Frequently Asked Questions
GRANNY FLAT SPECIALISTS IN
CENTRAL COAST • NEWCASTLE • LAKE MACQUARIE • HUNTER VALLEY
SYDNEY • WOLLONGONG • CANBERRA
Your Questions, Answered
With years of experience at the forefront of our local building industry, it’s no surprise we get asked lots of questions! We gathered together some of our most common inquiries to help you. If you need additional information, contact us today and one of our experts will answer your queries and offer advice.
General
What are the minimum block requirements for me to build a Granny Flat?
The NSW Housing SEPP (State Environmental Planning Policy) States that you must have a minimum block size of 450m2 and a block width of at least 12m.
However, you may be able to build on a smaller block with a Council Development Application (DA). Your Acrow representative will be able to determine this for you.
What is the minimum distance I can build from my property boundaries?
This depends on the size of your property and if you are building a Complying development or submitting a development application to council. Your Acrow representative can discuss this with you and explain the differences between these two approval processes.
Generally, you will need to be at least 3m from the rear boundary and 0.9m from side boundaries.
I have a corner block, can I still build a Granny Flat?
It is possible, you will still need a minimum block size of 450 square meters and an increased setback of 2m from the secondary road boundary.
Can I build more than 1 Granny Flat on my property?
No, the Housing SEPP only allows for 1 Secondary Dwelling (Granny Flat) on a property.
Is there a maximum size that I can build a Granny Flat?
The Housing SEPP restricts the size of a Granny Flat to 60sqm.
There are some circumstances in certain rural zonings and Council areas where you may be able to build larger than 60sqm. You Acrow representative will be able to help you determine this.
Is it possible to add a garage or a deck/patio to my granny flat?
Yes, these items are not assessed as part of the 60m2.
Is it possible to build in front of an existing house?
Yes but it is dependent on your neighbouring building lines or any applicable front street setback requirements. Acrow can help you determine if your property is compliant.
Where Do I Begin?
Do you have a Granny Flat display I can view?
Acrow Homes have a display home in Berkeley Vale that you can view now. Call us on 02 4308 7854 to book an appointment or arrange a time that suits with your consultant.
Do you have a Granny Flat display I can view?
Acrow Homes have a display home in Cessnock that you can view now. Call us on 02 4308 7854 to book an appointment or arrange a time that suits with your consultant.
Can Acrow assess the suitability of my site for a Granny Flat?
Yes, if you have a property or are looking at purchasing a property for the purpose of a Granny Flat, Acrow will be able to do an online assessment and generally identify requirements and determine if the site is suitable for a Granny Flat.
To get started you can Click here and an Acrow representative will be in touch to discuss your enquiry in detail.
Alternatively, you can contact our office on (02) 4308 7854.
Will Acrow come and inspect my property?
After an initial online assessment of your property, your Acrow representative will arrange to conduct an obligation free site inspection at no charge.
This will enable us to gather the information required that we cannot determine online. These items include access to the site for construction, any obvious hazards or issues, service connection points etc.
Does Acrow provide a free Quote?
Yes, your Acrow representative will provide you with a thorough, detailed quote based on all of the information gathered from our online assessment and the site inspection.
This quote will contain all known costs and provisions for any foreseeable items Acrow feel your project will require. Your Acrow representative will present the quote and explain all associated costs included.
Will there be any hidden costs?
Any variable extras which we cannot yet finalise will be thoroughly explained to you and included in the quote as preliminary allowances. These allowances will be finalised once we have the relevant information. The information required may come from a Contour Survey, Geotechnical report or any other Environmental reports required (Bushfire, flood etc).
I have received and am Happy with my Acrow quote and proposal, What happens next?
Great, your Acrow representative will be able to walk you through signing your quote and organise your approvals fee to be paid. Acrow will begin the design and approvals phase of your journey.
Design
Can I change the design of Acrow’s standard Granny Flats?
Yes, Acrow understands that our standard plans are not suitable for everyone or in every situation. We are quite flexible with our design and allow you to be part of the design process.
Designs are adjusted for many reasons, whether it be for difficult sloping sites, to suit a challenging location or to be more suitable for the Elderly or people with disabilities, Acrow will provide a plan to suit.
Can I change the design of Acrow’s standard Granny Flats?
