tailored granny flat solutions
a versatile way to increase your living space
If you have the land size to do it, granny flats are a fantastic way to accommodate additional family members for long-term stays while still allowing you to live separately. This solution is perfect for interstate guests, older parents, or grown children who haven’t yet moved out.
Granny flats can also provide the extra space needed for new hobbies or side hustles, giving you room to store supplies and expand your projects.
Three Stems offer custom-designed granny flat plans that are tailored to your block size and desired use. Get in touch to explore your possibilities!
About Three Stems
Hi there, I’m Stella! I’m an experienced residential building designer with a passion for helping Brisbane families make the most of their homes.
If you’re considering extending your living space via a granny flat, I’m here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring the residential building design process is smooth, enjoyable, and tailored to your needs.
Building a granny flat can be an excellent way to increase your property’s worth, and I’ll help you do just that.
In most cases, there is no need for an architect and a draftsperson to draw up your granny flat designs – I can offer compliant building plans tailored to your lifestyle and design preferences.
If you’re also looking to extend, raise and build under or renovate your main dwelling, I can assist with that too!
secondary dwelling design services
Multi-Purpose Granny Flat Designs For Your Evolving Needs
I pride myself on crafting innovative designs that blend style and functionality, creating spaces that are both beautiful and practical.
Whether you’re building a granny flat for additional rental income, a home office, or a space for extended family, I’ll ensure it meets the needs of your family and situation, and beautifully complements your existing home.
Cost Effective Design Solutions That Comply With Regulations
As a licensed and experienced building designer, I provide cost-effective design solutions without compromising on quality, ensuring maximum return on your investment.
My ability to navigate building design codes and Brisbane or Ipswich City Council approvals processes also means your project is more likely to remain stress-free, on-time and on-budget!
Choose The Perfect Palette With A free Colour Consultation
Every design is tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a modern aesthetic or a style that complements your Queenslander or postwar home, I’ll bring your vision to life, creating a space that feels uniquely yours.
As part of my package, you will also receive a FREE 90-minute consultation with an interior design specialist to help you select the perfect colours for your granny flat.
Three Stems Projects
completed residential designs
Check out the below selection of beautiful home and granny flat designs I have completed for my clients. You may find inspiration for your own home!
I have successfully transformed homes across the Brisbane and Ipswish areas, including Moorooka, Salisbury, Yeronga, Holland Park, Greenslopes, East Brisbane, Paddington, Wooloowin, Sadliers Crossing, and Woodend, to name a few.
acacia ridge
Creating a functional space for a growing family
Sadliers Crossing
Part of history
Toowong
When your home is your castle
East Brisbane
Combining the charms of a workers cottage with city requirements
Wynnum West
Open the space and open the opportunities
faqs
have questions about building a granny flat?
How many changes can I make to the plans?
The initial draft will be sent through to you with options, based on the onsite consultation.
The first plan will provide the layout as discussed and an alternative option as applicable. You then have 2 opportunities to make changes to your selected layout.
Can I build over an easement?
Sometimes. This will depend on who owns the easement, and what the easement is for. The certifier will do an application either to the Brisbane or Ipswich City Council, or to Urban Utilities. To find out who owns the easement, a titles search maybe required, which for Queensland properties can be done at this link: https://www.titlesqld.com.au/title-searches/
Can someone help me with choosing colours?
Absolutely! As part of the pre-site package, a 90-minute onsite colour consultation is included free of charge with my Interior Designer Stephanie from Margaux Interiors. If you need further support we can arrange a price for a full specification document to be provided.
Do you provide options for the layout?
Yes! In the first revision I generally provide 2 floor plan options, and sometimes a few different alternative layouts for say the bathroom or kitchen.
What does the pre-site process involve?
The process will get your ideas from your head, onto building design plans, which are then approved by a certifier, meaning you end up with plans that are ready to hand to a builder for construction.
How long does the pre-site process take?
In short, generally 3-4 months from our first site visit to gaining approvals for the build.
The timeline depends on factors like how quickly you make decisions, as well as any site-specific applications or restrictions, such as town planning, relaxations, and BOS applications. Here’s a typical timeline:
- Surveyor: Provides the survey within 2 weeks of the initial site visit.
Once I receive her plans and conduct my site measure, whichever comes last,
- First Draft: Sent within 2 weeks after receiving the survey plans and completing the site measure.
- Subsequent Drafts: Turnaround is significantly quicker.
- Engineer: Takes 2 weeks to complete their part.
- Final Plans: Provided within 1 week after the engineer’s work is done.
- Builder Contract: Now is the time to get your builder to provide the contract.
- Certifier Approval: Takes up to 1 month, depending on the involved applications.
