TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE BUILDING A GRANNY FLAT

Source: http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2012/11/13/1226515/952714-royston-park.jpg

 If you are looking for some extra space in your home, for yourself or for a family member in need, Granny Flats are one of the best options. They make productive use of the extra space in your backyard, and can be used as a supplement to your income if you are not using it.

Building a granny flat in your backyard comes with a lot of benefits. For instance, if you are not renting it or letting some relative use it, it can be your sanctuary of solitude. It can be a great place to work on personal projects or just a home away from home, but still in your home.

As much as having a granny flat is rewarding, it is a daunting task to build one. It not only requires a considerable amount of upfront cash, extensive planning and effective execution, but also having a suitable public liability insurance in VIC or elsewhere is crucial to building a granny flat. Here are a few tips, that would help you in this task:

PERMISSIONS, PLANNING, AND BUDGET

Find out if you need any building permission from your council, if so you might want to hire a professional draughtsperson, that is capable and qualified to draw up plans for your granny flat, and get them approved by the council.

Source: http://www.granyflat.com.au/data1/45fp.jpg

 

Budgeting is another very crucial step. Plan your budget with great detail, consider everything, fittings, plumbing, electric fittings, lighting, contractors, EVERYTHING! Also, budget more that what you have calculated. Building costs almost always surpass the decided budget, and you don’t want to be stuck in the middle with no money to continue construction. Keep your plans realistic, and only include what you can afford, otherwise your plans may never convert into reality.

YOU CAN NEVER DO ENOUGH RESEARCH.

The statement above refers to the research you will do before choosing any contractors. You will hear different opinions from different contractors, so use their opinions to form yours. Ask a lot of questions, get at least three different quotes for everything.

Knowledge is power, and there is no better source of knowledge than the experts. Different contractors and building material suppliers can provide valuable information regarding construction, equipment, and planning. Do extensive research before making any decisions.

CONSIDER STORAGE SPACE

Granny flats, if designed creatively, can be a great storage space for you, or your tenants. Try to get clever with the storage space, include some in the ceiling or under the flooring, so that the storage space does not hamper the livability of your granny flat.

PARKING SPACE

If you plan on renting your granny flat out, it would be wise to consider separate parking space for the tenants. Failure to provide the tenants with simple amenities like parking space, driveway lighting etc may directly affect the probability of you having a tenant at all.

LIGHTING- GO GREEN, SAVE BIG

 

Source: https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT4SkGYCkD_2iypZxj6gfqBmOLQVjMslT921yftvGqCU88hmQi0fw

Using smart alternatives to traditional lighting can help you boast a ‘green’ granny flat while helping you (or your tenants) save on electricity bills. Consider installing a separate electric meter for the granny flat.

Use LED lights in the driveway, patio and around the rooms. A skylight or sun tube is also a great alternative, in terms of efficient use of space, and natural light. They are great for creating ambiance and are usually cheaper than their electric counterparts.

CONCLUSION

Although this blog post does not cover all the intricacies related to building a granny flat, it covers the basic things that will surely help you build a unique, innovative and sustainable granny flat. There are always new developments happening in the construction and household industry, so if you do your research right, you might just find something that makes your job a breeze!