wooden cabinet

How to Choose the Perfect Granny Flat?

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    As the price of conventional housing continues to rise, an increasing number of people are opting to build granny flats on their properties. Granny flats, or accessory dwelling units, are detached structures added to the property of a single-family home for the purpose of sheltering grandparents or other relatives or as a source of rental revenue. However, it can be difficult to choose the ideal granny flat for your needs due to the wide variety of styles and designs available.

    Size, layout, materials, and design elements are just a few of the many aspects to think about while deciding on the ideal granny flat. Prioritising amenities without considering practical considerations like how the area will be used or who will be living there is a recipe for disaster. The ideal granny flat will serve your functional requirements while also adding to the curb appeal of your property.

    This article will help you find the ideal granny flat for your family's requirements. In this guide, we will cover all you need to know to choose a granny flat design, from the basics of granny flats to the most important considerations to keep in mind. Read on to learn how to pick the best granny flat for your purposes, whether it's to house elderly parents, to rent out, or to convert into a home office or studio.

    What are granny flats?

    A granny flat is a secondary dwelling that is constructed on the same property as the main house. Self-sufficiency is the most important feature. A granny flat is simply a separate dwelling unit within the larger home.

    The apartments' unique moniker was inspired by its original function. Homeowners would construct them for their grandparents or relatives to reside in, preserving the nuclear family.

    But now they're a good place to put your money. Many Australian renters are looking towards granny flats as an alternative to the country's skyrocketing home prices. They are also good for anyone looking to downsize from a larger house. You may construct a granny flat on your lot and use it as your primary residence while renting out the larger house.

    They are also a flexible property that can be used with a wide variety of building types. It is imperative, however, that you adhere to the building codes established by your municipality. In New South Wales, for instance, a granny flat can't be more than 60 square metres in size.

    However, as long as the aesthetics comply with the rules, you have a lot of leeway in how you design them. Granny flats usually contain two or three bedrooms and have unusual interior layouts.

    kitchen

    Tips On Finding The Best Granny Flat

    Finding the Perfect Retirement Home

    Buying real estate is a smart move, but there are times when you may need some breathing room. A granny flat is one of the best and most stylish methods to increase the value of your home and get extra living space. You can make crucial decisions about the granny flat's layout, like whether it will be joined to or isolated from your main house. It's not hard to construct high-quality granny flats provided you have competent architects and well-defined needs. A granny flat can be designed for a young professional, an ageing relative, or even as a rental unit. 

    Sizes

    The best granny flats start with the best planning, so do your homework before breaking ground. Each room in the granny flat needs to be planned out with precise measurements in accordance with the available square footage and the desired layout. In the event that the desired layout is not already in print, it is recommended that you request that the designing firm include detailed dimensions for each room in the plan. This is crucial because if the sofa won't fit in the living room, or if the bed won't fit in the bedroom, then there's no use in adding on to the house. It is highly recommended that you use software or other drawing programmes that can provide a clear layout of the granny flat in order to build the greatest granny flat possible. Take measurements of your granny apartment to ensure that your furniture will fit comfortably there. The size of your granny flat will depend heavily on the size of the area in your backyard where you plan to build it. 

    Windows

    Every day will be brighter and better in a space filled with natural light. Feelings of sadness and gloom are inevitable in a dark and damp space. The design of the granny flat should take this into consideration. The best granny flats are required to have a 5-star energy rating, so you'll want to pay close attention to how many light bulbs are in each room and how many windows there are. The amount of electricity you use will be reduced significantly if you do not need artificial lighting during the day. The location and size of windows are also essential in this regard. When deciding on a granny flat layout, it's important to keep in mind how to maximise the amount of natural light streaming in through the windows. 

    Colours

    The best granny flats designers would tell you to keep things as basic as possible when it comes to picking a colour scheme for your home because there are so many different elements at play. It would be best if the granny flat blended in with the neighbourhood. If you want to maximise your granny flat's resale value, you should pick complementary colours for the roof, walls, and windows.

    Choosing the Right Size and Style

    Granny Flats come in a wide range of sizes and layouts, from compact efficiency units to spacious two-bedroom homes.

    Whether you want to construct a one- or two-story Granny Flat is an essential decision that might have repercussions for the residents' comfort and personal space.

    The amount of bedrooms is another important consideration. Some may prefer a smaller studio layout for guests or tenants, while others may prefer a more spacious Granny Flat for extended family. The layout and square footage of a Granny Flat should be determined by your personal preferences, financial constraints, and the space available on your lot.

