Expand your space with self-contained living solutions.
Quality Minor Dwellings
& Granny Flats
Extra Space Without
The Extra Hassle
Creating more space shouldn’t mean leaving the home, neighbourhood, or lifestyle you love. Whether you want room for extended family, a private space for teenagers or guests, or an additional income stream through a rental unit, a well-designed minor dwelling can completely transform the way you live and use your property.
At Gareth Davis Builders we build quality minor dwellings, granny flats, sleepouts, and small homes across North Canterbury, Christchurch, Waimakariri, and Hurunui. We focus on creating functional, stylish spaces that add genuine value to your property and lifestyle.
With the introduction of the new 70m² building consent exemption, building a granny flat can now be a more streamlined process in the right circumstances. If you would like to understand how the exemption works and whether your property may qualify, you can read our full guide to the 70m² granny flat building consent exemption.
We work closely with our designer to offer you a full design and build service and manage the building process from start to finish, helping make the experience straightforward and stress-free.
Types Of Minor Dwellings We Build
Granny Flats & Self-Contained Units
Independent Living, Right At Home
A granny flat is the perfect solution for elderly parents, adult children, or guests, offering a comfortable, self-contained space with privacy and convenience.
Standalone Sleep Outs & Home Offices
Extra Space For Work Or Relaxation
Need a dedicated home office, creative studio, or guest room? A custom-built sleepout offers a functional retreat without compromising your main living area—and it may be exempt from council consent.
Guest Houses & Airbnb Units
A Smart Investment For Additional Income
Short-term rentals like Airbnb units provide a great return on investment. Our expertly crafted guest houses offer a comfortable, high-quality stay for tenants or visitors.
A Seamless Build,
From Concept To Completion
01.
Initial Consultation
Catch up with Gareth to discuss your ideas, budget, and whether your site is likely to suit a granny flat or minor dwelling.
02.
Site Feasibility
A designer or planning professional carries out a feasibility assessment to check zoning, planning rules, services, access, and site constraints. This is an important early step and usually involves a small upfront cost.
03.
Concept Plans & Pricing
We work with a designer to develop concept plans and provide preliminary pricing tailored to your site and goals. We can work with a designer of your choice, or one of our trusted designers.
04.
Approvals & Final Sign Off
Plans are completed for council approval while fixtures, finishes, and final pricing are confirmed. Once approved we sign a Master Builders Contract, and apply for your 10-Year Guarantee. Then it’s all go.
05.
Construction
With consent approved, we start building. We manage the entire build process and keep you updated throughout, ensuring your new granny flat comes together smoothly and to a high standard.
06.
Completion & Handover
After final inspections and sign-off, we hand over your completed minor dwelling ready for living, renting, or welcoming family into their new space.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Granny Flats
What is the difference between a granny flat and a minor dwelling?
The terms are often used interchangeably in New Zealand. A granny flat or minor dwelling is a small, self-contained home built on the same property as an existing house.
Can I build a granny flat without building consent in Christchurch and North Canterbury?
Under the new 70m² building consent exemption, some standalone granny flats can be built without a building consent if strict criteria are met. However, council rules, building code requirements, and other approvals still apply. For more information, read our article about the Granny Flat Exemption.
How much does it cost to build a granny flat?
The cost of a granny flat depends on factors such as size, design, site works, foundations, services, and level of finish. We can help guide you through realistic budgets based on your goals and site requirements, however most dwellings fall between $3000-$4000 per square metre.
Can you build granny flats larger than 70m²?
Yes. We can build larger minor dwellings and standalone homes through the standard consent process where permitted by council rules. A resource consent is required if the dwelling is bigger than what is permitted by your council zoning rules.
What areas do you service?
We build granny flats and minor dwellings across Christchurch, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Pegasus, Amberley, Waimakariri, Hurunui, and wider North Canterbury.
Do you offer fixed-price contracts?
Yes, we typically work with fixed-price contracts to give you certainty and peace of mind around the overall cost of your project. Once work is underway, if any unforeseen work arises, we’ll discuss any required variations with you and seek approval before moving forward.
What Our Clients Say
Expand Your Home With
A Smart Living Solution
A minor dwelling is a cost-effective, practical way to create extra space or generate rental income without the need for a major renovation or move. Let’s discuss your needs, budget, and options to build the perfect granny flat, sleepout, or guest unit for your home.
