A smarter start to your backyard home.

Getting started

Preparing for your first granny flat site consultation

By InnoHomes · 19 October 2026 · 3 minute read

A useful consultation starts with how you want the new home to work. Is it for a parent, an adult child, guests or a future tenant? Share your priorities early so the conversation covers daily living as well as the building itself.

Gather the basics

Have your property address, any available site survey or title documents, and a few photos of the backyard ready. Mark the areas you want to keep, such as a garden, outdoor entertaining space or existing shed. If you know where underground services run, bring that information too.

Think about access and privacy

Consider how people will reach the new dwelling, where windows could face and how the two homes will share the outdoor space. Construction access is a separate question: ask how materials and equipment would reach the proposed building area.

Bring a short list of questions

• What site investigations are needed before the design is confirmed?
• What is included in the proposal, and which costs depend on the site?
• Who will check title restrictions, approvals and service connections?
• What decisions do I need to make before construction can be scheduled?

A site visit is an early assessment, rather than a guarantee of approval. Requirements and restrictions need to be checked for the individual property before you commit.

Design decisions

Choosing a floor plan for everyday living

By InnoHomes · 19 October 2026 · 3 minute read

Bedroom count is a useful starting point, but the best layout also supports ordinary routines: getting dressed, preparing dinner, doing the laundry and spending time together.

Start with the people who will live there

List the furniture and activities that need space. A dining table, a comfortable sofa and a dedicated desk can make very different demands on the same living area. Try placing furniture on a scaled plan before deciding that a layout works.

Give storage a place

Think about linen, cleaning equipment, pantry items and laundry supplies as well as wardrobes. Storage planned into the layout can help keep a compact home comfortable and uncluttered.

Balance openness with privacy

Consider the route from the entrance to the living area and whether bedroom doors open directly onto busy spaces. Window placement, outdoor access and the relationship to the main house all deserve attention.

Discuss future needs

If a family member's needs may change, raise this during design. Ask your designer about circulation space, bathroom layout and access requirements suitable for the intended occupants. The final design should be assessed against applicable requirements for your project.

Planning your build

How to compare granny flat building quotes

By InnoHomes · 19 October 2026 · 3 minute read

Two quotes can have similar totals while covering quite different work. Before comparing prices, make sure each proposal describes the same design, site assumptions and finish level.

Ask for a clear scope

Check whether design, engineering, approvals, site preparation, foundations and service connections are included. Ask which items are allowances, which are fixed and which will be priced after further investigation.

Check connections and site assumptions

Service distances, soil conditions, slope and access can affect the work required. Ask how the quote handles these variables and what would happen if the site differs from the assumptions.

Compare the finish schedule

Review the kitchen, appliances, heating and cooling, flooring, windows and bathroom fittings. Request a written list of inclusions and exclusions, including any external work such as decking, fencing or landscaping.

Clarify changes and timing

Ask how variations are documented and approved, when selections are due and which milestones determine the programme. Keep the proposal, drawings and inclusion schedule together so questions can be resolved before you sign.

A clear written scope makes it easier to understand value and plan your budget. Ask the builder to explain anything you cannot confidently compare.