Custom Cabin Builders Nelson
“Your Vision, Our Craftsmanship, Exceptional Results”
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Cabin Options How Much to Build a Cabin in Nelson
Budget Spec
Our budget spec cabins are designed for affordability and functionality, using durable materials like corrugated iron and painted plywood. A simple interior fit-out creates a cost-effective solution, making them ideal for extra space or practical backyard use.
$20,000 – 30,000*
Mid Range
Our mid-range cabins offer a balance of style and durability with corrugated iron walls and a timber feature wall. Painted interiors, optional laminate flooring, and larger windows create a comfortable and versatile space, perfect for guest stays or creative studios.
$45,000 – 60,000*
Luxury Build
Our luxury cabins combine modern design with premium materials like hardwood floors, ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Bespoke design features and gable roofs make them ideal for accommodation units, sleepouts, or stylish backyard retreats.
Est: $95,000+
Learn More About Us
At Nelson Cabin Builders, we specialise in building high-quality cabins and fully self-contained granny flats with solid, house-like construction. We don’t build kitsets or temporary-style buildings — everything we do is custom built onsite by qualified builders, supported by an LBP with over 35 years of experience.
We design and build a wide range of cabins and granny flats, from compact cabins through to fully self-contained granny flats up to 70 m², including kitchens, bathrooms, living areas and bedrooms — all tailored to your site, needs, and budget.
The New 70 m² Rules – What You Need to Know
Under recent changes to building regulations, it’s now possible to build a standalone, fully self-contained granny flat up to 70 m² without a building consent, provided it meets the required conditions. These include having a simple design, complying fully with the New Zealand Building Code, and being built or supervised by licensed professionals. Council notification is still required, and plumbing, drainage and electrical work must be completed and certified correctly.
We help guide clients through this process so everything is done properly, compliantly, and with no shortcuts.
How We Work & Pricing
All of our builds are completed on a time and materials basis, using an hourly rate plus materials. We don’t offer fixed-price contracts.
Before work begins, we provide an estimate calculated on the high side, giving you a realistic upper figure from the start. Our goal is always to complete the build below that estimate, so you’re not hit with unexpected costs.
This approach allows flexibility for site conditions and custom work, while ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the build.
Based in the Top of the South Island, we pride ourselves on clear communication, honest advice, and workmanship we’re proud to stand behind. From the first conversation through to completion, our focus is on delivering a durable, compliant build that adds real value to your property.
Our Projects Completed Projects
St. Arnaud Build
Upper Moutere Build
Granny Flat Richmond
About Us Why Build Your Cabin With Us?
Affordable
By using cost-effective materials, we are able to build an affordable, simple but robust product for our customers looking for the best bang for their buck. This is achieved by using materials that don’t require many labor hours to install while still being resistant to New Zealand’s harsh weather conditions. These materials not only save on construction time but also provide long-lasting performance, ensuring a reliable and practical solution for anyone needing extra space.
Fixed Prices
We offer fixed pricing on all our cabins to provide transparency and peace of mind for our customers. With no unexpected costs or hidden fees, you can plan your project with confidence, knowing exactly what you’ll pay from the start. This commitment to clear and honest pricing ensures a stress-free building process for every client.
Built Onsite Or Offsite
Each of our cabins is built by qualified builders alongside qualified sub-trades. With a background in constructing tiny homes, residential properties, and commercial projects, you can be confident that every cabin is crafted with exceptional attention to detail, precision, and care. Our commitment to quality ensures a product that is not only visually appealing but also built to last. We are able to build both onsite or offsite.
Customisation
Each cabin is built to our customers specifications, we offer the flexibility to build something that suits each of our customers unique needs. A budget spec will have more limited options, while a mid-range and luxury spec will provide you with a larger range of flooring, roofing, cladding and fit-out choices. Weather your after a practical, budget friendly design or a bespoke high end build we’d love to hear more about your ideas and vision for your cabin.