When our Client approached Acrow, he had a clear vision: a full-sized granny flat that looked and felt like a real home—with its own garage. The starting point was The Trinity, a popular 3-bedroom design from Acrow’s collection, but a few key tweaks were made to bring it all together.
Now complete in Muswellbrook, this project shows how clients can achieve both comfort and practicality—while staying cost-conscious.
The Design: The Trinity – Modified
The Trinity is one of Acrow’s most spacious layouts, offering three bedrooms, open-plan living, and a full kitchen and bathroom. For Silva’s home, the design was modified to include a garage, a feature not often seen in standard granny flats.
To make it work:
The front door was relocated to the opposite side of the living area
This allowed space to attach a single garage with a panel lift door
Entry is still welcoming, with a Merbau timber deck and stairs at the porch
Despite the addition, Silva stuck to Acrow’s standard inclusions, avoiding unnecessary extras to keep the build efficient and on budget.
Garages and carports can be added to almost any Acrow granny flat—just ask for it to be costed at the design stage.
SOG Construction and Smart Planning
The home was built on a slab-on-ground (SOG) with a drop edge beam, perfectly suited to the site’s fall and soil profile. A timber frame and truss system keeps the construction lightweight and adaptable.
Construction began on 6 December 2024 and reached Practical Completion by 6 June 2025. That’s a 22-week build period, including delays for the Christmas break and extensions of time (EOTs)—well within expectations for a 3-bedroom dwelling with a garage.
Plumbing Performance Solution: A Custom Approach
As part of the planning process, Acrow coordinated a plumbing performance solution to meet local site and drainage conditions. This was developed by engineering consultants to comply with Muswellbrook Council requirements and the National Construction Code, ensuring water runoff and subsurface drainage were properly managed for a long-term, low-maintenance outcome.
From grading the ground away from the footings to sleeving pipes under the slab and using clay backfill to reduce moisture ingress, every detail was covered by the engineering team before construction began.
BAL 12.5 Bushfire Compliance
The property is located in a BAL 12.5 bushfire zone, meaning the build required:
Compliant glazing to windows and doors
Sealed ember-proof construction methods
Fire-rated materials and finishes
These measures were implemented seamlessly without compromising on design or budget.
Client Review: Thoughtful, Cost-Effective Service
Here’s what Silva had to say in his 5-star Google review:
“Acrow Granny Flat had designed a beautiful granny flat at my property in Muswellbrook. Special thanks goes to Acrow Granny Flats sales manager Mick Springs for his exceptional and outstanding customer service, going above and beyond to help the client out and for his smart thinking on how to get the most cost effective solution for the clients. I would also like to thank Crystal, Dario and rest of the team for their support in building this beautiful Granny Flat.”
Silva’s review speaks volumes about the team’s approach. Whether it’s finding practical solutions, meeting bushfire requirements, or adapting designs to suit the land, Acrow focuses on cost-effective outcomes that don’t cut corners.
Granny Flat with Garage Project Gallery
Thinking About a Granny Flat with a Garage?
If you want to build a granny flat with a garage or carport, Acrow can help you modify an existing plan—just like we did for The Trinity.
We handle the entire process, from CDC or DA submission through to final handover, and we’re known for working closely with clients to help them build smarter, not just bigger.
Book a free site inspection today to find out what’s possible on your block—anywhere in NSW or the ACT. We can help you build a granny flat with garage access, storage space, or room for hobbies—whatever suits your needs.
In high-demand rental areas like Shortland, adding a secondary dwelling to your property isn’t just practical—it’s profitable. This recently completed two-bedroom granny flat was built for investment purposes and now generates an estimated $27,000 in annual rental income, based on a current median rent of $525 per week (source: domain.com.au, June 2025).
The Design: The Dock – Modified for Market Appeal
The base design is The Dock, one of Acrow’s most popular two-bedroom granny flat layouts. It’s efficient, attractive, and versatile—perfect for rental use. For this project, a few key upgrades were made to enhance appeal and functionality:
Raked ceiling with square-set cornice to the living, kitchen and dining areas
Island bench in place of the standard L-shaped kitchen for improved flow
Sliding door off the dining area, adding natural light and outdoor connection
Niche to shower, dishwasher provision, and an upgraded toilet
Attached configuration to suit block layout and maximise yard space
The rest of the finishes were kept to Acrow’s standard inclusions—ensuring the project stayed on budget while still delivering a high-quality, low-maintenance home.
Built Fast Under CDC with Steel Frame Construction
Approved via Complying Development Certificate (CDC), this project moved quickly through approvals and construction. The build commenced on 22 January 2025 and reached Practical Completion by 17 April 2025—just 12 weeks on-site.
