Garage Conversion into a Modern Granny Flat in Flagstaff Hill

Project Overview

The homeowner wanted a private and comfortable living space for himself, separate from the main house where his daughter and her family live. The solution was to convert an existing double garage into a modern granny flat while retaining part of the garage as a functional single-car space.

The goal was to create a self-contained home that felt practical, modern, and comfortable, without compromising on quality or council requirements. Refresh Renovations managed the project from design through to construction and final handover.

Scope of Work

The renovation involved converting a double garage into two separate spaces:

• A fully self-contained granny flat
• A single garage measuring 5.4 metres in length to meet council standards

The granny flat was designed with modern finishes and thoughtful storage to make the most of the compact space.

Design & Layout Features

The bathroom was carefully designed to maximise functionality in a small footprint. It includes:

• A walk-in shower with a large recessed niche
• A built-in toilet cistern concealed beneath an overhead cupboard
• Discreet night lights installed under the cupboard
  
  
• A hard-wired heated towel rail
• A full-size mirror

Because the ensuite was too small to fit everything comfortably, the vanity was cleverly positioned outside the bathroom. It allowed the space to remain practical without feeling cramped.

The kitchen features a timeless and clean design, including:

• White shaker-style cabinetry
• Space for a full-size fridge
• An under-bench oven with an induction cooktop
• A rangehood with a flue for proper ventilation
• A gunmetal double sink with matching pull-out gooseneck tapware
• A dishwasher for daily convenience

The living area is finished with Quick-Step waterproof laminated flooring. A new double-glazed sliding door opens to the outside, providing energy efficiency and bushfire safety through a steel mesh screen.

A sliding cavity door connects the granny flat to the remaining single garage.

Council Consent & Compliance

Council consent was required due to the change of classification needed to convert the garage into a habitable living space. All approvals were managed throughout the project to ensure the build met council requirements.

Budget & Timeline

The original contract value was $187,000. During the build, the client requested variations totalling approximately $11,000, which covered:

• An upgraded hot water system
• Electrical switchboard upgrades to support the new dwelling

The original timeline was 11 weeks, but the project was completed ahead of schedule.

Trades Involved

The project required close coordination between many trades, including:

• Plumber
• Electrician
• Joiner
• Painter
• Tiler
• Waterproofer
• Flooring installer
• Aluminium door installer
• Concretor
• Pest control
• Air conditioning installer
• Cleaner
• Supervisor

One key lesson learned was the importance of not having too many trades working at the same time in a confined space.

Challenges & Solutions

The main challenge was fitting all required features into a compact ensuite. It was solved by relocating the vanity outside the bathroom, which improved usability without sacrificing design.

The client was initially concerned about council approval and keeping the site clean during construction. These concerns were addressed through clear communication, careful planning, and disciplined site management.

Client Experience

The homeowner wanted a smooth and well-managed build, with minimal stress throughout the renovation. Their main concerns at the start were obtaining council consent for the garage conversion and keeping the site clean and organised during construction.

Refresh Renovations managed the full process, including council approvals, trade coordination, and daily site supervision. It gave the client confidence that everything was being handled correctly and professionally.

The client was design-focused and understood that achieving the level of comfort and quality they wanted would involve a higher investment. They were comfortable with this and appreciated the clear communication around upgrades, variations, and timelines.

Final Result

The completed granny flat is modern, functional, and comfortable. The bathroom design stands out as a highlight, especially the recessed shower niche and thoughtful lighting details.

The space provides the homeowner with privacy and independence while remaining connected to family living next door. The project was delivered on time, to a high standard, and exactly as planned.