Before you sign anything
Canberra granny flat builder checklist
Print this and work through it before you sign a building contract for your Canberra granny flat. It takes about ten minutes and can save you tens of thousands.
Licensing, insurance and approvals
Quote and contract
The build and the site
Handover and warranty
Red flags - walk away if you see these
Questions homeowners ask
Do I need council approval for a granny flat?
Almost always yes - either a full development application or a faster complying-development / private-certifier pathway, depending on your state and block. Never build a habitable dwelling on the promise of 'no approval needed'.
What licence should a granny flat builder hold?
They should hold the residential builder registration or licence your state requires for the contract value, and carry public liability and (where mandated) home warranty insurance. Check the number on the regulator's public register.
Should the price be fixed or an estimate?
For a granny flat, insist on a fixed-price building contract with a clear inclusions list. Estimates and open-ended 'cost plus' deals make it easy for the final bill to blow out.
How much deposit is normal?
Most states cap residential building deposits (often around 5-10% depending on contract value). Be wary of anyone asking for a large lump sum before work starts - payments should follow completed stages.
What warranty do I get?
A registered builder's work is usually covered by a structural warranty (commonly around six years, varying by state) plus a defects period after handover. Get both in writing before you sign.
Can I use a granny flat as a rental?
In many areas yes, but some councils restrict renting a secondary dwelling separately from the main house. Confirm the rules for your zone before you count on rental income.
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