About

Flat Grannys is a trusted and reputable name in the granny flat industry, and we pride ourselves on our personalised and customised service.

Based in Sydney, Flat Grannys has helped many customers design and build their granny flats in total compliance with Australian law and governance. Our high-quality designs are sought after to fill the gap in the granny flat market, and we are passionate about creating modern concepts and quality designs.

Building a home, regardless of the size, is an experience like no other. Flat Grannys will happily guide you through the process from start to finish so that you end up with a sustainable and innovative granny flat design. Whether you are seeking an investment property or require an additional dwelling to suit your ever-changing lifestyle, our wide range of functional pre-designs or bespoke plans present a cost-effective and practical solution.

What is a Granny Flat?

A granny flat is a self-contained living space, designed for one or two people, either detached or attached to the principal dwelling of a family home. It tends to be at the rear of the main house and may also share a backyard and outdoor facilities with the occupants of the home.

The name granny flat came about due to their popularity of multi-generational living and the need to house aging parents, namely granny and grandpa. The name stuck, and while it is also referred to as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or a backyard cottage, we think the beloved term ‘granny flat’ is quite apt. With the popularity of tiny homes popping up all around the world, the granny flat has only risen in demand.

A granny flat usually contains one or two bedrooms, a full kitchen or kitchenette, a bathroom, a living area and a laundry area. Granny flats can house parents or grandparents, young adults, friends and other family members, or even rented out to tenants. Like regular full-size homes, granny flats can be built to your specific tastes from a wide range of materials.

Where can I build?

Granny flats or secondary dwellings tend to be located at the back of the main property or added as an extension to an already existing home. You will need to check zoning laws and building restrictions when it comes to planning, so you adhere to all state and national regulations. In most cases, there can only be one granny flat and one house on an individual lot. No subdivision of the lot is allowed.

The proposed site must be a minimum of 450 square metres, and the floor area of the second dwelling must be less than 60 square metres, or that otherwise permitted by a local environmental plan. The block of land must be at least 12 metres wide to begin construction. Most residential zones are open to the addition of a granny flat with the exception of some heritage properties.

The setback from a rear boundary for a secondary dwelling must not be less than 3 metres if the lot has an area of between 450 square metres and 900 square metres. The setback for the side boundary is 0.9 metres for a property of a similar size.

Our Process

Whether you are looking to create your own granny flat design or select from one of our pre-designed concepts, Flat Grannys can help. We offer a range of quality and affordable preset designs or will work with you to create with a personalised design of your choosing. Either way, you can expect nothing short of a fully customised professional service from our qualified team of designers and builders. From your initial contact with us, up until the time you receive your keys and move in, our supportive team will ensure the whole process is as flawless as possible.

Pre-Designs

We have put together a streamlined four-part step by step process to make building a granny flat in your backyard as stress-free and as simple as possible. Our team of experts have created a series of pre-designs to choose from including The Barbara, The Doris, The Ethel and The Pattsi. Peace of mind and quality are guaranteed with all Flat Grannys’ superb range of granny flat designs.

**Step 1 – The assessment**

A desktop site evaluation will be performed by one of our Flat Grannys’ experts to review your block and provide an initial quote for the creation of your granny flat. We will all discuss your options, taking into account the size and slope of the property and your specific build requirements.

**Step 2 – Choose the plan**

Following your approval, you will choose from one of our pre-planned designs. We will take the time to discuss each option with you, offering additions and upgrades where suitable. Once you have selected your design and signed off on the inclusions and extras, you can happily move onto the next stage.

**Step 3 – Contracts and approvals**

All necessary documentation will be completed during this step of the process, including the engagement of third-party consultants. There are no hidden fees, and any inclusions will always be agreed upon before commencement. All required approvals will be sought during this step and plans will be submitted to the Local Council or a Private Certifier on your behalf.

**Step 4 – Construction Phase**

Once we have approval, we are then able to move onto the construction documentation phase. If you do not have a preferred builder, we can assist in the engagement / assessment of a builder. We would only recommend we handle project management of the construction, if we felt we could add significant value to the project.

Bespoke Design

Thanks to our professional and supportive team at Flat Grannys, we offer a straightforward step by step guide as part of our bespoke design services. We realise that all of our customers have unique needs and circumstances. For this reason, our designs can be fully customised to suit your individual tastes and budgets.

**Step 1 – Site visit**

A desktop site assessment will be performed by one of our experts to review your block. This is a necessary first step in determining whether your land meets all legislative requirements and enables our designers to fully visualise a suitable plan. The site visit will also help us put together an initial quote from which to progress from.

**Step 2 – Concept design**

Following your approval, we will design a sketch from scratch to see how it will fit on the block taking into account the slope of the yard, setbacks on the size and rear, the positioning of the main house and access to the backyard. The concept design will also cover materials and colours. This is where you will determine any modifications and upgrades required.