    • Budget. Make sure the Granny Flat meets your needs and your budget without sacrificing on size or style.
    • Purpose. Do you plan to rent out the building, utilise it as a home office, or have friends and family stay there when they visit?
    • Size and layout of the property. Your Granny Flat options will be affected by the size and layout of your land.
    • Privacy. A two-story apartment building may be preferable to a one-story one if privacy is a priority. In addition, fresh trees could be planted to increase your level of seclusion.
    • Wants of the Future. Think ahead to the possibility of accommodating ageing parents or adult children, as well as any other changes in needs and ways of life. A larger Granny Flat might be built from the start, saving money over planned upgrades.
    • Climate. The local temperature and climate should be taken into account while planning your apartment's layout. For example, in colder locations, a Granny Flat with good insulation could be preferable.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Granny Flat

    In reality, they're one and the same, but the latter is a more colloquial way of describing it. The term “granny flat” gets its name from the most common use of the space – to house aging parents or in-laws.

    A granny unit is a small home built in your property's backyard.. It's self-contained and distinct from the main home. It's also referred to as a granny flat, mother-in-law suite, or the official name, accessory dwelling unit (ADU). A granny unit is usually built on the grounds of a single-family home.

    As a self-contained home, it also has a fully functional kitchen and bathroom. Granny flats are larger and permanent as opposed to smaller mobile or “tiny homes.”On average, granny flats are 300 to 800 sf, but in some instances may go as large as 1,000-1,200 square feet.

    A granny flat is a second dwelling that typically accommodates 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.

    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 anywhere from 50 to 100 square metres.

    Tips for Financial Planning

    Making a practical budget for your Granny Flat build is the next stage. The proposed house plan, the size of the lot, the materials required, the labour expenses, the site costs, and the licences and fees all need to be taken into account.

    If you want to make sure your budget is reasonable without giving up too many of the features you want in your Granny Flat, you should talk to a building business or seasoned Granny Flat builders.

    • Size and layout must be decided. Your builder can then use this information to calculate an accurate estimate of the time and money required to complete the project.
    • Talk to the experts. Consult professional designers, builders, and Granny Flat businesses to learn about local ordinances and foresee any problems that may arise.
    • Think about any costs you may incur. Tenants should be aware that there may be fees beyond building the Granny Flat, such as landscaping, furniture, and advertising.
    • Create a backup plan financially. Saving up in advance for emergencies or plan adjustments is always recommended. The rule of thumb is to set aside 10% of your total budget for unexpected costs.
    • Never skimp on quality. If you're trying to save money, it can be tempting to skimp on quality and go with less expensive products or personnel.
    • Budget your money. Assuming you've settled on a budget, keep tabs on your spending as it happens. This will help you maintain momentum and spot potential locations for course correction as you go.

    10 Common Misconceptions About Granny Flats

    With the growing interest in granny flats comes the inevitable exposure to some widespread misperceptions.

    Before deciding if a granny flat is the best option, let's debunk some common misconceptions and learn the truth:

    It's Challenging To Secure Permission To Construct A Granny Flat.

    The permission, construction, and usage of granny flats are governed by stringent planning and building rules in some Australian states and local governments. However, new planning policies have been implemented to increase the supply and availability of affordable rental housing in NSW, WA, NT, and TAS. Therefore, providing all the necessary criteria are met, it is simpler to get approval for the construction of a granny flat.

    Approval Is A Time-Consuming Process.

    Timelines for approvals are similarly condensed in NSW, WA, NT, and TAS, where properties tend to be smaller. Council clearances now take between six to eight weeks on average, but private certification can be completed in as little as 10. In contrast, the procedure might take up to a year in some states, and users are subject to rigors regulations during that time.

    Lots Of Land Is Required.

    Different municipalities have different requirements for the minimum lot size on which to construct a granny flat. A plot of land measuring at least 450 square metres is recommended. While you may have the room, only one secondary dwelling is allowed on your lot per local ordinance.

    It Doesn't Matter How Big Or Small The Granny Apartment Is.

    Granny flats, as a rule of thumb, can't be bigger than 60 square metres. However, the law varies from state to state, with some municipalities allowing carports and porches to exceed the 60sqm threshold. Before settling on a design, find out the restrictions imposed by the municipality.

    Your Land Needs To Be Subdivided.

    Building a granny flat does not allow the actual subdivision of your property unless it is already permitted under your local planning scheme. However, you can separate the mailing address and arrange for independent utility bills.

    There Must Be Some Distance Between The Main House And The Granny Unit.

    You can construct a totally independent dwelling on your property, but there are other options to think about as well. For instance, if you partition off a portion of your main house, you can utilise it as a separate housing. Another option is to build out, perhaps by adding a new room or perhaps another story on top of the garage. Fonzie flats, which are located over garages, are subject to distinct subdivsion laws in New South Wales.

