The general requirements for a suitable block to build a granny flat in the Central Coast, Newcastle and Hunter Valley regions are: Maximum floor area 60m2 Blocks 450m2 or greater Land zoned residential 3m rear set back from property boundary (for blocks 900m2 & under) Read our guides on Central Coast Granny Flats and Newcastle Granny [...]
Yes! The government is encouraging the construction of granny flats in most areas via Complying Development Applications. Thanks to updates to the NSW Affordable Housing State Environmental Planning Policy, residential homeowners across NSW can now build a granny flat on their property without needing traditional council approval. As long as certain site and design requirements are [...]
In most cases, yes. However, purchasing an up-to-date Section 149 (versions 2 & 5) Planning Certificate from your local council is best. This will confirm whether or not there are any specific restrictions on your block that may prevent you from building a granny flat. P J Cook Building can also happily arrange for a Section [...]
No, there are no fees for the first site inspection. Call P J Cook Building to arrange a time, and we will meet you on-site to examine your block's suitability and complete a site measure of your chosen design, all free of charge. During the inspection, we will discuss: Which of our standard designs best suits [...]
No. Our design team can customise one of our standard Granny Flat designs to suit your requirements and budget. Alternatively, you can choose from our large range of standard, 1-bedroom-, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom designs. We have a large variety of designs, so you are destined to find a suitable design that works for you, your budget and your backyard. [...]
A Central Coast granny flat typically takes 15 to 18 weeks to build after the design and approvals process is complete and the slab is poured. The design and selection stage can take several months, depending on the level of customisation required. Additionally, council requirements and approvals can extend the timeline. However, with P J Cook [...]
Yes, you can build a Granny Flat on a battle axe block. The laneway to your property must be at least 3m wide, and the dimensions of your lot (excluding the area for the laneway) must be at least 12m x 12m.
In NSW, granny flat regulations allow a maximum internal floor area of 60m², excluding verandahs, decks, patios, porches, or garages. However, the total allowable floor area may vary based on local council restrictions. On the Central Coast, we have successfully built three-bedroom and even two-storey granny flats that comply with specific council guidelines, showcasing the flexibility [...]
Yes, we do. Most granny flats and homes are constructed on a slab on the ground, as it is a cost-effective, durable, and efficient foundation option for many sites. However, there are situations where this may not be the most suitable choice. If your property is located in a flood-affected area, has poor soil conditions, or [...]
Yes, you can choose brick veneer as an exterior finish for your granny flat. It’s a durable and attractive option that complements many home styles while offering benefits like improved insulation and soundproofing. Keep in mind that brick veneer typically comes at an additional cost and will reduce the interior floor space by approximately 3–4 square [...]
