there was nowhere suitable for a granny flat on the almost 700m2 block, when Sam decided that the only way was up. The challenges presented here started with trying to configure a one-bedroom design (not a studio), with a bathroom, laundry, and full kitchen around the footprint of a 36m2 garage. With some incredible foresight from our drafty, client, engineer, and Sam a solution was born – we even got an 8m2 deck and large bedroom cantilevered off the existing structure. We look forward to showcasing this one our social channels and webpage soon – watch this space.
So if you have been considering building a granny flat, but are unsure about your property, don’t hesitate to book a discovery call to see how we can help - https://calendly.com/bcchomes
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 .
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