The Best Designs And Builders For Your Granny Flats

By Author: Ben Wall
Total Articles: 40
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With money being so tight with most people these days, to be able to spot a great deal when it comes your way is a very welcome concept, especially when it has to do with major and necessary expenses. Whether that is getting free coupons in the mail or being able to build and design an affordable and functional granny flat to rent out, the best thing we can do is be thankful for it and put what we were blessed with to good use.

With rent varying between high and higher these days, it is no surprise that more and more people are considering buying their own homes just to do away with it. That, and considering moving back in with their parents or as what is becoming popular now, building granny flats or extensions to their main homes. Whether you’re looking for something to augment your income or someplace for your elderly relatives to live in, granny flats have become the best solution. You can check this out to get an idea of what granny flats are and how you can get one.

Although the legality of building granny flats is still questionable ...
... in some areas, this still hasn’t stopped its rise to popularity or it becoming an ode to practicality. Because it can be customized to suit its owner’s tastes and needs, it is no surprise that more and more homeowners are considering this addition not only for their elderly relatives, but also for their grown-up children who need a place to live but also to rent out to people looking for an apartment that is manageable in size, with a reasonable rent and a lot of privacy. You can check Valleykithomes website for granny flat NSW to see which one will be a perfect fit for your property.

Granny flats are defined as secondary dwellings, secondary to the main property on the block. The dwelling is required to have a separate entrance, as well as a separate bathroom, kitchen and living quarters. Across most local councils, granny flats must be built on residential zone property, with each one being limited to one granny flat only and the block size being at least 450 square meters.

You must also be the owner of the primary dwelling and make sure that your granny flat doesn’t exceed 60 square meters of living space. They also cannot exist on a strata title, subdivided or community title. If you want more information on the legal complexities of granny flats, you can view valleykithomes.com.au and be able to get expert advice.

When you decide to finally build a granny flat, you will need to consider two things: builders and design. Finding granny flat builders who will do a good job can be challenging, especially if this is your first time doing it. However, first things first, you need to know the different types of granny flats available so you can explain to your builder exactly what you want.

There are the popular attached types, which are either connected to or contained in your home that is usually great if you have spare rooms or space. There are also the detached types which offer a lot more privacy and flexibility and great for renting out. Portable types have everything you want in a home, factory-made and customized to suit specific needs. And last but not the least, there are the prefabricated types, which are made off-site then delivered to your preferred site or location and are pre-designed and pre-customized before delivery. You can check out the ValleyKitHomes website for more options to choose from.

Talking of design, granny flats are required by the SEPP to have a front door and window that is facing the street but for all other aspects, the design will be up to you. More than anything, granny flats must be able to feel like home so you can consider adding a porch or verandah to improve the appearance and give it added visual appeal. And since granny flats are required to maximize living space you can make sure to add only two bedrooms that are about 9 to 10 square meters each with an open kitchen, combined with the living and dining quarters.

You should also consider constructing your granny flats facing the north to maximize solar and thermal efficiency. Consider adding access ramps, bathroom rails and hallway widths if you are planning to let an elderly relative who is disabled live in your flat. Placing the bathroom and the kitchen closer together reduces the length of the plumbing and drainage line which translates into cheaper construction.

If you are considering or have decided that you want to build a granny flat and have already checked that you can have it done, make sure you base your design concepts more on functionality than aesthetics. Base your decision on practicality and not just because everybody else is doing it. Even if you do find the most affordable flats, there is still considerable expense that needs to be taken care of so you should be careful with your choices. You can visit valleykithomes.com.au to get more valuable tips, advice and suggestions on coming up with the best granny flat for your property.