You own a block, or a backyard, and you want a modular home or a granny flat on it. The hard part is not choosing a floor plan. It is knowing what your council allows, whether a truck and crane can reach the spot, where the services connect, and what it will really cost. The EcoPrestige Domestic Program answers those questions in two steps, so you know where you stand before you commit to drawings and permits.
Why modular fits a home or granny flat
Our homes are built from engineered structural steel modules, made and inspected in an offsite factory. Most of the work happens indoors, away from your yard. Your site sees footings, services and delivery, then the modules are craned into place. A home is typically Class 1a, confirmed by your building surveyor. If you are still comparing options, read modular vs portable vs transportable buildings.
Step 1: feasibility on your site
Step 1 tells you whether the project works on your land before you spend on drawings. It covers:
- What is allowed. The planning and building rules that apply to your lot.
- Truck and crane access. Whether modules can be delivered and lifted into place, and from where.
- Services. Where water, sewer, power and stormwater connect, and what may need upgrading.
- The cost to supply. The modules, with the supply price quoted for your site.
- The cost to build. The site work around the modules: footings, connections and finishing.
In Victoria, Step 1 also includes a site survey and a site layout showing where the home sits on the block. If you are about to buy land, see modular feasibility before you buy the site.
Step 2: design, permits and build
Step 2 turns the feasibility into drawings, approvals and a finished home. Each state says who may prepare the drawings and who may build. Step 2 is done by the licensed or registered practitioner your state requires. EcoPrestige supplies the modules and the module documentation. The building surveyor or certifier assesses and certifies the work.
The approval path, state by state
Victoria
Design, permit documentation and construction are contracted by our sister company DST Project Management and Construction Pty Ltd, registered domestic builder CDB-U 72187. If you already have a builder, they can build using our bill of quantities. A small second dwelling up to 60 m2 usually needs no planning permit under the VC253 change of December 2023. A building permit is always needed. See modular granny flats in Melbourne.
Queensland
EcoPrestige does not offer design in Queensland. Permit drawings are issued under a QBCC licensed building designer. Queensland Planning confirms that since 26 September 2022 a granny flat, or secondary dwelling, can be rented to anyone. Building approval is still needed, and each council sets its own size limits. See modular construction in Brisbane and Queensland.
Tasmania
EcoPrestige does not offer design in Tasmania. Permit drawings are issued by a licensed Tasmanian building designer, and a local builder carries out the site work.
NSW, WA, SA, ACT and NT
Drawings, permits and the build are handled by the licensed or registered practitioner and builder each state requires. EcoPrestige supplies the modules and works with that team on the module details.
What does not fit
- Blocks where no truck or crane can reach the build spot.
- Steep or tight sites where the footings and access cost more than the home is worth.
- Lots where the planning rules do not allow a second dwelling.
- Owners who want to skip the building permit. Every home needs one.
Step 1 is there to find these problems early, while changing course is cheap.
The programme
Once permits are issued, factory and site work run in parallel. The modules are built and inspected in the factory while the builder prepares footings and services on your block. Time on site is shorter, so your yard is a building site for less time. Delivery and craning usually take place over a short window, then the builder makes the connections and finishes the work.
What to send us
To start Step 1, send:
- 1. Your address and state.
- 2. What you want to build: a main home or a granny flat, and how many bedrooms.
- 3. Photos of the site, including the street and the access path to the build spot.
- 4. Any survey, title plan or drawings you already hold.
- 5. Whether you have a builder, or want one through the program.
- 6. When you would like to move in.
You can also reach us through the contact page.
Domestic Program questions from homeowners
What happens in Step 1 of the Domestic Program?
We check what is allowed on your lot, truck and crane access, services, the cost to supply and the cost to build. In Victoria it also includes a site survey and site layout.
Who prepares the drawings and builds my home?
The licensed or registered practitioner your state requires. In Victoria that is our sister company DST Project Management and Construction Pty Ltd, registered domestic builder CDB-U 72187, or your own builder using our bill of quantities.
Do I need a permit for a granny flat in Victoria?
A small second dwelling up to 60 m2 usually needs no planning permit. A building permit is always needed.
Can I rent out a granny flat in Queensland?
Yes. Since 26 September 2022 a granny flat can be rented to anyone. Building approval is still needed and each council sets size limits.
Can you tell me the price now?
Not before Step 1. The supply price is quoted for your site once we know access, services and what is allowed.
Ready to check what fits on your block?
Send the site, the use and any drawings to prebuilt@ecoprestige.com.au or download our technical brochures.