Granny flats, chalets, log cabins

Many people are now realising that they do not need or want a large space to live in. Large houses are more expensive to build, cost more to furnish and heat and take longer to clean! A granny flat, chalet or log cabin however can be affordable, easy to maintain and provide a truly sustainable approach to living. Because they are constructed in our Solid Timber style they are naturally warm and healthy, and earthquake proof too. Fraemohs Homes have been designing and manufacturing small timber homes in New Zealand since 1968.

Multiple uses

At Fraemohs Homes we find that customers are looking for small homes and secondary dwellings for a wide variety of purposes. Some of the common reasons for wanting to build a granny flat or log cabin are:

For a granny flat or sleep-out to accommodate older relatives or teenagers;
As a chalet for hotel or motel accommodation
Log cabins are a fabulous option for holiday parks
To use as a home office
To rent out to earn extra income
For a holiday home or bach
As a starter home on a lifestyle block.

We have a number of very clever granny flat designs available in our Solid Timber and Transportable ranges are often well suited to these situations. Our homes are transportable so you can relocate it to another site if you wish to ever do in the future. So for example, your mountain chalet could become a beach bach down the track.

Clever design to make the most of a small space

We practice Scandinavian architectural principles to make the most of every centimetre of space. The Karamea is 65m2 but comfortably includes 2 bedrooms, a modern kitchen and open plan living area, plenty of storage space and a separate, easily-accessed laundry.

Custom design your log cabin

Maybe you like one of our plans, but want it done a little bit different. Or maybe you want something entirely unique and just for you. From over 50 years building homes, there’s hardly a scenario we haven’t dealt with. Our in-house architects and detailers work closely with our custom design customers to create small homes which look and feel great. And because our architects understand the cost inputs of our homes, you can be assured you’re not going to experience the all too common budget blowouts from dealing with independent architects. A staggering 80% of architectural designs never get built, because the architect has produced designs which are unaffordable to build.

Working in with local council requirements

A floor area of just under 65m2 complies with the district plan requirements of many local Councils for minor dwellings or family flats, including those in the greater Christchurch area. As requirements vary around New Zealand, your local Council will be able to advise you of the specific requirements that apply in your area, or we are happy to assist you with this research, and help you develop a floor plan to suit.

Other secondary dwelling or small home options

Other granny flat or small home options we have available include the Little Owl which has one-bedroom and a floor area of 44m2.