Thinking about building a granny flat but not sure where to start?

A plain-English planning guide for New Zealand homeowners who want clarity before spending thousands on plans or builders.

Get the Granny Flat Planning Starter Pack – $57

Building a granny flat shouldn’t feel this confusing.

With new exemption rules, mixed online advice, and rising construction costs, many homeowners feel stuck before they even begin. Common questions include:

  • Do I need a building consent?

  • What paperwork is still required?

  • What size makes sense for my property?

  • How much should I realistically budget?

  • Where do I even start?

This guide was created to give you clarity — without technical jargon or overwhelm.

This guide helps you plan with confidence.

✔ Understand what qualifies as a granny flat — and what doesn’t
✔ Learn the new NZ exemption rules in plain English
✔ Understand PIMs, records, and required documents
✔ Explore common layout options (studio, 1-bed, 2-bed)
✔ Learn realistic size ranges and budget expectations
✔ Use worksheets to plan before design begins

This guide is ideal if you:

✔ Are considering a granny flat for family, income, or flexibility
✔ Want clarity before paying designers or builders
✔ Feel overwhelmed by council rules and online advice
✔ Want to avoid costly mistakes early
✔ Prefer understanding your options first

Inside the Granny Flat Planning Starter Pack:

  • 30+ page plain-English planning guide

  • NZ-specific information (MBIE-based guidance)

  • Layout examples and explanations

  • Budget guidance by region

  • Size planning worksheets

  • Space and priority worksheets

  • Clear next-steps checklist

Delivered as an instant digital download.

Created by Reshaping Spaces

I’m a New Zealand-based architectural designer who works with homeowners every day.

I created this guide to help people understand their options before committing to design fees or construction so they can move forward with confidence instead of guesswork.

This guide doesn’t replace professional advice it helps you know what questions to ask and what decisions come next.

Granny Flat Planning Starter Pack - $57

✔ Instant digital download
✔ Designed specifically for New Zealand homeowners
✔ Start planning today

Get Instant Access

Need personalised help later?

If you’d like support turning your ideas into a workable design, I also offer:

  • Concept starter plans

  • Design direction packages

  • Full 1:1 design support

You can explore those options after you’ve completed the guide.