1.Do I need a Council planning permit?
Usually, no. Under Victoria's current rules, a small second dwelling of 60 m² or less on a lot of 300 m² or more, with no triggered overlay (Heritage, Bushfire, Flood and similar) and no reticulated gas connection, generally needs a Building Permit only — no Planning Permit. We run your address through VicPlan for free and give you a straight answer before you commit to anything. If your lot does trigger planning, we tell you up front and quote the extra step.
2.How long does it take, and will my yard become a building site?
Factory pre-fabrication takes roughly 8–10 weeks (as a guide — typical projects can vary with design and council timing). On site, the main module is craned into position in one day, with fit-out, services and handover completed across roughly 2–3 weeks. Because most of the work happens in the factory, the on-site footprint is small and short-lived. You will not have the three-month building-site look of a traditional extension.
3.What does it cost, and what is included?
1-bedroom from $100,000 + GST · 2-bedroom from $160,000 + GST. Every quote is itemised line by line, so you can see exactly what you are paying for.
Included: structure, windows and doors, internal fit-out, kitchen and bathroom, electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, transport and installation.
Not included: site-specific footings or slab preparation, landscaping, fencing, and any mains service connections where required. If the block needs extra ground works, you will see that as a separate, explained line — not buried in the total.
Included: structure, windows and doors, internal fit-out, kitchen and bathroom, electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, transport and installation.
Not included: site-specific footings or slab preparation, landscaping, fencing, and any mains service connections where required. If the block needs extra ground works, you will see that as a separate, explained line — not buried in the total.
4.Is my backyard big enough? What is the minimum block size?
There is no legislated minimum lot size for a small second dwelling in Victoria, but the practical threshold is 300 m²: at or above that, a compliant build generally avoids needing a Planning Permit.
Smaller lots can still work — they simply need a planning application. The real constraint is not the lot size but the usable space: our range runs from a 15 m² studio up to a 59 m² two-bedroom. The only way to know what fits is to measure, which we do for free.
Smaller lots can still work — they simply need a planning application. The real constraint is not the lot size but the usable space: our range runs from a 15 m² studio up to a 59 m² two-bedroom. The only way to know what fits is to measure, which we do for free.
5.Can I build near a large tree?
Often, yes. In most Significant Landscape Overlay areas, keeping the building at least 4 metres from a protected trunk avoids a separate application.
A tree is usually only protected if it is 5 m or taller and has a trunk circumference of 1 m or more measured 1 m above ground. Most backyard ornamental trees do not meet both tests. We check the overlay and the trees during the on-site measure.
A tree is usually only protected if it is 5 m or taller and has a trunk circumference of 1 m or more measured 1 m above ground. Most backyard ornamental trees do not meet both tests. We check the overlay and the trees during the on-site measure.
6.My parents want to move in but keep their own space. Does this work?
This is the single most common reason people build one — and it is the use the arrangement suits best. Everyone is close enough to look after each other, but each household has its own kitchen, bathroom, living space and entrance.
That separation matters. It is the difference between sharing a house and living next door to each other.
That separation matters. It is the difference between sharing a house and living next door to each other.
7.My backyard slopes — can I still build?
Usually, yes. A gentle fall of up to around 1–2 metres across the footprint is normally handled by adjusting the footing and slab design.
We assess and measure the fall during the site visit, and the ground works needed are priced into the quote rather than discovered later. On a steeply sloping block we will also look at repositioning the building, which is often cheaper than engineering around the slope.
We assess and measure the fall during the site visit, and the ground works needed are priced into the quote rather than discovered later. On a steeply sloping block we will also look at repositioning the building, which is often cheaper than engineering around the slope.
8.Can the pets come and go freely?
Yes. If the space is for family, a pet door can be built into the design. If it is a rental, the flooring we use is hard-wearing and easy to clean, which is a practical advantage with animals.
Tell us at design stage rather than after handover — a pet door is simple to include in a new wall and awkward to add to a finished one.
Tell us at design stage rather than after handover — a pet door is simple to include in a new wall and awkward to add to a finished one.
9.Is it accessible for older residents?
Yes — and it is worth deciding this at design stage, because accessibility is far cheaper to build in than to retrofit.
Our designs can incorporate step-free entry, wider doorways and bathroom walls reinforced for future grab rails. If wheelchair access is needed, further adjustments — turning circles, shower configuration, ramp or graded path — can be designed in. Tell us who will be living there and we will build the right version.
Our designs can incorporate step-free entry, wider doorways and bathroom walls reinforced for future grab rails. If wheelchair access is needed, further adjustments — turning circles, shower configuration, ramp or graded path — can be designed in. Tell us who will be living there and we will build the right version.
10.Is there a display I can inspect before I commit?
A display unit is being prepared, and viewings will open by appointment rather than walk-up.
In the meantime we can send you detailed photography, dimensioned drawings and 3D renders of the models you are considering, and we will add you to the viewing list so you are contacted as soon as appointments open. If you would rather see the build quality first, ask us — that is a fair request and we will arrange what we can.
In the meantime we can send you detailed photography, dimensioned drawings and 3D renders of the models you are considering, and we will add you to the viewing list so you are contacted as soon as appointments open. If you would rather see the build quality first, ask us — that is a fair request and we will arrange what we can.
Please note. The information on this page is general guidance for Victorian residential projects and is not legal, planning or financial advice. Permit requirements depend on your individual title, overlays and council, and are confirmed only by that council or a private building surveyor. Rental, yield, tax and payback figures are illustrative only and are not a forecast of your return. Obtain your own planning, valuation and taxation advice before committing to a build.