When Laurie and Monica began exploring the idea of adding a granny flat to their Katoomba property, they had a clear goal in mind. They wanted a self-contained home they could rent out — something that would feel warm, welcoming and practical for long-term tenants, while adding genuine value to their property.
But their site came with a complication: being located in a bushfire-prone area meant their new build had to comply with BAL 19 construction standards. This ruled out the faster Complying Development route and required a full Development Application (DA). What they needed was a builder who understood the local conditions and could guide them through the extra approvals with confidence.
That’s where Acrow Granny Flats came in.
A Design with Real Home Comfort
After discussing their goals, Laurie and Monica chose The Trendy Plus — a 60 m² two-bedroom design that feels more like a small home than a secondary dwelling. The “Plus” version takes the popular Trendy layout and enhances it with a larger kitchen and a European laundry, giving the space a more sophisticated, lived-in feel.
Acrow’s team tailored the design to suit the Katoomba site, building on bearers and joists with a timber frame and truss system for strength and durability. Inside, hybrid vinyl plank flooring was installed throughout the living areas for easy maintenance, while the bedrooms were carpeted for warmth and comfort. Outside, merbau stairs and decking added a natural finish that blends beautifully with the mountain surroundings. A carport was also included, offering convenient covered parking for future tenants — an important feature in Katoomba’s climate.
Built for Bushfire Safety
Because of the property’s BAL 19 rating, every element of the build was carefully selected to meet bushfire construction requirements — from ember-resistant materials to specific glazing and joinery details. Acrow managed the DA submission and coordinated compliance with council and bushfire authorities, ensuring that Laurie and Monica’s investment was not only safe but fully approved and future-proofed.
The project was completed in 18½ weeks, a strong result given the site and approval complexity. From start to finish, the Acrow team handled every stage, providing a seamless experience that gave Laurie and Monica peace of mind.
A Ready-Made Investment
The completed granny flat offers everything tenants look for in a quality rental: spacious living, a well-equipped kitchen with dishwasher, internal laundry, outdoor deck, and off-street parking. It’s a comfortable, compliant, low-maintenance home — exactly what Laurie and Monica had envisioned.
Their property now includes a second dwelling that will provide reliable rental income for years to come, all while increasing the overall value of their home.
Katoomba Granny Flat Gallery
Want to Build a Granny Flat in Katoomba or Blue Mountains?
Katoomba and the wider Blue Mountains region present unique challenges for secondary dwellings. Bushfire zoning, sloped blocks and environmental overlays often mean projects can’t proceed under CDC rules. That’s why working with an experienced builder who understands local council requirements and BAL construction is essential.
Acrow Granny Flats has helped many clients across bushfire-affected areas of NSW design and build compliant, comfortable, and attractive granny flats — turning complex approvals into smooth, rewarding projects. With local experience and hundreds of completed projects across NSW, we understand the requirements of Blue Mountains councils and deliver high-quality results that add value to your property. From compact one-bedroom designs to larger custom layouts, we’ll guide you from approvals through to handover.
Explore our granny flat designs or book a free site assessment to start planning your granny flat in Katoomba today.
Why Choose Acrow Granny Flats?
Building a granny flat is a big decision, and choosing the right builder makes all the difference. At Acrow, we pride ourselves on being the builder that clients can trust and rely on.
- Proven Track Record – With projects completed across the Central Coast, Illawarra, Canberra, and beyond, our portfolio speaks for itself.
- Clear Communication – Clients receive regular updates so they always know what stage their build is at.
- Efficient Timelines – We set realistic build times and stick to them, even when projects involve unique challenges.
- Quality First – From strong steel frames to thoughtful finishes, every detail is handled with care.
- Support at Every Stage – From the first site assessment through approvals and construction, our team makes the process straightforward.
Many clients, like John in Dapto, come to Acrow after experiencing delays or setbacks elsewhere — and find the stability, organisation, and workmanship they were looking for.
Book a free site inspection for your Granny Flat on the NSW South Coast – or anywhere in NSW or ACT
Whether you’re creating a rental investment, a space for family, or a future-proof addition to your property, Acrow Granny Flats can help you achieve it. From DA submissions to final handover, our team delivers quality construction, honest guidance, and real value for your investment.