Did you know that not all granny flats have to be single-level structures? With the local council's approval, building a two-story granny flat in your backyard, which provides an additional floor and offers a perfect combination of comfortable, modern, and cost-effective living, is possible.
Alternatively, you could purchase a small two-bedroom house, essentially the size of a granny flat, and still have the option to construct a granny flat on the same piece of land as long as the block is spacious enough.
However, it is important to note that there have been instances where granny flats were built without the necessary approval. This is only sometimes the case, as it involves a certain level of risk.
Therefore, it is crucial to fully comprehend the requirements and considerations involved before proceeding with the construction, including the design and approval processes, costs, and actual building work. Building a two-story granny flat entails various important factors that need to be taken into account.
Fortunately, we have you covered! Our comprehensive guide to two-story granny flats includes all the essential information you need before constructing a taller secondary dwelling. By following the advice provided, you'll soon be able to enjoy the breathtaking views from the top floor of your new granny flat!
Can a Granny Flat Be 2 Storey?
Certainly! In summary, it is possible to have a two-story granny flat if it complies with the regulations set by your local council, which may differ depending on your specific Local Government Area (LGA).
While it is advisable to contact your local council to determine the exact standards applicable in your suburb, there are a few general rules that you can already be aware of.
For example, a two-story granny flat must be at most a height of 8.5 meters or have an interior living space exceeding 60 square meters. These maximum limits for floor space are the same as those imposed on single-story granny flats.
Considerations for Building a Double-Storey Granny Flat
The maximum 60m2 Granny Flat floor area is split between the two levels.
Similar to a single-story granny flat, a two-story granny flat also has a maximum limit of 60 square meters for internal living space. However, in the case of a double-storey granny flat, these 60 square meters need to be divided between the two levels. For example, it could be split as 30 square meters on each level or 40 square meters on the lower level and 20 square meters on the upper level.
It's important to note that the space occupied by the staircase and void leading to the second story is also included within the 60 square meters. This arrangement provides an excellent solution if you have an unconventional or limited block space and still require a granny flat.
Advantages of Multi-Level Granny Flats
If you're considering building a two-story granny flat, you're probably already aware of the many appealing benefits of doing so. The following are some of the reasons why many people opt for two-story granny flats.
Space Saving
If you want to make the most efficient use of your land, a two-story granny flat is the way to go. A granny flat need only be 60 square metres in size, so even if you have only 30 square metres of land available, you can still build one. When working with constrained real estate, this is especially helpful because a two-story granny flat provides twice as much living space as a single-story one.
Better Views
Residing in an area blessed with picturesque surroundings, opting for a second-story granny flat allows you to fully capitalise on the scenic views. With an additional floor, you can enjoy an extended line of sight and even incorporate a balcony attached to an upstairs bedroom. This way, you can fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking vistas and maximise your location.
Exciting Designs
The height and layout options of two-story granny flats make them a fantastic canvas for striking interior design. Your developer or architect has more creative freedom when working on a two-story building. There are many opportunities for originality and expression in this building, from the exterior design to the design of the staircase inside. There is a lot more room for creativity and originality when designing the interior and exterior of a two-story granny flat.
Building a Granny Flat on top of a garage
Does the 60m2 Granny Flat Include the Garage?
It's important to note that garages are not included in the 60 square meters of a granny flat's living space. This means that, theoretically, you can construct a 60 square meter granny flat on top of a 60 square meter (or larger) garage. However, it's crucial to ensure that the same conditions, requirements, and regulations outlined in the table above, as well as any relevant Complying Development Certificate (CDC) guidelines, are adhered to. Following these guidelines, you can combine a granny flat with a garage to optimise your space.
Can the Garage Staircase Lead to the Granny Flat?
Just like a single-story granny flat cannot have an internal door connecting it to the garage, a double-story granny flat also cannot have a staircase inside the garage. The staircase for a two-story granny flat must be external and separate from the garage area.
Can I Build a Granny Flat Over My Garage?
