When planning a flexible living space and adding a backyard home, there’s a world of options available beyond traditional construction. You’ve likely come across various terms like granny flats, modular homes, prefabricated, transportables, tiny homes, kit homes and pods. This range of options can be exciting, but also a bit confusing to decide which one suits your needs best. Some companies use these terms interchangeably adding to the complexity.

Here, we’ll break down each option, covering the pros, cons, and key features to help you make the most informed decision for your new backyard build.

A Breakdown of Different Backyard Home Options

Each type of backyard home has unique benefits, so let’s explore which is best suited for your needs.

Granny Flats

A granny flat is a fully self-contained unit, typically including a kitchen, bathroom, and one or two bedrooms, constructed right in your backyard. Built on-site, granny flats are an ideal choice for properties with stricter access requirements or challenging layouts, where transporting a prebuilt structure may not be feasible. Granny flats offer a comfortable, independent living space perfect for elderly family members or adult children, and they’re also highly sought-after in Perth’s rental market, making them an excellent source of rental income. Unlike cheaper, imported kit homes that can lack durability and quality, Perway designs each granny flat with energy efficiency, and comfort in mind, featuring passive principles and using high-quality materials specifically suited to Perth’s climate. These energy-efficient units ensure year-round comfort, blending durability with sustainable living tailored to Australian conditions.

What are Prefab, Modular, Transportable Kit and Tiny Homes?

Each type of structure involves prefabricated building techniques, meaning parts or whole sections are built off-site and transported to your location.

Modular Homes/ Modular Granny Flats

Modular homes and modular granny flats in Perth are quickly becoming a top choice amongst homeowners seeking a high-quality build with maximum efficiency. Prefabricated/ Constructed off-site in a controlled environment, these homes can be delivered as a complete building or in sections to be assembled on your property, offering all the durability and style of a traditional home in a fraction of the time. For families who want a stylish, sustainable living space without lengthy construction timelines, modular homes offer customisable designs, energy efficiency, and streamlined installation.  The homes are then permanently fixated to your backyard through setting up of services etc.

At Perway, our energy-efficient modular display home in Greenwood showcases Passive House principles suited to Perth’s climate. With a durable timber frame, ventilation cavity for air quality, HVAC system, and double-glazed windows, this display demonstrates the exceptional comfort and energy savings that a Perway modular home provides. Contact us to book a tour and experience the quality for yourself.

Transportable and Portable Homes

Transportable homes (also known as portable homes) are built off-site and delivered to your location as a complete unit. Transportable homes offer a quick, flexible setup and can even be relocated if needed. However, they may have fewer customisation options and may not offer the same durability as modular or site-built options.

Tiny Homes

Tiny homes have surged in popularity for their compact, efficient designs. Usually under 400 square feet, these homes can be built on wheels or a fixed foundation, making them versatile for mobile or permanent living. While they’re charming and affordable, tiny homes suit minimalist lifestyles and are best for those who prefer a smaller footprint.

Pods

Pods are small, prefabricated structures often used for home offices, gyms, or guest rooms. They offer a quick solution for extra space and can be easily installed in your backyard.

Kit Homes

Kit homes arrive as a set of pre-fabricated parts for assembly on-site, offering a more DIY approach to homebuilding. Though kit homes are often marketed for their affordability, many are imported from overseas, and quality can vary. Some cheaper options may lack the durability needed for Perth’s climate, potentially leading to higher maintenance costs. Working with a Perth-based builder like Perway can offer a more tailored, Australian-made solution that withstands local conditions.

On-Site vs. Off-Site Construction: Which Is Better?

Traditional backyard homes are built on-site, but modern options are increasingly constructed off-site for greater efficiency. Prefabrication, or off-site construction, offers many advantages, including reduced waste, fewer delays due to weather, and less disruption to your property. This streamlined process allows for rigorous quality control, often making off-site builds faster and more eco-friendly. By reducing labour costs and minimizing material waste, prefab homes also become more cost-effective.

However, site access is essential when choosing off-site construction. Transporting large structures like modular or transportable homes to your property can add costs, especially if access is limited.

Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Backyard Home

To simplify your decision, here are some key questions to ask any company before committing to a backyard home:

1. Is it built on-site or off-site?
   Understanding if the build will happen on your property or be delivered as a prebuilt unit will give you a clearer idea of the timeline and setup involved.
2. Is it permanent or portable?
   Some homes, like tiny homes or transportables, are designed to be mobile, while others, like modular homes and granny flats, are permanent. It’s essential to know upfront what you’re investing in.  This will have an impact if you are seeking finance.
3. Are there any hidden costs?
   Some companies may leave out crucial details like site preparation or delivery fees. At Perway, we provide transparent pricing so you know exactly what’s included.
4. Is it customizable?
   Modular homes and granny flats typically offer a range of design options, while tiny homes or kit homes may be more fixed in layout.
5. Does it come fully self-contained?
   Some backyard homes are fully equipped with a kitchen and bathroom, while others may offer only the shell. Make sure it meets your requirements.

Choosing the Right Backyard Home for Your Needs

Selecting a backyard home can be daunting, but understanding your options and asking the right questions will help ensure a smooth process. Whether you’re drawn to a tiny home, a family-sized modular home, or a custom granny flat, prefab solutions offer modern designs, environmental benefits, and faster build times compared to traditional construction.

Ready to explore high-quality, Australian-made options for your backyard? Contact Perway, your trusted granny flat builder in Perth, for a consultation today!