Building a granny flat is a major decision, financially and emotionally. Whether you’re adding a dwelling for an elderly family member, looking to generate passive income, or planning for future resale value, choosing the right builder is critical to the success of your project.

There are plenty of granny flat builders Melbourne investors can choose from, but not all are equal in quality, transparency, or long-term value. Asking the right questions upfront helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures your support dwelling is compliant, cost-effective, and built to last.

1. Are You Registered, Licensed, And Fully Insured?

This is your first non-negotiable. Your builder should be:

• Registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA)
• Covered with current public liability and builder’s insurance
• Able to provide case studies or completed projects as proof of experience
  

Hiring an unlicensed builder may save money short term, but it exposes you to risk, potential legal issues, and expensive rectification work. Innovista Group ensures full transparency on licensing and insurance to give clients peace of mind from day one.

2. Is Your Quote Truly All-Inclusive?

One of the most common traps in granny flat construction is a quote that seems competitive but excludes major costs like finishes, heating, permits, or service connections. Ask:

• Does the price include all council planning fees, permits, and approvals?
• Are appliances, flooring, kitchens, and bathrooms part of the base cost?
• Are service connections (electricity, plumbing, stormwater) included?

Innovista Group offers a fully inclusive pricing structure. The 1-bedroom granny flat cost for the Lana 43 is:

• $208,000 for the Signature package
• $240,000 for the Luxe package

Both options include all standard inclusions, council compliance, and handover-ready finishes.

3. What’s The Full Timeline From Initial Consultation To Handover?

Timelines impact everything, from rental income planning to family living arrangements. Ask your builder for a week-by-week breakdown, including:

• Consultation and initial site assessment
• Planning permits and design consultation
• Actual construction period
• Handover process

Here’s Innovista’s standard build timeline:

• Initial consultation: 1-2 weeks
• Design consultation and permit process: 4-6 weeks
• Construction: 14-20 weeks
• Handover: 1 week
  

That totals approximately 20-28 weeks, depending on site complexity and council approvals.

4. Do You Handle Council Permits And Planning?

Planning overlays, zoning restrictions, and building codes vary across Melbourne’s 31 councils. Choose a builder with in-depth knowledge of your local regulations and the ability to manage:

• Site analysis and surveys
• Planning permit submission
• Building approval coordination
• Bushfire, flood, and heritage overlays

Working with experienced granny flat builders Melbourne clients trust, like Innovista, means avoiding months of delays and navigating red tape with confidence.

5. How Flexible Is the Design?

A great granny flat is one that’s tailored to the needs of the occupant. Whether it’s a rental investment or a dwelling for aging parents, ensure the design allows for:

• Step-free entries and wide hallways
• Custom kitchen or bathroom layouts
• Outdoor space for independence and comfort
• Material or façade upgrades to match your home

Innovista’s Lana 43 design, for instance, comes standard with open-plan living, ample natural light, and 7-star energy efficiency. The design can be easily adapted with accessibility features or layout changes to suit tenants or family members.

6. Can You Show Me Typical Rental Returns?

Granny flats can be a smart way to boost passive income if designed and located correctly. Ask your builder if they can provide rental comparisons or projected yields based on similar builds.

With Innovista, many clients achieve:

• $400 per week from a Lana 43
• $500–$550 per week from a Lana 60 (2-bedroom)

This equates to 10-12.5% gross yield, significantly higher than Melbourne’s average of 3.5-4.5%. For those interested in long-term growth and cash flow, understanding expected rental returns is critical.

Using your granny flat builders Melbourne for insight into the design that improves rental appeal can increase the investment’s performance significantly.

7. What Kind Of Warranty Do You Offer?

Never skip this question. Structural integrity and long-term performance rely on strong post-build support. Ask:

• Is there a 10-year structural warranty?
• Do you provide a maintenance or defects liability period?
• Will I receive all compliance certificates at handover?

All Innovista builds come with a full 10-year structural warranty and documented compliance certificates, making future refinancing or resale easier.

8. How Will This Impact My Property Value?

A professionally designed and legally compliant granny flat can add $80,000 to $120,000 in value, depending on location, market trends, and design quality.

Ask your builder:

• What valuation uplift have past clients experienced?
• Do you design to suit future resale as well as current use?
• Can the dwelling be separated for future dual occupancy approval?
  

Innovista’s dwellings are designed to meet not only compliance but also valuation criteria, ensuring your property value grows along with your rental income.

9. What Makes You Different From Other Builders?

This final question often reveals more than any technical detail. Look for alignment with your goals, whether that’s passive income, family support, or high-performance design.

Innovista Group’s point of difference lies in its investment-first approach:

• All-inclusive pricing between $208K–$240K
• Focus on return, not just build quality
• Quick build time and efficient planning
• High-spec finishes at a price point that undercuts competitors while delivering more

They don’t just build; you get a team that understands future-proof design, rental compliance, and market performance.

Final Thoughts: Build With Clarity And Confidence

Hiring the right support dwelling builder in Victoria means more than just comparing prices. It’s about selecting a partner who understands your goals, your land, and your future plans.

To recap, when speaking to potential builders, always ask:

• Are they licensed and fully insured?
• Is pricing all-inclusive and transparent?
• What is the full timeline and process?
• Do they understand rental markets and resale value?
• Will they assist with council permits and compliance?

When it comes to building smart, a quality 1-bedroom granny flat can unlock powerful benefits, whether it’s for lifestyle flexibility or strong returns. Knowing the true 1-bedroom granny flat cost, and choosing one of the best granny flat builders Melbourne has to offer, sets you up for success.

Your future granny flat could be just a conversation away. Contact us and let’s make it happen.