In most situations, a second story can be added to an existing structure, but it is a site-specific inquiry. Before providing a definitive answer, it would be necessary to send one of our Granny Flat experts to evaluate the condition of your current structure and determine its feasibility to support a second story.
Frequently Asked Questions About Granny Flat
The owner of the granny flat must be the same owner of the main home. The granny flat can only take up the maximum allowed for the primary dwelling.
Small granny flats can start from half the size of a traditional granny flat, at 30 square metres, and range up to roughly 55 square metres.
Generally, a studio is a place for your hobby or an artist to do pottery, for example. You can have a bathroom, you can have a space, and you can even have a place to sleep. But you can't prepare your food. So the big difference is that a granny flat or a secondary dwelling can have a kitchen, but a studio can not.
Generally speaking, the minimum size you can build a granny flat is 40 square metres. The maximum size you can build a granny flat ranges from 50 to 100 square metres.
A granny flat is a second dwelling typically accommodating one or two people, usually sharing a property with a main house. Both the granny flat and the main dwelling fall under the same title. Granny flats provide living space for family members or can be rented out to tenants.
Tips for Your 2-storey Granny Flat Layout
When designing a two-story granny flat, a few extra factors must be considered. Here are some tips on optimising your space through smart design choices.
Spend Some Time Preparing
Sufficient time for thorough planning is crucial when building a granny flat or home. While it may be tempting to jump right into the construction process, especially when finances are in place, and plans are in mind, dedicating time to proper planning can prevent future complications and stress during the building journey.
To ensure a successful investment, it's advisable to consult with experts and take the necessary time to find the right builder (as mentioned in tip #4). Additionally, other areas require diligent research, such as:
- Finance options: Ensure you have the appropriate type of loan with favourable rates, and consider insurance coverage.
- Design features: Determine the purpose of the granny flat and identify non-negotiable features that are essential to you.
- Lifestyle: If the granny flat is intended for a family member with disabilities, assess whether stairs are suitable or if alternative accessible options need to be explored.
- Floor plan: Carefully consider the layout and functionality of the granny flat, considering its occupants' specific needs and preferences.
Use the First Floor as a Garage
A garage is typically considered a non-habitable area; therefore, it does not count towards the maximum living area mentioned earlier. This means that you can have the advantage of a double garage on the ground floor, providing storage space, a workshop area, or even a dedicated "man cave" while still being able to construct a full 60-square-meter granny flat on the upper level. This allows you to enjoy a functional garage and a spacious granny flat within the same structure.
Make the Most of Your Area
According to council regulations, a two-story granny flat is typically subject to the same floor plan size limitation as a single-level structure, which is a maximum of 60 square meters. However, you can still make the most of the space in a two-story granny flat.
Two-story granny flats have several advantages over one-story ones, including more vertical space thanks to higher roofs on both levels and the possibility of a bird's-eye view from the upper floor. A two-story granny flat may also have space-consuming features like an internal staircase. Experts in granny flat building projects can show you how you can turn this "lost space" into a useful addition to your property. It could be a work of art that elevates the look and feel of the granny flat, or it could be used for more functional purposes like storing items or adding living space.
Add a Balcony to Your Second Floor
When it comes to the upper level of your two-story granny flat, it's essential to take advantage of the additional height by considering the addition of a balcony. The great news is that balconies are not considered habitable spaces, so you don't need to worry about sacrificing any valuable interior living space.
Incorporating a balcony into your design offers several advantages:
- It provides stunning views of the surrounding neighbourhood, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque scenery.
- The balcony brings more natural light to your home, creating a bright, airy atmosphere.
- It offers a convenient outdoor space to unwind, relax, and enjoy the fresh air.
Adding a balcony to your second-story granny flat is a smart and delightful enhancement.
Plan Your Space Carefully
Designing the floor plan for a two-story granny flat introduces an added layer of complexity. The key consideration is deciding which elements should be placed on the top floor and which should remain on the ground floor. Determining the arrangement of bedrooms, bathrooms, dining, and living areas requires careful thought.
