A second home in your backyard
A granny flat gives family members a place of their own, makes a quiet home office or studio, or can be rented out for extra income. A shipping container is a strong, weatherproof starting point, and because the steel work is done in our workshop, most of the build happens off site and your backyard is disturbed for a much shorter time.
What we fabricate
- Openings for sliding doors and windows, each framed in steel so the container stays strong.
- Insulated walls, ceiling and floor, so the flat stays comfortable in summer and winter and meets the energy rules.
- Internal framing and lining ready for the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom layout on your plans.
- Rust treatment and exterior paint in the colour you choose, including muted tones where an overlay requires them.
- Decks, steps and awnings made to suit the site.
How it works
- Check your property on VicPlan or with your council to see whether any planning permit or overlay applies.
- Have plans drawn up, and engage a building surveyor for the building permit.
- We quote the fabrication to your plans, and an engineer signs off the structure where needed.
- We fabricate the container in our Keysborough workshop while your site and footings are prepared.
- The container is delivered and placed by crane truck, then licensed trades connect the plumbing and electrical services.
Other container conversions
We also build container site offices, lunchrooms and tool rooms and larger container homes and conversions. Tell us what you have in mind, and we will tell you what is involved and give you a quote.
Common questions
Do I need a permit for a granny flat in Victoria?
A small second home always needs a building permit. Since 8 September 2025, a small second home of up to 80 square metres usually does not need a planning permit in residential zones, but one may still be needed on lots under 300 square metres, in some rural and green wedge zones, and under some overlays such as a Bushfire Management Overlay. Check your property on VicPlan or with your council, and your building surveyor will confirm what applies.
How big can a container granny flat be?
A single 20 foot container gives about 14 square metres and a 40 foot container about 28 square metres. Two or more containers can be joined for a larger home, as long as the total floor area stays within the small second home limit for your property.
Can I rent out a granny flat?
Yes. Under the Victorian rules, anyone can live in a small second home or rent it out, but it cannot be subdivided from the main property.
Who designs it and connects the services?
Your designer or draftsperson prepares the plans and your building surveyor issues the building permit. We fabricate the container to those plans, and licensed plumbers and electricians connect and certify the services. Under the small second home rules, it must not be connected to mains gas. We can coordinate the trades and arrange delivery by crane truck.