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
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.
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