There are numerous floor plan options and approaches when designing a two-story granny flat. The best answer is conditional on the space's function.
The motivation behind building a granny flat can vary widely from one family to the next. Is it meant to be a rental unit attached to an existing investment property? Or does it serve as an annexe to the main house? Will it be used to house an elderly relative or as a place for visitors to stay? It has multiple potential uses, including as a place to conduct business from home, host guests, or collect rent.
For example, you may place the bedrooms upstairs while transforming the downstairs area into a versatile space for entertainment or remote work. This allows for multi-purpose usage, serving as an office during the day and providing a guest accommodation option on weekends.
Alternatively, consider a configuration that offers a teenager retreat, ensuring proximity to the main living areas downstairs while providing added privacy with bedrooms upstairs.
Knowing why you want a granny flat and talking to a professional who specialises in designing them can help you decide on the best layout for your two-story structure.
Design a Staircase With Storage in Mind
We suggest placing your staircase against a wall to minimise the floor space it occupies, preferably in a location that doesn't obstruct windows or natural light. Consider structuring the area underneath the staircase to create additional storage space. This straightforward yet effective approach is a great way to reduce clutter, especially in smaller homes.
Consult with Professionals
Whether you're aiming to construct a high-end luxury granny flat or working within a budget, it is essential to engage the services of expert builders. The expertise and craftsmanship a skilled building team provides are invaluable and far outweigh the risks associated with inexperienced builders. This is especially crucial when it comes to two-story granny flats.
Engineering considerations for two-story granny flats are more involved and detailed than those for one-story dwellings. Even if you have budget constraints, it is still advisable to prioritise quality and professionalism over cost. The long-term savings and peace of mind from working with a reputable professional far outweigh any potential difficulties or setbacks that may arise from an inexperienced builder. Regarding double-story granny flats, it is only worth taking a chance on someone with construction experience.
Conclusion
A two-story granny flat can be built in your backyard with the local council's approval, providing an additional floor and offering comfortable, modern, and cost-effective living. Alternatively, you could purchase a small two-bedroom house and construct a granny flat on the same piece of land as long as the block is spacious enough.
Building a two-story granny flat requires adherence to local council regulations, which may differ depending on your specific Local Government Area (LGA). The maximum floor area for a two-story granny flat is 60 square meters, and the floor area can be divided between the two levels. The space occupied by the staircase and void leading to the second story is also included within the 60 square meters.
Multi-level granny flats offer several advantages, including space saving, better views, and exciting designs. They allow developers or architects to create unique and original designs, from the exterior design to the staircase inside. However, garages are not included in the 60 square meters of a granny flat's living space, so it is crucial to ensure that the same conditions, requirements, and regulations are adhered to.
Building a two-story granny flat on top of a garage is possible, but it is a site-specific inquiry. Before providing a definitive answer, it is necessary to send one of our Granny Flat experts to evaluate the condition of your current structure and determine its feasibility to support a second story.
When designing a two-story granny flat, several tips must be considered. These include spending time planning, consulting with experts, researching finance options, design features, lifestyle, floor plan, and using the first floor as a garage. This allows for a functional garage and spacious granny flat within the same structure. A two-story granny flat is typically subject to the same floor plan size limitation as a single-level structure, with a maximum of 60 square meters. However, these flats offer several advantages over one-story ones, such as more vertical space, bird's-eye views, and space-consuming features like internal staircases. Experts in granny flat building projects can help turn this "lost space" into useful additions, such as a balcony or outdoor space.
Plan your space carefully, considering the layout of bedrooms, bathrooms, dining, and living areas. The best answer depends on the space's function, such as being a rental unit, annexe to the main house, or a place for guests or rent. Consider transforming the downstairs area into a versatile space for entertainment or remote work, or a teenager retreat for privacy.
Design a staircase with storage in mind, placing it against a wall and structuring the area underneath the staircase to reduce clutter. Engage the services of professional builders, as their expertise and craftsmanship are invaluable and outweigh the risks associated with inexperienced builders. Engineering considerations for two-story granny flats are more involved and detailed than one-story dwellings, so prioritizing quality and professionalism over cost is crucial.
