What to Consider Before Buying a Granny Flat or Garden Room in Adelaide
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
If your home is starting to feel cramped - growing kids, working from home, or simply needing more space - you’re not alone.
Across Adelaide and South Australia, more homeowners are choosing to add a granny flat, detached dwelling, garden room, or backyard studio instead of moving.
With rising interest rates and the cost of upgrading homes, creating additional space on your existing block has become one of the smartest ways to improve both lifestyle and property value.
But before choosing a builder, there are a few important things to consider.
1. Don’t Be Drawn in by Low Prices
Not all granny flats or garden rooms are created equal.
Many advertised “from prices” only include the basic external shell, leaving out essential components like:
Site preparation
Footings
Electrical and plumbing
Internal finishes
What looks like less of an investment, can quickly increase once these are added.
2. Council Approvals Matter
If a company tells you that approvals aren’t required, this should raise concern.
In most cases across South Australia, approvals are required depending on:
Size
Use (habitable vs non-habitable)
Location on your block
Skipping this step can lead to costly issues later.
3. Understand What’s Actually Included
Transparency is key when comparing companies.
Ask:
Is this a lock-up structure or a full turnkey solution?
Are bathrooms, kitchens, and internal finishes included?
Are there any hidden costs?
At Inoutside, we focus on clear, upfront pricing so you know exactly what you're getting.
4. Consider the Company’s Experience and Longevity
A well-built granny flat or garden room should last decades.
Look for a company that:
Has proven experience in prefabricated buildings in Adelaide
Offers warranties
Has a consistent build process and in-house team
5. Think Long-Term Value
Adding a backyard studio or granny flat in Adelaide isn’t just about space - it’s about flexibility.
It can be used as:
A home office
Guest accommodation
Rental income
A retreat or studio
Done well, it can significantly increase your property’s value and usability.
Thinking About Adding a Granny Flat or Garden Room?
If you're exploring options in Adelaide or South Australia, we’d love to help.
At Inoutside, we design and build high-quality, fully finished prefabricated garden rooms and granny flats, in our Adelaide warehouse, with a clear and transparent process from start to finish.
You can:
