What to Look for in a Granny Flat Builder: A Homeowner’s Guide

Finding the right granny flat builder can make or break your project. The process involves more than just choosing the cheapest quote — it’s about selecting a licensed, experienced, and transparent builder who can deliver on quality, compliance, and timelines.

In this guide, we’ll outline what to look for when choosing a granny flat builder, so you can feel confident your new home or investment is in the best hands.

1. Licensing and Accreditation

Always confirm that your builder is fully licensed and insured to carry out residential construction work in NSW. You can verify a builder’s credentials via the NSW Fair Trading website.

A reputable granny flat builder will also:

• • Hold Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) insurance.
  • Be a member of recognised industry associations (e.g., HIA or MBA).

• Provide written contracts and warranties for all work. 

2. Experience and Specialisation

Building a granny flat isn’t the same as constructing a full-sized home — it requires specific knowledge of local planning rules, compact design, and efficient construction.

Choose a builder who:

• Specialises in granny flats rather than general home building.
• Has a strong portfolio of completed projects.
• Understands SEPP (Housing) 2021 and council compliance requirements.

An experienced builder will foresee challenges, streamline approvals, and deliver a smoother construction process.

3. Transparency in Pricing

Clear and honest pricing is a hallmark of a trustworthy builder. Avoid vague quotes or “allowances” that can lead to unexpected costs later.

Look for a builder who provides:

• Detailed, itemised quotes with clear inclusions.
• A fixed-price contract once plans are approved.
• Full transparency around any provisional or optional costs.

This ensures you understand exactly what’s covered — and what’s not — before signing.

4. Quality and Craftsmanship

Inspect your builder’s previous work, visit display homes, or ask to see completed projects. Pay attention to:

• Construction finishes and attention to detail.
• Joinery quality, waterproofing, and external cladding.
• Energy efficiency, materials, and workmanship guarantees.

A quality-driven builder takes pride in every stage of the project, from slab to handover.

5. Communication and Support

Building a granny flat involves many moving parts — design, approvals, trades, and materials. The right builder will make this journey easy with clear communication and proactive updates.

Ask how your builder handles:

• Progress updates and milestone reporting.
• Client communication channels (phone, email, or portal).
• Issues or variations during the build.

Good communication helps prevent stress and ensures your project stays on track.

Expert Tip

Don’t just compare builders on price — compare them on process. The cheapest builder can end up costing more if they cut corners, miss deadlines, or fail compliance checks. Choose value, not just cost.

Why Choose Granny Flat Solutions?

At Granny Flat Solutions, we’re proud to be NSW’s most awarded granny flat builder. With over 20 years of experience and hundreds of projects completed each year, our team delivers superior craftsmanship, honest pricing, and unbeatable customer service — from concept to completion.

Ready to Build with Confidence?

Speak with the experts at Granny Flat Solutions. Book your free site consultation or explore our award-winning designs to get started today. Build smarter, faster, and with peace of mind — with the builder homeowners trust.