The structure was built on a slab-on-ground (SOG) using a steel frame and truss system, making it ideal for long-term durability and investor peace of mind.
Compliant with BAL 12.5 Bushfire Regulations
The dwelling meets BAL 12.5 requirements with features that include:
Fire-resistant entry door
Aluminium flyscreens
Eave vents for ember protection
These additions provide protection for tenants and ensure long-term compliance in bushfire-prone regions.
Rental Returns: $525 Per Week in Passive Income
With Newcastle’s ongoing rental demand and land values rising, granny flats like this are a smart move for owners looking to boost yield.
In Shortland, two-bedroom homes are currently leasing for a median of $525 per week, equating to an estimated $27,300 per year in rental income.
That kind of return makes building a granny flat a compelling strategy for:
Generating passive income
Increasing the value of your property
Leveraging underutilised land
Future-proofing your investment
Minimal Extras, Strong ROI
By sticking to standard inclusions where possible, and choosing value-focused upgrades, this investor was able to build an attractive rental property without overspending. It’s a strong example of how Acrow helps clients build for return—not just resale.
Granny Flat Investment Newcastle Project Gallery
Want to Add $27K a Year to Your Investment Property?
A two-bedroom granny flat can generate serious rental income in the right area—and Acrow can help you get there. From concept and approval to construction and handover, we handle the details so you can focus on the return.
Book a free site inspection today to find out what’s possible on your block—anywhere in NSW or the ACT. Find out what’s possible on your block. We build investment-ready granny flats across NSW and the ACT.
For time-poor landlords and property investors, granny flats offer a powerful way to maximise income on existing land. This recently completed two-bedroom granny flat in Metford, built under Maitland City Council via the CDC pathway, is a prime example—delivering an estimated $26k per year in additional income (based on current median rent of $500/week, source: domain.com.au, June 2025).
Built for Investment: Trusted by Buyer’s Agents
This project was commissioned by a buyer’s agent acting on behalf of investors who were building a portfolio and needed high-return secondary dwellings without the hassle.
From design and colours to quoting and construction, Acrow worked primarily with the agent to deliver a turnkey result—with minimal input needed from the owners.
Many buyer’s agents recommend Acrow for our combination of cost-effective builds, fast CDC approvals, and a track record of delivering quality outcomes that suit investment budgets.
The Design: The Dock – Kept Simple and Effective
This granny flat follows the standard Dock layout—a compact two-bedroom home designed for efficient construction, practical living, and broad tenant appeal.
The owners selected standard inclusions throughout, proving you don’t need to upgrade everything to get a high-performing rental. Key features include:
Open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area
Functional bathroom with modern fittings
Built-in wardrobes to both bedrooms
Neutral, low-maintenance finishes ideal for tenants
With its simple, proven layout and no-frills inclusions, the flat ticks every box for long-term rental durability.
Construction: Fast, Reliable, and CDC-Approved
The build was completed in 2024 under a Complying Development Certificate (CDC)—meaning no lengthy council DA process. That’s ideal for investors focused on return timelines.
Built on a slab-on-ground with a steel frame and truss system, the structure is solid, fast to assemble, and suited to long-term investment properties where reliability and low maintenance matter most.
Estimated Rental Income: Up to $26k Per Year
Based on the current median rent of $500/week for 2-bedroom homes in Metford and East Maitland, this secondary dwelling is expected to generate over $26,000 in yearly income—on top of the existing rent from the main home.
Whether used to boost yield or improve cash flow on a negatively geared property, granny flats like this one are one of the smartest add-ons available in today’s market.
Granny Flat Investment in Metford Project Gallery
A Proven Strategy for Busy Investors
This project shows how investors can efficiently add value to existing properties without blowing the budget or overcomplicating the process. Using standard finishes, CDC approval, and a trusted buyer’s agent, the project was simple, fast, and profitable.
Want to Build a Granny Flat Investment in Maitland or the Hunter?
If you’re a property investor—or a buyer’s agent working on behalf of one—Acrow can deliver fast, compliant, investment-grade granny flats across NSW and the ACT. Book a free site inspection today, or contact us to request a quote that suits your budget and your block.
In NSW, most granny flats are capped at 60m² under Complying Development, but this project in Quorrobolong proves there are ways to go bigger—if your land and zoning allow it. For Sally and Ben, that meant working with Acrow to create an 83.8m² standalone home for Sally’s parents, Barbara and John, right on their own rural property.
It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful planning, flexible design and smart navigation of the DA process can create real housing solutions for families—especially in regions like the Hunter Valley.
