Building tips

Owner-builder know-how

Straight-talking guides to approvals, licensing, compliance and saving money — everything we've learned building granny flats across Canberra & the ACT.

Approval requirements

What the ACT needs before you build — setbacks, plot ratio, and the DA vs exempt path.

Owner-builder licence

When you need an owner-builder licence in the ACT and how to get one.

Adaptable & livable housing

Meeting the Livable Housing Standard so your granny flat suits any stage of life.

Why owner-build?

How owner-builders keep the builder margin and save $60k–$100k.

Garage conversions

Turning an existing garage into a compliant, comfortable secondary dwelling.

The numbers

Rental returns, equity uplift and the real payback on a granny flat.

Quick wins for a cheaper, smoother build

Lock the plan before you price. Changes mid-build are where budgets blow out. Start from a proven design.

Estimate off real prices. A per-m² rule of thumb hides nasty surprises — itemise it.

Track every invoice. Use the free dashboard so budget vs actual never drifts.

Book trades early. The good ones are busy — sequence the slab, frame and roof ahead of time.

Put the tips into action

Grab a free plan and estimate, then track it all in your free dashboard.

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