Considerations To Have In Mind When Constructing A Granny Flat

26 September 2019
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog

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Granny flats are not, by any means, a new concept. Nonetheless, when compared to the granny flats of old, the new-age varieties are much more architecturally enticing with their contemporary designs. Moreover, they are no longer considered to be the space allocated to ageing parents. Instead, they are now a great extra bedroom or even an Airbnb space to supplement the homeowner's income.

Thus, if you have extra space in your yard, it is unsurprising that you would want to make the most of it by hiring construction contractors to build a granny flat. But, constructing a granny flat is not merely about hiring contractors and purchasing supplies. A couple of main considerations have to be had in mind, as illustrated below.

Consider your preferred design for the granny flat

As mentioned above, granny flats are now characterised by architectural flair rather than a utilitarian style. But, you also need to take your space into consideration before you can go over the top with the design of your specific granny flat. Begin by establishing the floor plan. If you want to, you can go minimalist with one bedroom or make the structure slightly bigger with two bedrooms.

You should also factor in space for a kitchenette and a bathroom since the granny flat should be self-contained. If you plan to use the granny flat as rental accommodation, you should consider wheelchair access and other mobility facilities for differently-abled individuals. Lastly, determine the configuration of the granny flat. You could choose to have it as a standalone structure or adjoin it to the principal structure depending on the space available and your privacy preferences.

Consider the regulations for granny flat construction

Legislation across Australia has made it substantially hassle-free to develop part of your property into a granny flat. With that said, you still need to ensure that you are meeting the legislative regulations that are in place. Granny flats are now fully under the category of secondary dwellings on a property. If you live in a dual-occupancy property, then you cannot go ahead with the construction. The size of the lot available will also affect whether you can build a granny flat or not since there is a minimum requirement of floor space to be met.

Furthermore, it is important to note that you are limited to a single granny flat on your property. Lastly, you need to abide by the council regulations that have been set in place to govern the building of granny flats strictly. Fortunately, when you hire a reputable construction contractor, they will ensure that the project meets all council regulations that have been put forward.