One of the first questions families ask is: how long until we can move in? The answer depends on several factors, but a typical Caravan Act granny annexe can be ready in 8 to 12 weeks from order to completion. That's significantly faster than traditional building projects. Here's a detailed breakdown of what happens at each stage and what affects the timeline.
The Quick Answer
For a standard granny annexe built under the Caravan Act, here's the typical timeline:
- Initial enquiry to site survey: 1 to 2 weeks
- Design finalisation and order: 1 to 2 weeks
- Factory construction: 4 to 6 weeks
- Site preparation: 1 to 2 weeks (often overlaps with factory build)
- Delivery and installation: 1 to 2 days
- On-site finishing and connections: 1 to 2 weeks
- Total from order to move-in: 8 to 12 weeks typically
Stage 1: Initial Enquiry and Site Survey (1 to 2 Weeks)
The journey begins when you contact us. Here's what happens:
- Initial phone or email conversation about your requirements
- We answer your questions and explain options
- Free site survey arranged at a time convenient for you
- Our surveyor visits, assesses the site, discusses positioning
- We measure access routes, utility connections, and any constraints
- You receive a detailed quotation within a few days of the survey
Stage 2: Design and Specification (1 to 2 Weeks)
Once you're happy with the quote, we finalise the details:
- Choose your annexe size and layout (studio, one-bed, or two-bed)
- Select external finishes: cladding colour, roof style, window frames
- Choose internal specifications: kitchen units, worktops, flooring
- Confirm bathroom layout and fixtures
- Review and approve detailed drawings
- Sign contract and pay deposit to secure your build slot
Stage 3: Factory Construction (4 to 6 Weeks)
Your annexe is built in our factory under controlled conditions:
- Timber frame constructed with precision cutting and assembly
- Insulation installed to exceed building standards
- External cladding, windows, and doors fitted
- Internal walls, ceilings, and floors completed
- Electrical first fix: wiring, sockets, switches
- Plumbing first fix: pipework for kitchen and bathroom
- Quality checks at every stage of construction
Stage 4: Site Preparation (1 to 2 Weeks)
While your annexe is being built, we prepare your site:
- Ground clearance and levelling as required
- Base installation: typically concrete pads or ground screws
- Trenching for electric and water connections
- Drainage installation if required
- Access route preparation for delivery vehicles
- This work usually overlaps with factory construction, saving time
Stage 5: Delivery and Installation (1 to 2 Days)
Delivery day is exciting. Here's what happens:
- Annexe sections transported by specialist low-loader truck
- Crane arrives to lift sections into position
- Sections carefully lowered onto prepared base
- Sections bolted together and made weathertight
- Initial positioning adjustments if needed
- The shell of your annexe is in place within hours
Stage 6: On-Site Completion (1 to 2 Weeks)
The final stage brings your annexe to life:
- Internal joining strips and finishes between sections
- Kitchen and bathroom installation
- Electrical second fix: lights, sockets, consumer unit
- Plumbing second fix: taps, shower, toilet, connections
- Heating system installation and commissioning
- Flooring, skirting boards, and final finishes
- External steps, ramp, or decking as required
- Connection to mains electric and water
- Final clean and quality inspection
Factors That Can Extend the Timeline
Some situations take longer than the standard timeline:
- Planning permission required: Add 8 to 12 weeks for application
- Difficult site access: May need road closures or alternative methods
- Long service runs: Extending electric and water connections takes longer
- Complex ground conditions: Poor drainage or sloping sites need more preparation
- Bespoke designs: Non-standard sizes or features add factory time
- Peak season: Summer months have longer lead times
- Weather delays: Severe weather can affect site work and delivery
Factors That Can Shorten the Timeline
Some situations allow faster completion:
- Stock or display models: Sometimes available for immediate delivery
- Standard designs: Faster to build than bespoke specifications
- Easy site access: Straightforward delivery speeds installation
- Close utility connections: Less groundwork required
- Off-peak ordering: Autumn and winter often have shorter lead times
- Quick decision-making: Prompt approvals keep the project moving
Why Factory Construction is Faster
Our off-site construction method dramatically reduces timelines compared to traditional building:
- Weather doesn't stop production in our factory
- Multiple trades work simultaneously, not sequentially
- Materials are stored dry and ready, no site deliveries
- Precision manufacturing means no fitting problems on site
- Quality control is easier in factory conditions
- Site disruption is minimised to just a few weeks
Comparing to Traditional Building Methods
A traditionally built annexe takes significantly longer:
- Traditional build timeline: 4 to 6 months minimum
- Often extended by weather delays, material shortages, trade scheduling
- Site is a building site for months
- Planning permission almost always required
- Building regulations inspections at multiple stages
- Our method delivers the same quality in a fraction of the time
What You Need to Do
To keep your project on track, we'll need you to:
- Make decisions promptly on specifications and finishes
- Ensure site access is available when needed
- Arrange for utilities to be connected (we guide you through this)
- Be available or designate someone for site access during work
- Provide any required permissions (HOA, neighbour agreements if needed)
- Clear the area where the annexe will be positioned
Conclusion
A granny annexe can go from order to occupancy in just 8 to 12 weeks. That's not a vague promise. It's based on our proven process. Factory construction, efficient site preparation, and experienced installation teams make this possible. If you need an annexe quickly, whether to avoid another winter of worry about an elderly parent, or to provide a home for family returning from abroad, we can help you move fast without compromising on quality. Call us on 01689 818400 to discuss your timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an annexe installed in less than 8 weeks?
Sometimes. If we have a stock model available that suits your needs, or if you're flexible on specifications, we can occasionally deliver faster. Ask us about current availability. Rush projects may incur additional costs.
What's the longest an annexe project has taken?
Complex projects with planning applications, difficult access, and bespoke designs have taken up to 6 months. But these are exceptions. Most projects complete within 10 to 12 weeks from order.
Will bad weather delay my annexe?
Factory construction continues regardless of weather, protecting most of the build. Site work can be affected by severe weather, particularly ground preparation and utility connections. We build realistic contingency into our timelines.
Can I live in the annexe while finishing touches are completed?
We don't recommend it. The annexe needs to be fully commissioned and safety-checked before occupation. However, the finishing stage is typically just 1 to 2 weeks, so the wait is short.
What happens if there are delays?
We communicate proactively if anything affects your timeline. We've been doing this for over 50 years and know how to manage projects. Delays are rare and usually minor. We work with you to minimise any disruption.