The Design: Spacious, Self-Contained and Custom
Approved via Development Application with Cessnock City Council, this custom design includes:
Two generous bedrooms with carpet and dual roller blinds
Ensuite and main bathroom, both upgraded with wall-hung vanities, vessel basin mixers, sleek shaving cabinets and Axon feature wall cladding
Open-plan living and kitchen area, with plenty of natural light
A well-appointed kitchen with gas cooktop, dishwasher, microwave provision with drawer, Polytec “Whitewood” overhead cupboards, and Evostone benchtops in “Typhoon”
A striking feature entrance door with sidelights and merbau timber porch
It’s a comfortable, high-quality home—designed to feel more like a rural cottage than a typical granny flat.
Built on Bearers and Joists to Meet Flood Zone Requirements
The site falls within a flood zone, so the build was constructed on bearers and joists—lifting the home to meet elevation and subfloor ventilation requirements. This solution, along with a steel frame and truss system, ensures durability, compliance and long-term performance.
Bushfire Protection: Compliant with BAL 29
Located in a bushfire-prone area, the dwelling was designed to comply with BAL 29, which required:
Aluminium flyscreens and metal ember guards
5mm glazing to windows and 6mm to sliding doors
10,000L water tank with a firefighting outlet
James Hardie Plank cladding and fire-rated roofing materials
Metal external pipes and fittings, sealed LED lighting and appropriate setbacks
These features aren’t just about compliance—they offer real peace of mind for the residents.
Energy Efficient and Comfortable Year-Round
As part of the BASIX commitments, the home includes:
Zoned air conditioning (5kW in the living area and separate system in the bedrooms)
Electric heat pump hot water system
Double glazed aluminium windows
R2.5 wall insulation and R3.0 ceiling insulation
Low-flow tapware, sealed LED lighting and a laundry connected to mains and tank water
Qurrobolong Granny Flat Project Gallery
Why Quorrobolong Is Ideal for a Granny Flat
Set among the rolling hills of the Hunter Valley, Quorrobolong offers large rural lots with ample space for dual occupancy. The area falls within the Cessnock LGA, where zoning and lot sizes can often support secondary dwellings larger than 60m²—provided you go through the DA process.
It’s a great option for families who want to live together while maintaining independence, or who want to prepare for future flexibility.
Cessnock is a large town in the Lower Hunter Region, NSW. It is located 2 hours from Sydney, 45 minutes from Newcastle and just 15 minutes from wine country. This makes it an ideal position for the addition of a granny flat for either an investment opportunity or just creating more room for family members seeking the country lifestyle without being too far from the city.
A Great Outcome for Multi-Generational Living
This project allowed Sally and Ben to bring their family together under one roofline—without sacrificing privacy, space or comfort. From planning and council approvals to construction and handover, the Acrow team ensured everything ran smoothly, even with the additional complexities of flood and bushfire requirements.
Want to Build a Granny Flat That’s Bigger Than the Standard?
Whether you’re housing family or investing in rental income, Acrow can help you explore your options—especially if you have rural or large-lot land across NSW or the ACT.
Book a free site inspection today to find out what’s possible on your block.
If you’re considering adding a studio to your Canberra property, there are a few key things to understand before you get started—especially when it comes to zoning, approval requirements, and how a studio differs from a secondary dwelling.
Studios offer a great option for anyone wanting extra space for short-term guest stays, a home office, hobby room, or teenage retreat—without the additional planning complexity that often comes with a habitable second dwelling.
What Is a Studio?
A studio is a non-habitable building, meaning it’s not approved for permanent living. Unlike a secondary residence (granny flat), studios in the ACT can’t include full kitchen or laundry facilities. However, they can have a bathroom (toilet, shower, vanity) and a wet bar with a sink and as much bench space as you like. That means a studio can be extremely functional while remaining compliant with local zoning laws.
Many Canberra homeowners use studios for:
Short-stay guest accommodation
Detached home offices
Creative spaces or music rooms
Teen retreats or gym spaces
Size and Layout Flexibility
Studios can be up to 90m² in size and may include multiple rooms, such as a bedroom, living area, study, and bathroom. The layout can be customised to suit your needs—whether you want a peaceful workspace or a private guest area that still feels connected to the home.
Studios vs Secondary Dwellings
One of the most important distinctions is zoning. In the ACT, studios are typically approved under Class 10a of the National Construction Code. This classification covers non-habitable buildings like sheds, garages, and garden studios. Because of their classification, studios generally fall outside the definition of a “dwelling”—which under local rules is any building with:
A kitchen
A bath or shower
A toilet
As long as your studio includes only a bathroom and wet bar, it won’t be considered a dwelling, and that often means simpler approvals and fewer zoning restrictions.
