When it comes to building a granny flat or secondary dwelling, homeowners are often faced with a big decision early on: do I engage an architect or draftsperson separately and then take the plans to a builder, or do I go with a company that handles both design and construction?

While both approaches have their merits, there are some very real benefits—both practical and financial—to working with a single company for the full design and build journey. Here's why.

Minimise Unnecessary Costs from the Start

One of the most overlooked advantages of engaging a builder from the beginning is the ability to design with buildability—and your budget—in mind. For instance, excavation can be a major cost driver in construction. A builder reviewing the plans early can provide insights into how to adjust the layout, site levels or footing design to avoid expensive and unnecessary excavation works.

At Bungalow Homes, we’ve often helped clients tweak designs to work more efficiently with the natural fall of the land, saving thousands in excavation and retaining costs—without compromising the overall design intent.

Avoid Rework and Costly Plan Modifications

When plans are drawn by designers or architects who aren't collaborating closely with the builder, there’s a higher risk of needing changes later on. Builders may have practical or cost-saving preferences that weren’t considered in the original plans. This could mean redrawing plans to suit, or worse—lodging a Modification to your Development Application (Mod-DA) or Complying Development Certificate (Mod-CDC), which adds time, paperwork, and more cost.

By contrast, a design and build approach ensures that architectural and engineering plans are prepared with the builder’s expectations and construction techniques in mind. This coordination helps streamline the approval process and can reduce unexpected surprises once construction starts.

Right-Sized Engineering, Not Over-Engineering

When engineers work independently of builders, there’s a tendency to over-engineer elements of the build—often to protect against liability or simply due to a lack of builder input. This can lead to overspending on unnecessary structural elements, footings, or materials.

With a design and build team, engineers work alongside builders to deliver solutions that are both safe and efficient. You're not paying for more than what’s needed to meet code and deliver a long-lasting structure.

Better Communication, Simpler Process

Managing multiple consultants—architects, engineers, certifiers, builders—can quickly become a full-time job. When one company manages the entire process, communication is simplified. You have a single point of contact, a single contract, and a team that’s accountable from start to finish.

At Bungalow Homes, our clients often tell us how much they appreciate not having to play the go-between. Our in-house team works closely from concept to completion, so nothing is lost in translation.

Are There Downsides?

Of course, no approach is without drawbacks. Some clients enjoy the creative freedom of working with an independent architect and then tendering the project to different builders. And not all design and build companies are created equal—some may prioritise cost over quality, or limit you to a very narrow design scope.

But with a reputable company like Bungalow Homes, you’re not locked into a cookie-cutter solution. We offer both fully custom builds and our curated Signature range of pre-set designs, all backed by quality construction and practical, real-world design thinking.

Why Bungalow Homes?

By choosing Bungalow Homes, you get the best of both worlds: a team of designers and builders who collaborate from the start, ensuring your granny flat or studio is designed to suit your block, your budget, and your lifestyle—with no nasty surprises along the way.

Our design and build approach saves you time, money, and stress. We do all the thinking for you, so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying your new space.