Minor Dwellings in Tauranga and Bay of Plenty

From granny flats to standalone studios, we design and build minor dwellings that make the most of your section and add real value to your property.

Aerial view of a modern white house with a gray roof, outdoor seating on a wooden deck, manicured lawn, and landscaped garden at the front.

A Stress-Free Minor Dwelling Build

A minor dwelling is one of the smartest ways to add value to your property in the Bay of Plenty. Whether you need extra space for extended family, a home office, a rental income stream, or a self-contained unit for ageing parents, a well-designed minor dwelling can transform how you use your land.

Gardo Group handles minor dwelling projects from initial site assessment through to code compliance certificate.

Hannah designs a dwelling that complements your existing home and makes the best use of your section, while Chris manages the consent process and construction.

The result is a high-quality, purpose-built dwelling delivered on time and on budget.

We build minor dwellings across Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Omokoroa, Te Puna, and the wider Bay of Plenty.

Our Process

From section assessment to handover, every minor dwelling moves through five clear stages. Honest pricing, weekly updates, and one team from start to finish.

Two construction professionals, a woman holding a tablet and a man in a black polo shirt, smiling inside a wooden building framework.

Initial Consultation & Site Visit

Chris and Hannah meet with you on-site to discuss your vision and review your plans. If you have your own architect, we ensure a collaborative approach, working closely with them to understand your design. If you don’t have an architect, Hannah is available to provide in-house architectural design services tailored to your needs.

Design Review & Customisation

If you’re working with Hannah, she’ll create a bespoke design that embodies your vision, while Chris provides practical insights to ensure buildability and cost-efficiency. If you’re bringing your own architect, Chris coordinates to align the construction approach with the design intent, ensuring a smooth integration between design and build.

Planning & Consent

We handle all necessary approvals and consent applications. Chris manages the construction planning and ensures everything is set for a seamless build, working in close coordination with either your architect or Hannah, depending on your chosen path.

Construction & Project Management

Chris leads the construction phase, with a strong emphasis on quality and attention to detail. Hannah remains involved, either as your chosen designer or by collaborating with your architect to make adjustments if needed. Our small, agile team ensures personalised service and a smooth experience throughout the build.

Completion & Handover

We finish by walking you through your new home, addressing any final details and ensuring your satisfaction. Whether you worked with Hannah or your own architect, our commitment to quality and personalised support continues long after you’ve moved in.

Our Guarantee

When you choose Gardo Group, you gain access to a 10-year residential guarantee. As members of both Registered Master Builders and New Zealand Certified Builders, we issue the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee or the Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee depending on which is the right fit for your project. Either way, you get fully underwritten 10-year cover from a long-established New Zealand body.

Partially constructed house with scaffolding in a hilly, grassy landscape under a clear blue sky.

Types of Minor Dwellings We Build

Whether it's a granny flat, rental studio, home office, or guest accommodation, Hannah designs each minor dwelling to complement your existing property and make the best use of your section. Chris manages consent and construction so the whole project runs through one team

Granny Flats

Self-contained units designed for family members who want to live close by while maintaining their independence. We design these with accessibility in mind, including level entry, wider doorways, and accessible bathroom layouts where needed.

Rental Studios

A well-designed rental minor dwelling can generate meaningful income from your existing property. We build to a standard that attracts quality tenants and provides long-term returns, with durable materials and low-maintenance finishes.

Home Offices and Studios

The shift to remote and hybrid work has made dedicated workspaces more important than ever. A standalone studio on your property gives you separation between work and home life without a daily commute.

Guest Accommodation

For properties in the Bay of Plenty, a separate guest dwelling adds flexibility for visitors and can double as short-term accommodation when not in use by family.

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Testimonials

Our first new build after several full home renovations / DIY. Chris and his team were brilliant. The attention to detail was evident throughout. Things were explained at each step, and we were often given options (wrt budget choices). We have a house that we are really proud of. If we ever build new again, we will be with Gardo Group all the way. No hesitation recommending, not a single area of concern or complaint.
John Mellelieu | Renovation
Gardo Group completed some renovations at our home and did a great job. Awsome service, communication and workmanship. I would highly recommend Chris and the team.
Steven Frewin

Frequently asked questions

How big can a minor dwelling be in Tauranga?

Do I need a building consent for a minor dwelling?

How long does a minor dwelling take to build?

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Inquiry

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