Building a granny flat is one of the smartest ways to increase living space, boost rental income, and add long-term value to your property in the Northern Rivers.
But with council rules, design choices, and construction variables at play, it’s also an easy process to get wrong.
Avoiding these common mistakes can save you thousands of dollars, prevent delays, and ensure you end up with a high-quality secondary dwelling that suits your block, your lifestyle, and your long-term plans.
Here are the top 10 mistakes homeowners make when building a granny flat — and how to avoid them.
Many homeowners assume that every block can fit a granny flat, but that’s not always the case.
In the Tweed Shire and broader Northern Rivers, restrictions may apply around:
How to avoid the mistake:
Book a site assessment early. A quick review of your block can confirm whether you meet the requirements for a CDC (Complying Development Certificate) or whether you’ll need a DA.
A beautiful design won’t work if the block doesn’t suit it. Common issues include:
How to avoid the mistake:
Start with the site first, then choose the design.
Your builder can help you match the right layout to your block and climate.
A well-designed granny flat can:
If there’s even a possibility that you’ll rent out the granny flat in future, your design decisions need to reflect that.
Common oversights include:
How to avoid the mistake:
Design the granny flat as a stand-alone dwelling – even if you don’t plan to rent immediately. It increases flexibility and property value.
In the Northern Rivers climate, outdoor areas are just as important as indoor ones.
Mistake: only designing the internal rooms and forgetting the outdoor experience.
How to avoid it:
Consider adding:
These simple additions dramatically enhance livability and rental appeal.
Most budget blowouts occur because homeowners:
How to avoid it:
Get a detailed, itemised quote upfront — not just a rough estimate — including site works, finishes, approvals and utilities.
Many families build granny flats for elderly parents but forget about basic accessibility features.
Common issues:
How to avoid it:
Even if needs change later, designing with accessibility in mind makes the dwelling more functional and future-proofed.
Cheapest rarely equals best — especially with secondary dwellings.
Mistakes homeowners make:
How to avoid it:
Choose a builder who:
Small spaces NEED smart storage.
Mistakes include:
How to avoid it:
Integrate storage early in the design stage — it makes the granny flat more functional and spacious.
This is one of the biggest regrets homeowners have after the granny flat is built.
Common problems:
How to avoid it:
Consider:
Even though many granny flats qualify for CDC (Complying Development), the rules can be complex.
Homeowners often:
How to avoid it:
Work with a builder who understands local approvals, especially CDC pathways which are often faster than DA.
But avoiding these common mistakes is the key to a smooth, stress-free build.
If you’re considering a granny flat in the Northern Rivers or Tweed Shire, Artisan Designer Constructions can guide you through:
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