Plan a prefab granny flat, backyard guest house or accessory dwelling unit around local approval, bedrooms, utilities, access and installed cost.
Check local meaning before using ADU or granny flat
ADU, granny flat, backyard house and guest house can have different legal definitions. Confirm planning, setbacks, occupancy and utility rules with local professionals.
- Record assumptions and exclusions.
- Ask for model-specific drawings or schedules.
- Confirm destination-side costs and responsibilities.
Select a model around daily living
A practical brief covers occupants, bedroom privacy, bathroom access, kitchen ventilation, laundry, storage, daylight, heating or cooling and accessible entry.
- Record assumptions and exclusions.
- Ask for model-specific drawings or schedules.
- Confirm destination-side costs and responsibilities.
Review site access before choosing house size
Record gate width, road access, crane position, overhead obstacles, foundation area and the clear space needed to open an expandable unit.
- Record assumptions and exclusions.
- Ask for model-specific drawings or schedules.
- Confirm destination-side costs and responsibilities.
Budget the complete installed project
Include permits, professional services, foundations, freight, unloading, utility upgrades, connection work, decks, stairs and landscaping in addition to factory supply.
- Record assumptions and exclusions.
- Ask for model-specific drawings or schedules.
- Confirm destination-side costs and responsibilities.
Define the business case before choosing a model
Record whether the project is for residential sale, rental income, hospitality, workforce accommodation, commercial operation, emergency use or an internal facility. Add expected occupancy, operating period, unit quantity, target opening date and return-on-investment priorities.
- Record assumptions and exclusions.
- Ask for model-specific drawings or schedules.
- Confirm destination-side costs and responsibilities.
Start with the site and destination constraints
Document the exact site, destination port, climate, wind and snow exposure, corrosion risk, access width, turning space, crane position, foundation conditions, utilities and local approval route. These factors can change the recommended product, structure and delivered cost.
- Record assumptions and exclusions.
- Ask for model-specific drawings or schedules.
- Confirm destination-side costs and responsibilities.
Compare an equivalent technical specification
Ask suppliers to identify structural system, steel specification, wall and roof build-up, insulation, floor, doors, windows, electrical standard, plumbing, bathroom, kitchen, furniture, exterior package and installed equipment. A product name alone is not a comparable specification.
- Record assumptions and exclusions.
- Ask for model-specific drawings or schedules.
- Confirm destination-side costs and responsibilities.
Compare floor plans and operational usability
Check external and internal dimensions, usable area, room count, circulation, furniture clearance, bathroom access, kitchen ventilation, storage, maintenance access and utility points. Approve a dimensioned drawing rather than relying on a staged rendering.
- Record assumptions and exclusions.
- Ask for model-specific drawings or schedules.
- Confirm destination-side costs and responsibilities.
Build a complete landed and installed cost
Separate factory supply, optional fit-out, packaging, inland transport, export handling, ocean freight, destination charges, customs, inland delivery, unloading, crane, foundations, assembly, utility connections, permits, inspections and contingency.
- Record assumptions and exclusions.
- Ask for model-specific drawings or schedules.
- Confirm destination-side costs and responsibilities.
Evaluate packing, transport and site installation
Confirm folded or packed dimensions, unit weight, container quantity, accessory packing, lifting points, assembly sequence, crew requirements, tools, weather protection, temporary supports and installation responsibilities.
- Record assumptions and exclusions.
- Ask for model-specific drawings or schedules.
- Confirm destination-side costs and responsibilities.
A practical inquiry checklist
- Country, destination port and exact site
- Application, occupants and operating model
- Quantity and preferred delivery schedule
- Layout, bathroom, kitchen and furniture scope
- Climate, structural criteria and document requirements
- Foundation, access, crane or assembly constraints
- Trade terms and landed-cost items
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an online price or loading number as a final budget?
Use it only as an initial reference. Final values require a current model, scope, quantity, packing plan, route and destination quote.
What should I send a supplier first?
Send country, port, site, use, quantity, preferred product or layout, climate and target schedule.
Who confirms local compliance?
The buyer should coordinate with qualified local professionals and authorities. The manufacturer can provide relevant product information and current documents for review.
