Custom design

If you’ve explored our pre-designed backyard cabins and granny flats but want to make modifications to better suit your needs, simply let your nearest builder know. If none of the designs are quite the right fit, custom designing your home is a great alternative. As a first step, we recommend working with our design team to create preliminary plans that capture your vision. This will allow you to receive a quote and determine if the design is a good match for your site. At this stage, you should also decide whether you’ll take the DIY route or work with our builders.

If your project is a small cabin and is exempt form council, then skip this step. If you use a private certifier, then discuss your project with him. If your project is subject to a DA, it’s important to check with your local council to ensure your desired plans comply with your lot. Most of the councils have a pre-application meeting in their DA process. During this step, a private certifier or council will assess your proposal and provide feedback on the suitability of the application and plans. This step helps you identify any potential issues early, allowing you to avoid delays or complications later in the process. Also, at this step, you’ll find out if the land is situated in a flood-prone or bushfire-prone area, or if there are any other factors that could impact the design and planning process.

Once your private certifier or the council has deemed your plans feasible, contact your local accredited Scandi Cabins builder to request a price guide or estimate. To provide an accurate quote, they will arrange a property assessment to understand the unique features of your site and discuss any specific planning requirements that need to be met. For a small fee, they will perform a site visit to assess access, slope, vegetation, location of services, and any groundwork that may be required to prepare the site. 

For custom designs, the payment terms of ordering your Scandi Cabin differ slightly. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to place the order, with the remaining 50% balance due before delivery. This is because your custom-designed building is tailored specifically to your preferences and site, making it unlikely to suit another property in the event of cancellation.

Once the deposit is paid, your plans will be sent to the factory design team to create your project. Before production begins, you’ll have the opportunity to review a 3D model and an interactive 360-degree walkthrough to ensure everything meets your expectations.

Lead times from order to delivery can range from 18–26 weeks, depending on the design complexity and potential global shipping delays. These details are a general guide—always consult with your local builder to confirm the exact terms and timelines for your project.

Skip this step, if you’re building a small backyard cabin for use as a pool house or shed, as planning permission may not be required. Your local builder will advise if this applies to your project and location, ensuring that all necessary approvals are in place before construction begins.

If your project is subject to planning or building approval, get all required documentation to complete your project paperwork. These may include a soil report, engineering, contour survey, and energy efficiency assessment. 

With your project approved, it’s time to prepare for the exciting phase: the build! Before your custom-made building is delivered, the site must be prepared, including any necessary excavation, foundation work, and service connections (such as plumbing and electricity). The foundation can be a concrete slab, or a steel or timber subfloor on raised stumps, depending on your site conditions and preferences.

Once your kit arrives, you’ll either observe the process with our builder or experience it firsthand if you’re taking on the DIY option. The Scandinavian building system is known for its ease, speed, and efficiency. While the pre-fabricated structure is typically assembled onto the prepared foundation within a few days, remember that tasks like ground work, foundation, painting, and decking extensions may extend the timeline.

As a general estimate, our cabins are built to lockup within 1–3 days, and to turnkey stage within 10 days. For granny flats, lockup is usually reached within 4–6 days, with turnkey completion in approximately 30 days. Custom designs may take longer, especially if you’re building it yourself.

Now it’s time for the final stage—adding the finishing touches! This includes fittings, cabinetry, paint to complete your new backyard space. If you’ve chosen the turnkey solution with our builders, they’ll handle these details for you. If not, you can enjoy personalizing the interior with your own style and features. Once done, your custom backyard space is ready to be enjoyed!