Adding a luxury granny annexe is more than just a home improvement — it’s an investment in your family’s comfort and future. Whether you’re creating a safe, independent home for an older relative, welcoming space for guests, or a flexible living solution for the years ahead, choosing the right provider makes all the difference.
At Homelodge, one of the first questions we hear is: “How long does it take?”
The good news is that we manage the whole process, from design to delivery, so that you don’t have to worry about the finer details. Since 1986, our team of dedicated experts have built and installed well over two thousand granny annexes across the UK. Over the years, we’ve refined our process, making it as clear and stress-free for our customers as possible.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at our step-by-step approach to creating your fully-equipped, completely bespoke granny annexe, exploring what to expect when you choose our family-run business, and how long each stage typically takes.

 

Initial Enquiry & Design Consultation 

Step 1: Your First Conversation 

Everything starts with a chat. Call us or enquire through our website and our friendly team will  guide you through your options and answer your first questions. 

Another bonus is our beautiful show lodges, where you can see the quality of our craftsmanship  firsthand and gather inspiration for your own design. If travelling to our Winchester factory site  is a little too far, we can also arrange for you to visit one of our completed annexes closer to  home, giving you the same chance to experience the space in person and hear firsthand from  owners about their Homelodge journey. 

Do you need accessibility features for an elderly relative? Do you have specific ideas around  style inspiration? Or are you simply beginning to dream about the perfect space and looking for  some expert guidance to bring it to life? 

Wherever you are in the process, our team can guide you through layout options, style  preferences, and access needs. When you’re ready, we’ll arrange a design consultation. This is  where we take the time to listen carefully to your ideas, explore accessibility requirements, and  talk through design choices in detail. No two families or gardens are the same, so no two luxury  granny annexes are the same, we’ll make sure your new space reflects exactly what you need.

 

Step 2: A Free Site Visit & Survey 

Next, we’ll visit your garden to carry out a free survey. This is an important stage to ensure your  annexe sits perfectly within its surroundings. 

This process can even be undertaken before you commit to buying a property. By liaising with  your agent, we can arrange to survey the garden in advance, giving you peace of mind that your  chosen home can accommodate the annexe you envision. 

Our experienced surveyor will look at: 

  • How the annexe will connect to utilities such as water, electricity & foul drainage • Access routes for installation 
  • Ground conditions, slopes, or nearby trees
  • Any planning or conservation considerations 

This means we can design an annexe that complements both your house & garden. Once the survey is complete, we’ll provide you with a tailored design and a clear quotation. 

 

Step 3: Planning Permission, Simplified 

Planning permission can feel daunting, but with Homelodge, it’s straightforward. 

Because our annexes are built under the Mobile Homes Act and conform to BS3632:2023  standards, planning permission is not usually required. To protect your investment, we’ll supply a Certificate of Lawful Development confirming your new home is legally compliant. We have a 100% success rate with installing luxury garden rooms we’ll handle all communication with your Local Planning Authority, giving you complete peace of mind. 

We will also apply for Building Regulations for drainage connections to a mobile home,  ensuring you have all the necessary certification from your local authority.  

 

Step 4: Finalising Your Design 

You will join us at our factory offices for a Final Details Meeting, where you’ll have the benefit  of exploring our vast array of samples to choose every detail of your granny annexe. We’ll  advise you on design, make any adjustments needed to your layout, and ensure every feature  from accessibility and finishes to overall style is just right. 

To keep you sustained throughout the day, we’ll provide a lovely lunch while you work with our  team. You’ll also have the added advantage of visiting our show lodges, which will be a key tool  in finalising your styles and helping you see ideas come to life before signing everything off.

 

Step 5: Built in Britain, Off-Site 

Your luxury granny annexe is then crafted in our UK factory in Winchester, Hampshire, where  every structure is engineered to exacting standards. Off-site construction means our annexes are  manufactured under controlled conditions and scheduling which ensure: 

  • Consistently high quality 
  • Predictable and efficient lead times 
  • Energy-efficient insulation
  • Reduced on-site waste 
  • Sustainable material utilization 
  • Reduced carbon footprint 
  • Far less disruption at your home

Step 6: Delivered & Installed with Care 

The journey from design to reality becomes truly exciting when your Homelodge annexe is  delivered and installed. During the first two weeks, our expert groundworks team will  carefully prepare your site, ensuring everything is ready for a smooth installation. By handling  the foundations and services to site with precision and care, we ensure the site is ready on  time for the delivery of your new annexe. 

The annexe can be craned into position as a complete unit, or, where site access is limited, it  can be delivered in pre-engineered modular sections designed for rapid on-site assembly,  ensuring installation efficiency and eliminating access constraints. Upon completion, Tom, our  Contracts Manager, will schedule a final walk through of your annexe to carry out a  comprehensive quality control inspection. During this process, he will explain the operation of  all systems and features, ensuring full functionality and confirming your complete satisfaction. 

 

How Long Does It All Take? 

While each project is individual, the full process usually takes around 6 – 10 months from initial  enquiry to moving in.

 

Why Families Choose Homelodge 

  • Over 39 years’ experience in designing luxury garden rooms, and more than 2,000  installations completed 
  • A family-run team dedicated to personal, friendly service 
  • Fixed pricing with no hidden costs 
  • Fully insulated, year-round comfort with high-spec finishes 
  • A complete service , from design and planning to handover 
  • Fantastic Google reviews, don’t take our word for it, read them for yourself.  • 100% Success rate in gaining local authority approval.
  • VAT is Zero rated saving you 20% on alternative property improvements.  

 

Ready to Begin your Luxury Granny Annexe With  Homelodge 

From your first phone call to the moment you step inside, we’ll take care of every detail. Adding  a Homelodge luxury garden room or granny annexe is easier than you might think and we’re  here to guide you all the way. 

Get in touch today to book your free consultation and start planning your granny annexe with  confidence.