Thinking about a granny flat?

This article was prepared by Advance Build and is being published by the New Zealand Herald as advertorial.

Despite their name, granny flats do so much more than house elderly relatives. Today, these self-contained, minor dwellings are popping up across New Zealand. Separate from the main house, they are an excellent way to create more liveable, usable space.

Granny flats also:

- Increase property value

- Boost rental income

- Support multi-generational living.

And, if you’re thinking about building a granny flat, prefabricated construction is the quickest, most cost-certain way to do it.

Why prefab for granny flats?

Prefabricated construction is a simple, straightforward way to build a granny flat. That’s why many people choose it over the traditional building approach.

Prefab gives you:

- A faster build – the streamlined factory process is efficient and not impacted by weather. It also happens at the same time as site work, significantly reducing overall project duration.

- More cost certainty – and less budget blowouts.

- Minimal onsite disruption – offsite construction means you only need to deal with workers on your property for site preparations and delivery + installation of your dwelling (not the entire build)

- High-quality, customisable designs – to suit your style, site and budget.

The Advance Build team has been constructing minor dwellings and large-sized homes for more than 16 years. Their experienced, knowledgeable team takes care of the entire journey – including design, planning, consents and construction.

What about council requirements?

Advance Build can manage all these for you. But it’s worth knowing that each council has its own rules and regulations around size, zoning and land use.

For example, Whangārei District Council allows 90sq m (including decks) for minor dwellings, whereas most others have a limit of 60sq m. Meanwhile, Auckland Council has recently added new provisions for construction, depending on the zone you live in.

You’ll also need a building consent if you’re connecting your granny flat to onsite services (eg sewer, water, power). You may also require a resource consent if your project falls outside your council’s district plan.

Recently, the NZ Government has proposed changes around granny flats. Likely to come into force in mid-2025, these will make it faster and easier to build minor dwellings.

The Advance Build process

At Advance Build, we ensure your project journey is simple, straightforward and stress-free.

Here’s how:

1. Floor plan + quote: Work with an Advance Build consultant to decide on your floor plan. We’ll then provide a cost estimate.

2. Home Starter Pack: Once you’ve paid the Home Starter Pack deposit of $10,000 (deductible from the total price), you’ll receive detailed concept plans. We’ll also investigate local council rules and assess the feasibility of your project.

3. Contract: After signing, we’ll finalise your design and documentation and submit drawings to council.

4. Factory construction: Your new home starts to take shape and is completed within eight weeks. You’ll get regular updates and photos!

5. Site delivery: Your granny flat is delivered to site, installed and connected to its foundations + services. We’ll also organise council inspections and sign-off.

6. Move in: Receive your keys and start enjoying your new dwelling!

Prefab: the faster, more cost-certain approach

Think a granny flat would work for you? Do it the prefab way. It’s simple, quick and cost-certain.

Get in touch with the Advance Build team today.