Early result
Free Snapshot
Likely, uncertain or high-risk summary
Full Report · $97 + GST
Expanded explanation of the result
Free snapshot · full report $97 + GST
Granny Flat Feasibility Report NZ — check your site before you spend thousands.
Before you pay for plans, commit to a kitset or ask a builder to price the job, get a property-specific snapshot showing whether your site looks promising, uncertain or high risk.
If you progress with ArchSolutioNZ for the next paid concept-feasibility or design stage within 14 days, the $97 report fee is credited toward that work.
NZRAB Registered Architect #6195Building consent specialistsSite-specific desktop reviewNationwide New Zealand support
Bottom line
The 2026 exemption helps, but it does not make every backyard automatically buildable.
Eligible new, standalone, single-storey dwellings up to 70 m² can use the building-consent exemption, but the Building Code, planning requirements, PIM process, professional responsibilities and every exemption condition still matter. Your site also has to work.
Read the official Building Performance guidance≈ $700
Potential PIM spend
Save the council fee for a project worth pursuing
Why risk around $700 before you know the granny flat idea deserves the next step?
Council fees vary, but some published residential PIM and lodgement charges total around $700—and extra processing can still apply. Start with our free property snapshot, identify the obvious risks first, and spend the larger council fee when the project has a clearer path forward.
A PIM is still required before construction starts under the granny flat exemption. This early check helps you decide whether you are ready to invest in that formal step.
Avoid the wrong first spend
Know what needs checking before you buy plans, a LIM or a kitset.
The snapshot is not a shortcut around proper due diligence. It helps you put that due diligence in the right order—before a footprint, deposit or design fee narrows your options.
- See whether 30 m², 50 m² or 70 m² looks realistic for the site.
- Flag flood, slope, services and planning issues while your options are still open.
- Learn whether a PIM, property file, survey or specialist review should come next.
- Avoid treating ‘no building consent’ as ‘no rules, records or professional input’.
A low-risk first decision
Free snapshot vs full property-specific report.
You receive useful direction for free. Unlock the detailed evidence only when you can see that it is worth paying for.
Main opportunities and red flags
Free Snapshot
Included
Full Report · $97 + GST
Included with detailed site notes
Maps and source evidence
Free Snapshot
Preview
Full Report · $97 + GST
Readable evidence and annotations
Planning and exemption review
Free Snapshot
Headline summary
Full Report · $97 + GST
Detailed property-specific comments
Hazards, services and drainage
Free Snapshot
Headline summary
Full Report · $97 + GST
Detailed risks and investigation notes
Consultant and cost guidance
Free Snapshot
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Full Report · $97 + GST
Included
Recommended next steps
Free Snapshot
Brief direction
Full Report · $97 + GST
Prioritised action plan
Inside the review
Six questions the full desktop report helps answer.
Every property is different. The report turns general granny flat rules into a more useful first decision for your address.
Size, siting and coverage
We review the likely building platform, existing development, separation, setbacks and whether a smaller footprint may be the more realistic option.
Planning and exemption pathway
We flag zoning, overlays and obvious district-plan risks, then test the idea against the core Schedule 1A characteristics.
Flood, flow paths and levels
Mapped flood hazards and overland flow can affect finished-floor height, foundation strategy, drainage and where the building should sit.
Slope and land hazards
We identify visible slope, instability or landslide susceptibility that may call for geotechnical advice before plans are locked in.
Services and drainage
We review visible public wastewater and stormwater information and flag the private connection questions that still need confirmation.
The smartest next investigation
You receive a practical sequence for any PIM, property file, survey, geotechnical, flood or concept work that should follow.
Evidence from real work
From desktop risk review to a buildable concept.
The $97 report is an early filter, not the finished design. If the site looks promising, measured information, accurate siting, plans and elevations turn that direction into a coordinated project.
Explore Feasibility & Planning
Choose your starting point
Start free. Pay only when the detail is useful.
Free Snapshot
$0
For owners who want a property-specific first indication before spending.
- Early result
- Main opportunities
- Main red flags
- Full-report preview
Best first paid step
Full Feasibility Report
$97 + GST
For owners who want readable evidence and a prioritised next-step plan.
- Planning and pathway comments
- Hazard and services evidence
- Consultant and cost guidance
- $97 credited toward the next paid stage
Concept Feasibility
Next stage
For projects ready to move from desktop review to measured siting and concept direction.
- Property information review
- Measured siting and coverage
- Preliminary concept options
- Consultant briefing
A simple sequence
Four steps before you commit to the wrong path.
- 01
Send the address
Tell us where the property is, the size you are considering and what you hope to achieve.
- 02
Receive the snapshot
See whether the site appears promising, uncertain or high risk, with the main flags.
- 03
Unlock the detail
If the preview is useful, unlock the complete desktop report for $97 + GST.
- 04
Choose the next step
Use the findings to prioritise council information, specialists, concept work or design.
Architect-led guidance
Independent advice before a supplier’s solution shapes the question.
ArchSolutioNZ helps homeowners understand building-consent pathways, council information and practical site constraints. The report is designed to give you a realistic starting point—not false certainty.
Start here
Choose your granny flat starting point.
Choose the level of support you want, then send the property address and your idea. Your selection comes through with the enquiry.
- Useful for homeowners, buyers, investors and agents.
- Ideal before paying for plans, a LIM, builder quote or kitset deposit.
- Full report fee credited if you proceed to our next paid stage within 14 days.
Frequently asked questions
Granny flat feasibility report questions.
Clear answers before you spend money in the wrong order.
Do not guess. Check the site before you spend thousands.
Start with the free snapshot. Unlock the full $97 + GST report only when the detail is useful.