Recommended Granny Flat builder/package in Sydney?

Hi all,

My parent is looking to build a granny flat at back of the PPOR located in Sydney North Shore. We've seen quite a number of granny flat package ads from local Chinese newspapers with price ranging from $75K to $120K but is unsure which one to go for.

Has any fellow PCers done Granny Flats before in Sydney and has any recommendations on builder/package?

Cheers,
David

 

I used grannyflat engineers in Rookwood and we're happy.

 

Hi David

PM me and I'll pass on the people we used

 

Serge from grannyflatapprovals.com.au used to quite recommended on somersoft. Check out the website and give him a call

 

Thanks guys - I'll check them out

 

I've used Serge in my last granny flat. for 2 bed, 1 bath 60sqm granny flat, the package is around $100k depending on the type of fitouts / add-ons you choose. I'm happy with the result.
You can have a look at his showroom granny flat in Panania if you want to see the quality of work he does. Plus his website has lots of projects photos with prices. http://www.grannyflatapprovals.com.au/

 

When I visit grannyflat engineers (or modular one) and ask them hard questions, they think I was getting info to build it myself and try to kick me out. Would not recommend them.

I currently use granny flat builders at Concord West. Their construction team seems to know what they are doing, but their admin team is not the best to deal with.

 

Good luck. I had no issues with them at all.

 

Their website is great. I hope there is a GF builder in Logan like this.

 

Hi all,

We've got a number of quotes now which is great. Thanks to you all who contributed.

I do have one more question in relation to stormwater management. In the proposal it states under that section "subject to stormwater engineer. Geotech could be required." does anyone know what exactly is Geotech?

And is stormwater engineering certification absolutely required?

Cheers,
David

 

Geotech is just another term for a stormwater or hydraulic engineer.
I think in any GF quote/proposal, the builder would want to cover their back incase private cert/council questions further or any concern arise..
A GF build normally does not call for strict stormwater design, normally a tank or dispersion pit would be adequate in most GF build...

 

Thanks RR, that makes sense!
The funny thing though is our block is not the lowest point, it continues to slope away to the neighbour behind us so clearly stormwater would just flow from our backyard to their block.
Therefore I think as you said it's just there to cover themselves in case required.

Cheers,
David

 

You can't dispose of your stormwater on your neighbours land...has to be retained on your site or fed to the system. Hence you need a rubble pit (2k) a stormwater easement at the back (free) or put a charge on the line and pump it up to the house/street (1k)

 

I'm sorry Rich but you're wrong on all counts here.

1. A Geotech Report tells the builder what's under the ground, so if he finds a substrate he doesn't like, he can (and certainly will) charge you significantly more as a variation. This is why my builders wear this cost and take the good with the bad.

2. Stormwater Engineering can significantly affect the final price, especially if the land slopes (falls) to the rear. In fact, the proposal could be rejected by Council/Certifier and you'll simply lose your deposit once the approval is sought.

- So many cases of deposits taken and no work done because the deposit is 'blown' on a failed Application for Approval.

- So many cases of contracts signed and $20,000+ added by the builder (as a variation) for stormwater and/or other ground conditions.

Be careful when builders place these conditions in their quotes and contracts. It's a (completely legal) license to charge you (a LOT) more.

I think it best to be honest eh? With my building system we check the abovementioned BEFORE you spend a single dollar. This gives you a real quote.

To the OP, my website has a lot of good, free info if you're interested.

Brazen.

 

Hi-Tech homes at Bringelly build, supply and install to site pre-fab granny flats and have a few on display at the factory if you're after a quick turn around.I haven't gone any further than getting a quote with them.

Hi-Tech Homes Construction - Granny Flats, Relocatable Homes and Dual Occupancy Housing

 

Thanks but pre-fabricated homes cannot be approved as Granny Flats under the NSW SEPP State Legislation. This has been mandated by NSW Planning.

You'd need to apply under a Section-68 as a DA and many Sydney Council's wont allow this unfortunately.

Brazen.

 

I did one using NSW SEPP as owner builder and it was very hard, very complex and now I learnt so much which I will never use again (storm water, BCA, basix, SEPP Legislation). We used bestsheds.com.au and fitted it out ourselves using own design and trades. I know you can only do 1 x as OB but I would never do it again as OB despite the $$ savings it took so long. Thanks to @Brazen for all you free advice here and on SS forums the past 12-18 months about this whole experience.

For my next (IF...) I would thank Brazen/Serge and use his GFApprovals site - his website is fantastic for info and legislation.

 

My uncle and aunt built one in Sydney earlier this year and that kind of price range sounds about right. I would recommend though that you check out the legal side of things before signing anything as not all sites can get council permission.

This is the backlash from the few who built things they called granny flats that weren’t safe. Backyard blitz on unsafe granny flats has the details. Because of that I think it is worth checking first. You can read more about that here: Council Approval for Granny Flats in Sydney - Granny Flat Finder

 

Whatever you do dont choose Rescon Builders they are terrible

 

@LeMU we had one built through Granny Flat Solutions on the upper north shore and the quality is awesome. Their communication lacked and had issues but we got there in the end, they had just taken on too much work.

Also this was for family to live in and not a rental so went for the more high end items and fittings

We had to work with

Demolishing existing garage
Sloping block
Encasing sewer
Built on peirs with suspended steel frame

Feel free to PM if you want more info

Some pics here, I'll have to update with the finished product

Granny Flat Build