What should I prepare before a granny flat design consultation?
Prepare a current site plan, any existing approvals, photographs of access and the proposed area, and a brief describing who will use the rooms. Add furniture needs, privacy priorities and tasks that must remain possible in the main home. Mark missing information explicitly so the first conversation can separate design choices from investigations still needed.
Sources for this answer:Preliminary agreements
Can an online map confirm where the granny flat will fit?
A map is a screening aid. It can identify a possible area to investigate, but does not establish boundary accuracy, surface levels, underground services or a compliant design. Ask for the relevant site measurements and professional assessment before relying on setbacks or a narrow access route. Keep the map date with the preliminary sketch.
Sources for this answer:Planning property report
Does a clean planning property report mean approval is certain?
No. The report identifies mapped planning information and links to provisions; it is not approval of your proposal. A small second dwelling may still need planning assessment because of the site controls or design, and requires a building permit. Record the current controls and ask the relevant professionals which matters remain unresolved.
Sources for this answer:Planning property reportSmall second homes
Why does a soil report matter before the layout and budget are settled?
Foundation data informs the footing design and the cost assumptions beneath the floor plan. A visually flat backyard does not reveal its soil behaviour or buried obstructions. Ask which investigations cover the actual proposed footprint, what the engineer needs, and whether the quote uses that information. Keep foundation assumptions separate from finishes you can choose later.
Sources for this answer:Foundation data and soil reports
Which details of the existing home should the designer know?
Record doors, windows, outdoor living areas, access to bins and maintenance, roof drainage and existing service equipment near the proposal. Show items to retain and items only tentatively removable. This is a practical coordination record: the designer and relevant consultants still need to establish the applicable clearances and technical requirements for the actual site.
Sources for this answer:Small second homes
Is a 3D design preview suitable for a building permit application?
A visual preview helps you discuss room use and appearance. Permit documentation needs the technical information required for assessment, including the relevant plans, specifications and consultant inputs. Before paying for the next stage, list exactly which drawings will be supplied, who coordinates the missing documents, and whether revision and application work is included.
Sources for this answer:Preliminary agreementsAppointing a building surveyor
How do I brief a compact home without starting from bedroom count alone?
Describe daily routines: where people eat, work, store equipment, dry clothes and welcome visitors. Test furniture and circulation on the plan, including the entrance and bathroom. List essential features separately from preferences. This makes trade-offs visible when a site constraint requires a change instead of treating every feature as equally important.
Sources for this answer:Preliminary agreements
What should a useful site-readiness summary actually say?
It should distinguish evidence received, conclusions reached and questions still open. Name the person responsible for each next step and the document that will resolve it. For example, a clear rear area can be observed while the drainage route remains unconfirmed. A useful summary preserves that distinction rather than labelling the whole site approved.
Sources for this answer:Planning property reportFoundation data and soil reports
Before the next decision
- Current plans and site photographs with dates
- A room-use brief and furniture priorities
- An evidence register with unresolved items and owners
- Written scope for the next design stage