Granny flat resources for homeowners

This video explains what homeowners need to do when building a granny flat under the exemption.

It covers:

• choosing the right pathway
• meeting legal and building requirements
• working with professionals
• managing the build and completion.

Your two options

If you're thinking about building a granny flat, there are two possible pathways:

• use the granny flats exemption
• apply for a building consent and follow the standard process.

The exemption can make things simpler, but only if all its conditions are met.

When the exemption applies

The exemption only applies if the granny flat is:

• new
• standalone
• single storey
• up to 70 square metres.

If any condition is not met, the work is not exempt and a building consent is required.

Important safeguards

The exemption also comes with these important safeguards:

• The work must fully comply with the Building Code.
• Licensed building professionals must be involved.
• Natural hazard risks must be managed.
• Councils must be notified before building work starts and after completion.

And most importantly, choosing the exemption does not reduce your legal responsibilities as a homeowner.

The granny flats exemption is only a building consent exemption. Early in your planning, you need to check:

• planning and site rules
• relevant planning rules
• bylaws
• covenants
• whether the site is affected by unmanaged natural hazards.

Costs, finance and insurance

You should also look at costs, finance and insurance from the start.

Even without a building consent, there can still be costs for:

• design
• professional services
• project information memorandum (PIM) fees
• development contributions
• construction
• insurance
• financing.

Lenders and insurers may also want proof that the building is legal and Building Code compliant. Talk to them early about what documentation they will require.

Use the professionals

You need the right team.

Building work on a granny flat must be carried out or supervised by licensed building professionals. In almost all situations that can include your:

• designer
• builder
• plumber
• drainlayer
• electrician
• gas fitter (if needed).

Homeowners cannot carry out restricted building work themselves unless they are appropriately licensed.

Before building work starts

You must apply for and receive a granny flat PIM before work starts.

The PIM is not an approval.

The PIM:

• application formally notifies the council before work begins
• council provides to you has site-specific information.

It gives you site specific information to help you design and build lawfully. It may include information about:

• natural hazards
• infrastructure
• bylaws.

If development contributions apply, they are notified separately alongside the PIM.

During the build

During the build, manage changes carefully.

Even small changes can affect whether the exemption still applies. These might be changes to:

• layout
• size
• height
• materials
• services.

Quality checks of building work

Because councils do not inspect exempt work, quality assurance checks are especially important.

Checks at key stages can help identify issues early and support your compliance records for extra peace of mind.

Homeowners can use independent inspections at key stages of the build, but there is no requirement to do so.

Issuing the PIM

Once your PIM is issued, you generally have two years to complete the build unless an extension is granted.

If the PIM lapses, the exemption no longer applies.

When the granny flat is complete, collect the required records from your professionals and send them to the council within 20 working days. That includes:

• records of work
• trade certificates
• final plans
• any other required completion documents.

You also need to pay any development contributions that apply.

What the council does

Councils:

• issue PIMs
• provide additional information
• receive and store completion records
• take enforcement action if needed.

Councils do not:

• approve or inspect exempt work
• certify Building Code compliance
• issue a code compliance certificate for homeowners.

Key points

The key is to:

• make the right choice early
• do the checks properly
• use licensed building professionals
• manage the build carefully
• keep clear organised records during and after the build.

More information

Download this handy quick guide to help you through the process.

Homeowner quick guide: granny flats building consent exemption [PDF 1.2MB]