Content Summary:
- Did you know that not all granny flats have to be single-level structures?
- With the local council's approval, building a two-story granny flat in your backyard, which provides an additional floor and offers a perfect combination of comfortable, modern, and cost-effective living, is possible.
- Our comprehensive guide to two-story granny flats includes all the essential information you need before constructing a taller secondary dwelling.
- In summary, it is possible to have a two-story granny flat if it complies with the regulations set by your local council, which may differ depending on your specific Local Government Area (LGA).
- For example, a two-story granny flat must be at most a height of 8.5 meters or have an interior living space exceeding 60 square meters.
- These maximum limits for floor space are the same as those imposed on single-story granny flats.
- The maximum 60m2 Granny Flat floor area is split between the two levels.
- Similar to a single-story granny flat, a two-story granny flat also has a maximum limit of 60 square meters for internal living space.
- If you're considering building a two-story granny flat, you're probably already aware of the many appealing benefits of doing so.
- The following are some of the reasons why many people opt for two-story granny flats.
- If you want to make the most efficient use of your land, a two-story granny flat is the way to go.
- A granny flat need only be 60 square metres in size, so even if you have only 30 square metres of land available, you can still build one.
- The height and layout options of two-story granny flats make them a fantastic canvas for striking interior design.
- Your developer or architect has more creative freedom when working on a two-story building.
- There is a lot more room for creativity and originality when designing the interior and exterior of a two-story granny flat.
- Building a Granny Flat on top of a garage Does the 60m2 Granny Flat Include the Garage?
- It's important to note that garages are not included in the 60 square meters of a granny flat's living space.
- However, it's crucial to ensure that the same conditions, requirements, and regulations outlined in the table above, as well as any relevant Complying Development Certificate (CDC) guidelines, are adhered to.
- Following these guidelines, you can combine a granny flat with a garage to optimise your space.
- Just like a single-story granny flat cannot have an internal door connecting it to the garage, a double-story granny flat also cannot have a staircase inside the garage.
- The staircase for a two-story granny flat must be external and separate from the garage area.
- In most situations, a second story can be added to an existing structure, but it is a site-specific inquiry.
- When designing a two-story granny flat, a few extra factors must be considered.
- Here are some tips on optimising your space through smart design choices.
- Time Preparing Sufficient time for thorough planning is crucial when building a granny flat or home.
- This means that you can have the advantage of a double garage on the ground floor, providing storage space, a workshop area, or even a dedicated "man cave" while still being able to construct a full 60-square-meter granny flat on the upper level.
- This allows you to enjoy a functional garage and a spacious granny flat within the same structure.
- According to council regulations, a two-story granny flat is typically subject to the same floor plan size limitation as a single-level structure, which is a maximum of 60 square meters.
- However, you can still make the most of the space in a two-story granny flat.
- When it comes to the upper level of your two-story granny flat, it's essential to take advantage of the additional height by considering the addition of a balcony.
- Adding a balcony to your second-story granny flat is a smart and delightful enhancement.
- Designing the floor plan for a two-story granny flat introduces an added layer of complexity.
- The key consideration is deciding which elements should be placed on the top floor and which should remain on the ground floor.
- The motivation behind building a granny flat can vary widely from one family to the next.
- Knowing why you want a granny flat and talking to a professional who specialises in designing them can help you decide on the best layout for your two-story structure.
- Consider structuring the area underneath the staircase to create additional storage space.
- Whether you're aiming to construct a high-end luxury granny flat or working within a budget, it is essential to engage the services of expert builders.
- The expertise and craftsmanship a skilled building team provides are invaluable and far outweigh the risks associated with inexperienced builders.
- This is especially crucial when it comes to two-story granny flats.
- The long-term savings and peace of mind from working with a reputable professional far outweigh any potential difficulties or setbacks that may arise from an inexperienced builder.
- Regarding double-story granny flats, it is only worth taking a chance on someone with construction experience.
