“They took my rough ideas and made them a reality”
– T Clausen
It shouldn’t be this difficult, right?
You’d think planning a minor dwelling would be simple. But in reality, it can require as much thought and care as a full-sized home. Here’s why it can feel so overwhelming:
Prefab Frustrations: While many prefabs look great, it doesn’t mean they’ll suit your land, lifestyle, or the style of your existing home — leaving you disappointed and back at square one.
Land Challenges: Blocks with steep slopes, tricky layouts, or tight access often get labelled by builders as “not worth it” or “impossible.” It’s frustrating to see the potential in your property dismissed because of logistical challenges.
Legal Red Tape: There’s no bypassing the legal stuff just because you’re building small. Council approvals, zoning rules, and permits are non-negotiable — and the paperwork alone can feel like a second full-time job.
Finding the Right Builder. You’ve heard the horror stories — builders disappearing midway through a project, delivering shoddy work, or letting your budget spiral out of control. How do you find someone you can trust?
A smarter way to build your minor dwelling
Whether it’s for your family, extra rental income, or simplified living, we’ll build you a minor dwelling that fits your land and lifestyle perfectly — without hassle, without compromise.
Tailored for Your Site: Slopes, tricky layouts, or tight access? No problem. With years of experience turning “impossible” into stunning homes, we build directly on-site to maximise your land’s potential and bring your vision to life.
Seamlessly Integrated Design: Your minor dwelling should feel like part of the property — not an afterthought. Whether it mirrors your main home or stands out with its own charm, we make it feel like it was always meant to be there.
Collaboration at Every Stage: From the first sketch to the last coat of paint, we work closely with you every step of the way — blending your ideas with our expertise to overcome challenges and bring your vision to life with precision and care.
Transparent Pricing: No one likes budget blowouts. That’s why we provide a highly detailed fixed-price quote upfront. With us, you know exactly what you’re getting and can trust there won’t be any nasty surprises along the way.
“A huge weight off our shoulders. We couldn’t be more delighted.”
– Colleen Smith
Our Process
Building a minor dwelling with us isn’t just a transaction; it’s a collaboration. Here’s how we make the process fun and hassle-free:
Step 1 – Viability
We begin by making sure your vision is achievable.
Discuss your brief, budget, and site conditions
Review council regulations and constraints
Confirm building platform and necessary consent
Step 2 – Design
Next, we bring your ideas to life with a detailed plan.
Tailor the design to suit your needs
Collaborate with an interior designer
Confirm claddings & furnishings
Finalise materials, finishes, and pricing
Lock in your quote and contract
Step 3 – Consent
We handle all the paperwork to keep the project moving.
Prepare and submit consent paperwork
Secure council approval
Step 4 – Build
Finally, we bring your minor dwelling to life with precision and care.
Begin construction and provide regular updates
Complete the build to the highest standard
Offer warranty and maintenance guidance
“They helped us make the right decisions for our budget and goals”
– Glen Bremner
Why build a minor dwelling?
Minor dwellings aren’t just about extra space; they’re a way to enhance your lifestyle and maximise your property’s potential. Here’s how they can work for you:
Affordable Living: Minor dwellings give you a cost-effective way to create a home that doesn’t come with an enormous price tag. It’s the perfect step if you’re downsizing, just starting out, or need extra space for your family.
Multigenerational Spaces: Whether it’s a space for aging parents, adult kids saving for their first home, or family members who just need a little extra support, minor dwellings bring everyone together while keeping everyone’s privacy intact.
Investment Potential: Whether you’re renting to Airbnb guests or long-term tenants, minor dwellings are a smart and flexible way to generate consistent income and get the most out of your land.
Simplified Lifestyles: Minor dwellings offer simplicity and minimalism without sacrificing comfort. When built right, they’re energy-efficient and low-maintenance, giving you the freedom to enjoy a more streamlined, worry-free lifestyle.
Still on the fence about a minor dwelling?
We get that building a minor dwelling can feel like a leap, so let’s address some common concerns.
“What if the council says no?” Navigating council rules and regulations can be tricky, but don’t worry; we know exactly how to handle zoning, permits, and any unique challenges your site may have. We’ll make sure everything is in order so you can move forward with confidence.
“I’ve heard prefab is cheaper.” Sure, prefabs can seem like a quick fix, but they’re designed for manufacturing and delivery convenience, not for you and your block. Our on-site builds, on the other hand, fit your land and lifestyle perfectly. No compromises.
“I hear horror stories about budget blowouts.” Don’t worry; with us, there aren’t any hidden costs. Our fixed-priced contracts include detailed cost breakdowns so you won’t be blindsided by unexpected expenses midway through the build.
“What if something goes wrong after it’s built?” Don’t sweat; we don’t just pack up and vanish after the final walkthrough. With our 10-year residential warranty and ongoing support, we’re always just a phone call away.
“Felt like family arriving every morning”
– Colleen Smith
An effortless build starts here
Building a minor dwelling is a bigger commitment than most people expect — but it doesn’t have to be stressful.
From our first chat to the final keys in your hand, we’ll make sure everything’s hassle-free and perfectly aligned with your vision.
You can get started right now by booking a free site visit and showing us what you have in mind for your minor dwelling.
About us
Family-owned and based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Waikato, we specialise in bespoke minor dwellings built directly on-site to suit your land, vision, and lifestyle.
With clear, honest communication and a commitment to high-quality custom designs, we don’t shy away from challenges and will work closely with you to create a space that feels like it was always meant to be there.
Our Minor Dwelling House Plans
Our ready to build Minor Dwelling plans offer flexibility, with each plan fully customisable to suit your unique lifestyle.
FAQs
Can I build a minor dwelling on my property?
That depends on your location and zoning rules. Generally, minor dwellings must not exceed 60 to 65 square metres, and different areas have specific regulations. We’ll help you navigate the requirements.
How much does a minor dwelling cost?
Minor dwellings typically cost $3,000 to $4,000 per square metre. For a 70m² home, you’re looking at approximately $200,000 to $300,000. We provide detailed floor plans and transparent cost breakdowns to make planning easier.
Do I need a licensed or certified builder?
In New Zealand, any restricted building work must be completed by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). We’re certified builders, ensuring your project meets the highest standards.
Let's make your new minor dwelling project our project
