Modern Studios, Granny Flats, Offices, Roots Homes

I recently had a granny flat/studio built by Roots Homes in Melbourne, and honestly, I've been really happy with both the process and the end result. From the start, they stood out for how straightforward and transparent they were. I spoke with a few other builders before deciding, but Roots Homes gave me the clearest breakdown of what was included, and what the process would look like from start to finish.

The communication was solid throughout. My project manager kept me updated at every stage " from design tweaks and permits to site prep and construction, including images. They were realistic about timing; and delivered close to expected date after approvals, which felt pretty reasonable. What impressed me most was their willingness to get it right and make sure I was happy.

Design-wise, they are modern, stylish and look like a house extension rather than a shed, studio or granny flat. The team helped tailor one of their existing layouts to fit my backyard and needs. I went with a Studio design, as I needed a flexible space from pilates, office, emergency bedroom and playroom. The finished space feels much bigger than I expected " the natural light and storage were really well thought out. The finishes are neat, the insulation works beautifully, and it actually feels like a small home, not a shed or prefab cabin.

The build quality overall seems excellent. The doors and windows close cleanly, the paint and joinery are well done, and even the little details like skirting and trims were finished properly. You can tell they take pride in their work. My neighbour came over when it was done and said it looked like the builder had extended on " clean lines, really tidy footprint and blends well with my current build.

If I had to nitpick, I'd say the only mildly stressful part was the permit stage, which dragged out longer than I expected because of council paperwork. Roots Homes took care of all the permits so there was little for me to do.

Would I recommend them? Absolutely. If you're thinking about adding a studio, granny flat or backyard office, they make the process as painless as it can be. They're not the cheapest option I found, but for the quality and peace of mind, I'd say the value is definitely there.

I'd happily use Roots Homes again.

rootshomes.com.au

Michelle Warmuz