Yes, Acrow understands that our standard plans are not suitable for everyone or in every situation. We are quite flexible with our design and allow you to be part of the design process.
Designs are adjusted for many reasons, whether it be for difficult sloping sites, to suit a challenging location or to be more suitable for the Elderly or people with disabilities, Acrow will provide a plan to suit.
How far should the proposed Granny Flat be from the existing dwelling?
The Granny Flat can be attached to the existing building but you will add complexity and costs to the project. In the case of the building being closer than 1.8m, you will add additional requirements to comply with Fire Rating.
Your Acrow representative will be able to discuss positioning advise of any requirements. Acrow will consider all building elements at the planning stage to ensure your building complies with the National Construction Code.
Is it possible to choose the colours and finishes of my granny flat?
Yes, of course. Acrow has a vast selection of internal and external fittings and fixtures in various colours at our Berkeley Vale showroom. You will have the ability to personalise all components of your Granny Flat. We stock samples of all materials used in the construction of your Granny Flat.
This will allow you to see and feel all items before deciding to have them included in your Granny Flat build.
Approvals
Can I build a Granny Flat on my property?
If your property meets the minimum site requirements for a granny flat in NSW, then yes, you can have the option of building a granny flat either attached or detached to your primary property. Make sure to read the NSW requirements or contact us today to find out if your block is suitable for a granny flat
Does Acrow look after the approval process for me?
Yes, Acrow has an in house team for Approvals and Design. We will make sure your project is compliant and obtain all necessary approvals.
Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or Development Application (DA)?
The Housing SEPP is a NSW state government planning policy. If your proposal complies with the SEPP you are able to apply for a CDC through an accredited private Building Certifier.
If your proposal is not compliant with the SEPP you can submit a Development Application with your local Council Planning Department. Your DA will be assessed against Councils Development Control Plan (DCP) and Local Environmental Plan (LEP).
CDC is generally a cheaper and faster approvals avenue. The DA process can take longer but generally Councils planning policies can be more flexible. This can be the difference between being able to build or not and often offer a better outcome for your project. Acrow’s team will be able to advice the best avenue for your proposal.
How long does the design/approval process take?
Generally, this process will take around 10 weeks for a CDC, this can be longer and is more variable through the Council DA process.
I have my own approved plans, Will Acrow look after the construction for me?
Yes, Acrow will review approved plans and look after the construction if it is feasible to do so.
Are there any additional Council Fees which I will need to consider?
Yes, your project will generally be subject to a Council Contribution Fee (7.12 Contribution Fee). You should be able to obtain a quote from your local council. This fee will be applicable to projects approved by CDC or DA.
Construction
Can I build a Granny Flat on my property?
If your property meets the minimum site requirements for a granny flat in NSW, then yes, you can have the option of building a granny flat either attached or detached to your primary property. Make sure to read the NSW requirements or contact us today to find out if your block is suitable for a granny flat
What is the average construction time?
Acrow’s average time to build a standard 60sqm Granny Flat standard granny flat is 12-14 weeks. This timeframe may vary depending on the size and complexity of your project.
Who is going to be building my granny flat?
Acrow Homes is the Primary Contractor on site. All of our employees and contractors are suitably insured, qualified and licensed to ensure your project is delivered on time with the highest of quality.
Can I view the progress of my build during construction?
Acrow Building sites do have restricted access compliant with relevant SafeWork and Building Code of Australia regulations. However, your project manager will be happy to meet you onsite and walk you through to review the progress of your project.
Warranties And Defects
Can I build a Granny Flat on my property?
If your property meets the minimum site requirements for a granny flat in NSW, then yes, you can have the option of building a granny flat either attached or detached to your primary property. Make sure to read the NSW requirements or contact us today to find out if your block is suitable for a granny flat
Does my Granny Flat Construction come with a Warranty?
Yes, your Granny Flat comes with a Statutory structural warranty for 6 years, along with a non-structural warranty of 2 years.
The components used to build your Granny Flat as well as appliance installed in the Granny Flat will come with their own manufacturers warranties and guarantees.
Your Acrow Granny Flat will come with a defect period of up to 13 weeks from handover. At this time your Project Manager will attend the building with you to discuss any defects and arrange to have them fixed.
If at any time you are unsure regarding defects or their potential severity you can call our office on (02) 4308 7854