From First Phone Call to Keys in Hand: Your Granny Flat Timeline, Month by Month (2026)
One of the most common things we hear from Dublin homeowners considering a granny flat is uncertainty about the process itself. Not the cost, not the design — but simply:
“What actually happens, in what order, and how long does each part take?”
This guide walks through the entire journey, month by month, so you know exactly what to expect from the moment you pick up the phone to the day you get the keys.
Month 1: Enquiry and Free Site Assessment
What happens
You get in touch by phone, WhatsApp, or through our website. We arrange a time to visit your property, usually within a week or two.
During the visit, we walk your garden with you, discuss what you’re hoping to achieve—whether it’s family accommodation, rental income, a home office that could later become living space, or supported living for a family member.
We also take measurements and assess access, slope, services, and boundaries.
What you get
An honest, on-the-spot conversation about what’s realistic for your property.
If there are challenges, we’ll tell you immediately—not weeks later.
If everything looks promising, we’ll discuss layout ideas and provide an initial pricing estimate based on similar projects.
Time required from you
Approximately one hour, at a time that suits you.
Month 1–2: Design and Fixed Quote
What happens
Following the site assessment, we develop a custom granny flat design tailored to your garden, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Every design is created specifically for your property rather than using a standard template.
Once the design is complete, we prepare a fixed-price quotation covering:
- Design
- Planning
- Construction
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Flooring
- Plumbing
- Electrical work
- Internal finishes
What you get
Visual drawings of your proposed granny flat together with a detailed written quotation showing exactly what’s included.
Decision point
Take your time.
Many homeowners spend a week or two discussing the proposal with family or comparing options.
We’re always available to answer questions.
Month 2–3: Contract and Planning Application Preparation
What happens
Once you’re ready to proceed, we finalise the contract, including:
- Fixed price
- Project specification
- Payment schedule
We then prepare the complete planning application, including drawings, site plans, and all supporting documentation required by your local council.
What you get
A signed contract providing complete price certainty and a professionally prepared planning application submitted on your behalf.
Time required from you
Simply review and sign the agreement and occasionally provide clarification if requested by the council.
Month 3–6: Planning Permission Process
What happens
The planning application is submitted to your local authority, including:
- Dublin City Council
- South Dublin County Council
- Fingal County Council
- Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council
- Relevant commuter county councils
Most councils issue an initial decision within 8–12 weeks.
During this period we:
- Monitor the application
- Respond to council queries
- Keep you updated throughout the process
What you get
Regular progress updates and the reassurance that experienced professionals are managing communications with the planning authority.
This stage often feels the longest because council timelines are outside everyone’s control.
Month 6–7: Pre-Construction Preparation
What happens
Once planning permission has been granted, we:
- Confirm the construction schedule
- Order materials
- Prepare the site
- Finalise kitchen layouts
- Confirm flooring and finishes
- Select paint colours
What you get
A confirmed construction start date and the opportunity to personalise the final finishes within your fixed-price package.
Month 7–9: Construction
Construction typically takes 9–13 weeks.
Weeks 1–2
Groundworks and foundations, including excavation and concrete foundations.
Weeks 3–6
ICF wall construction, roof framing, and roofing installation.
Weeks 6–8
Installation of windows and external doors together with first-fix plumbing and electrical work.
Weeks 8–11
Internal plastering, flooring, kitchen installation, bathroom fitting, and second-fix services.
Weeks 11–13
Decoration, carpentry, final fittings, snagging, and professional cleaning.
What you get
A fully completed granny flat built from foundations to move-in ready in approximately three months.
You won’t need to coordinate multiple contractors—we manage every stage for you.
Month 9: Handover
What happens
We complete a final inspection together, address any snagging items, and hand over:
- Keys
- Appliance manuals
- Heating instructions
- Warranty documentation
What you get
A fully finished granny flat ready for immediate occupation, backed by ongoing aftercare support.
So—How Long, Really?
A realistic project timeline from your first phone call to receiving your keys is typically 6–9 months.
Typical schedule
1–2 months — Site assessment, design, and quotation
1 month — Contract and planning preparation
2–3 months — Planning permission
2–3 months — Construction and completion
The planning permission stage is usually the biggest variable because council processing times are outside anyone’s control.
Everything else follows a structured, carefully managed programme.
What You Don’t Have to Worry About
Throughout the project, you won’t need to:
- Hire or coordinate multiple trades.
- Prepare planning documents.
- Chase the council for updates.
- Organise material deliveries.
- Manage contractors or project schedules.
That’s what fully managed means at GrannyFlats.ie.
From your first enquiry until handover, you’ll have one dedicated team managing every aspect of your project.
Ready to Start the Clock?
If you’ve been thinking about building a granny flat and wondering how long the process really takes, the first step is a free site assessment.
We’ll assess your property, discuss your goals, and explain exactly what’s possible.
If everything looks suitable, that conversation could be the beginning of a 6–9 month journey to a fully completed granny flat in your own garden.
Call 01 615 5653, WhatsApp 087 288 9127, or book your free site assessment through our website.
GrannyFlats.ie — Family-run granny flat specialists across Dublin for over 10 years. Fully managed from your first phone call to handover.