Key Compliance Criteria
Although studios are often exempt from requiring a Development Application (DA), there are still specific criteria they need to meet to qualify for that exemption. In the ACT, this is governed by legislation such as the Planning and Development Regulation 2008, particularly Schedule 1, which outlines what can be built without a DA.
Common requirements include:
Setback rules: Structures generally need to be set back 15 metres from the front boundary.
Height limits: The height must not exceed 3m along a boundary, and 4m overall.
Boundary wall size: If the structure is within 1.5m of a side or rear boundary, the total wall length facing that boundary is typically limited to 30m² (e.g. 3m high x 10m long).
Maximum size: In many suburban areas, a Class 10a structure is limited to 50m², depending on block size and location.
No building over easements: The structure must not interfere with utility access. If access needs to be maintained (e.g., for stormwater), you may be required to include service-accessible features like a rear roller door.
These regulations help ensure your new space fits comfortably within your property and doesn’t negatively impact neighbours or services.
What If You Don’t Meet the Standard Criteria?
In some cases, if your preferred design doesn’t meet all the exemption rules, you may still have a path forward. Other planning codes—such as the Single Dwelling Housing Code—can sometimes be used to gain approval, depending on your site and project type.
However, if your studio is designed to function more like a full-time living space with all the features of a dwelling (including kitchen and laundry), it will be considered a secondary residence and will require a full development application. That’s a more detailed process, but it can be done—it just comes with more steps and typically a longer approval timeline.
Why Choose a Studio?
If you’re looking to create a high-functioning space on your block for temporary use—and want to avoid the complexity of building a dwelling—a studio may be the perfect fit. With the ability to include a bathroom and wet bar, you can enjoy comfort and privacy for guests, or a productive and quiet space to work or create.
At Acrow Granny Flats & Home Extensions, we help clients across Canberra design and build custom studios that meet both their lifestyle needs and compliance requirements. We’re across local regulations and can walk you through what’s possible on your block.
If you’re considering adding a backyard studio in Canberra—whether it’s a space to work, train, create, or simply unwind—one of the most common questions is: how long will approval take?
The good news? In many cases, studios in the ACT can be approved without needing to lodge a Development Application (DA). That means fewer delays, less red tape, and a smoother path to getting your build started.
Fast-Tracked Approvals: Class 10a Building Certification
Most backyard studios fall under what’s known as a Class 10a building—a classification used for non-habitable structures such as sheds, garages, and many studio types. These can often be certified through a building approval (BA) process, rather than a full DA, provided your project meets the key planning criteria.
In the ACT, this pathway is referred to as exempt from DA under Schedule 1 of the Planning and Development Regulation 2008. This approach allows a certifier to assess and approve your structure more quickly, often within 4 to 6 weeks, rather than the several months it may take for a development application.
What Makes a Studio ‘Non-Habitable’?
Under ACT legislation, a structure is only considered a dwelling (and therefore not DA-exempt) if it includes all of the following:
A kitchen
A bathroom or shower
A toilet
So if your studio includes only a bathroom or wet bar, or is intended for use as a gym, office, retreat, or creative space, it may still qualify as non-habitable—keeping it eligible for the faster approval process.
Key Planning Requirements in the ACT
Even if your project qualifies as DA-exempt, it still needs to meet certain rules relating to size, height, and placement on your block. Some of the important criteria include:
A maximum floor area of 50m² for structures on blocks larger than 600m²
A minimum 15m setback from the front boundary
Height limits: typically no more than 4m overall, and no more than 3m at the boundary
Specific limitations on wall area and boundary proximity
The structure must not be built over easements or block access to service infrastructure
Meeting these conditions allows your project to be certified by a private building certifier without needing to involve the local council’s DA process.
What If Your Studio Doesn’t Meet These Criteria?
Not all properties are straightforward, and some projects—especially those with added kitchens or more complex design features—will need to go through a full Development Application process. This typically takes longer (often 4–6 months), but it’s still entirely manageable with the right team guiding you through.
At Acrow, we take care of the entire approvals process for you, from initial site checks to certifier coordination and final sign-off—whether it’s a fast-tracked Class 10a structure or a DA-approved studio with full amenities.
A Smarter Way to Add Space in Canberra
Building a studio is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to create extra space without moving house or embarking on a large renovation. And with the right advice, many Canberra homeowners can get started far sooner than they think.
Want to know if your block qualifies for a DA-exempt studio? We’re happy to take a look and give you clear advice upfront—no obligations.
