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Build · Inspect · Deliver

From the factory to your backyard, step by step.

Your granny flat is built and finished at the factory, inspected and asbestos-tested before it ships, then trucked and craned onto your block. Here is what happens at each step and what you receive.

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Illustration of a unit on its site
  1. Welder working on a steel structure

    Step 1

    Building the frame

    Every unit starts with its frame: galvanised steel sections and tubes, cut, welded or bolted and assembled on a jig. The frame carries the unit, takes the loads of shipping and lifting, and sets its service life.

    Before production starts, you approve the drawings and the specification: size, layout, finishes and options. Nothing is built on an assumption.

    You receive: Drawings and specification to approve before production starts.

  2. Step 2

    Envelope and fit-out

    Then come the envelope and the interior: insulated wall and roof panels, aluminium windows, flooring, wiring, bathroom and kitchenette. The unit leaves the factory finished inside.

    During the build, the factory sends us progress photos, which we pass on to you.

    You receive: Progress photos during the build.

  3. Step 3

    Independent inspection

    When production is finished, an independent inspection company (SGS, Bureau Veritas, QIMA or similar) checks every unit at the factory against a written checklist: dimensions, structure, windows, finishes, fittings and documents. For Australia, materials are also sampled for asbestos testing.

    The factory is paid its balance only after the inspection is passed. Defects are fixed before the unit leaves, not after it arrives.

    You receive: The inspection report with photos, and the asbestos test results.

  4. Container lifted by a port crane

    Step 4

    Loading

    Units are wrapped, braced and loaded into the container. Two Yard 37 units travel end to end in one 40 ft High Cube. Loading can be supervised by the inspector: unit count, condition, bracing and seal number.

    The shipping documents are issued: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and a ChAFTA certificate of origin, for the preferential duty rate under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

    You receive: Loading photos, packing list and seal number.

  5. Container ship at sea

    Step 5

    Sea freight

    Freight is booked by our forwarder and the cargo is insured in transit. You can follow the voyage and the expected arrival date.

    Customs and biosecurity paperwork is prepared during the voyage, including the seasonal brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) measures where they apply.

    You receive: Container tracking and the expected arrival date.

  6. Container port cranes at sunset

    Step 6

    Delivery to your block

    After clearance, the unit is trucked to your site and lifted into place by crane. Access (street width, driveway, gates, slope, power lines, crane position) is checked with you before you get a quote.

    The delivery date is booked with you in advance.

    You receive: A delivery date booked with you.

  7. Step 7

    Installation and handover

    The unit sits on footings or a slab designed for your site by an engineer, then is connected by licensed trades: a NSW licensed electrician issues the Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work, and a licensed plumber connects water and drainage. Construction of a secondary dwelling is done by a licensed builder, and electrical and plumbing work needs a licence whatever its value.

    You receive the full document set: drawings, wiring and plumbing layouts, manuals, inspection reports and the manufacturer's written warranty.

    You receive: The full document set and the written warranty.

Timing

Production takes about 3 to 5 weeks from deposit and drawing approval, depending on the finish. Then come shipping, customs and delivery. The full schedule, date by date, is written into your quote.

Approvals take time too. Start your complying development or development application early: we supply the drawings and documents your certifier needs.