Granny Flat Design & Build North Shore

Are you looking to add a self-contained living space to your North Shore property? Whether it's for ageing parents, grown kids, or rental income, a granny flat is one of the smartest investments you can make. At Refresh Renovations North Shore, we specialise in designing and building high-quality granny flats that make the most of your section.

Please note: Granny flats and minor dwellings start from $180,000.

Why choose Refresh Renovations for your granny flat?

We manage the entire process from concept to completion. Your dedicated North Shore Renovation Consultant is your single point of contact, handling every aspect of the project so you don't have to coordinate trades, chase council, or second-guess the process.

• Complete project management: design, planning, and construction all under one roof
• Trusted network: access to reliable builders, tradespeople, and suppliers across the North Shore
• Risk management: careful planning and oversight to minimise delays and unexpected costs
• Custom solutions: every granny flat is tailored to your site, budget, and lifestyle

Granny flat services on the North Shore

• Custom granny flat design and build
• Self-contained living units
• Site assessments and feasibility studies
• Garden studios and secondary suites
• Interior fit-out and finishing
• Council consents and applications
• Insulation and energy-efficient solutions

Council consents and regulations

Navigating Auckland Council rules can be one of the more daunting parts of any granny flat project. We make it simple.

Building consent

Most granny flats on the North Shore require building consent from Auckland Council to confirm the build meets the New Zealand Building Code for safety, durability, and energy efficiency.

From January 2026, certain granny flats up to 70m² may be exempt from formal building consent if they meet national exemption criteria. Even in these cases, a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) is required before construction begins, and council notification is necessary once the work is complete.

Resource consent

Some projects also require resource consent under the Resource Management Act, particularly where the build doesn't fully comply with local planning rules such as:

• Zoning and land use restrictions
• Setbacks from property boundaries
• Height and coverage limitations
• Proximity to natural hazards or protected areas

Our team will assess your property and handle any required applications before work begins.

Why work with Refresh Renovations

Consents, compliance, and construction coordination - we handle it all. Our experienced project managers take care of the paperwork so you can focus on the end result.

Get started today

Your granny flat is closer than you think. Book a free, no-obligation consultation with a North Shore Renovation Consultant and let's talk through what's possible on your property.