    Granny Flats Are Unpopular Rental Units.

    A granny apartment is a fantastic investment opportunity. Small but well-built rental homes near public transportation, universities, and grocery stores are in high demand.

    A Granny Flat Is Not An Appropriate Investment Vehicle.

    Granny flat owners in New South Wales, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania can now legally rent out their dwellings. Secondary homes can increase the value of a property in some jurisdictions because of the demand for such amenities as home offices and spare bedrooms.

    A Granny Flat Is Nothing More Than A Poorly Constructed Kit Home.

    There are a lot of low-cost, all-in-one granny flat kits available, but they are not your only choice. A well-designed granny apartment that blends in with the main house can be the best option, depending on your circumstances. Each home is different, so you should tailor your approach to achieve the best results within your financial constraints.

    It's Tough To Secure Funding.

    It is crucial to select a lender that has experience with granny flat financing because not all financial institutions are aware of the changing needs of your living requirements. A construction loan or the ability to use home equity should be available for the express purpose of constructing a granny flat. Now that we've busted ten myths about granny flats, you should chat to Gateway about your finances so that you can start realising your small-space living dreams.

    Conclusion

    Granny flats, or accessory dwelling units, are detached structures added to the property of a single-family home for the purpose of sheltering grandparents or other relatives or as a source of rental revenue. However, it can be difficult to choose the ideal granny flat for your needs due to the wide variety of styles and designs available. This article will help you find the ideal granny flat for your family's requirements, from the basics of granny flats to the most important considerations to keep in mind. Granny flats are a secondary dwelling that is constructed on the same property as the main house, with self-sufficiency being the most important feature. They are also a flexible property that can be used with a wide variety of building types.

    Granny flats are one of the best and most stylish ways to increase the value of your home and get extra living space. They can be designed for a young professional, an ageing relative, or even as a rental unit. They need to be planned out with precise measurements in accordance with the available square footage and the desired layout. If the desired layout is not already in print, it is recommended to request detailed dimensions for each room in the plan. The design of a granny flat should take into account the size of the area in the backyard where it will be built, the amount of natural light, the location and size of windows, the colour scheme, and the resale value.

    It is important to keep things as basic as possible when it comes to picking a colour scheme for the home to maximise its resale value. Granny flats come in a range of sizes and layouts, from compact efficiency units to spacious two-bedroom homes. The layout and square footage of a Granny Flat should be determined by personal preferences, financial constraints, and the space available on the lot. Budget, purpose, size and layout of the property, privacy, wants of the future, climate, and local temperature and climate all need to be taken into account. To make sure the budget is reasonable without giving up too many features, it is important to talk to a building business or seasoned Granny Flat builders.

    The most important details are to decide the size and layout of the Granny Flat, consult with experts, create a backup plan financially, never skimp on quality, and budget your money. 10 common misconceptions about granny flats should be debunked before making a decision. Granny flats are governed by strict planning and building rules in some Australian states and local governments, but new planning policies have made it easier to get approval. Approval is a time-consuming process in NSW, WA, NT, and TAS, and lots of land are required. It doesn't matter how big or small the granny flat is.

    Granny flats must be smaller than 60 square metres, but some municipalities allow carports and porches to exceed the 60sqm threshold. There must be some distance between the main house and the granny unit, and granny flats are unpopular rental units near public transportation, universities, and grocery stores. Granny flats are not an appropriate investment vehicle, but secondary homes can increase the value of a property. It is difficult to secure funding, so it is important to select a lender that has experience with granny flat financing. Gateway can help you realise your small-space living dreams.

    Content Summary: 

    • However, it can be difficult to choose the ideal granny flat for your needs due to the wide variety of styles and designs available.
    • Size, layout, materials, and design elements are just a few of the many aspects to think about while deciding on the ideal granny flat.
    • The ideal granny flat will serve your functional requirements while also adding to the curb appeal of your property.
    • This article will help you find the ideal granny flat for your family's requirements.
    • In this guide, we will cover all you need to know to choose a granny flat design, from the basics of granny flats to the most important considerations to keep in mind.
    • You may construct a granny flat on your lot and use it as your primary residence while renting out the larger house.
    • However, as long as the aesthetics comply with the rules, you have a lot of leeway in how you design them.
    • A granny flat is one of the best and most stylish methods to increase the value of your home and get extra living space.
    • You can make crucial decisions about the granny flat's layout, like whether it will be joined to or isolated from your main house.
    • The best granny flats start with the best planning, so do your homework before breaking ground.
    • Each room in the granny flat needs to be planned out with precise measurements in accordance with the available square footage and the desired layout.
    • In the event that the desired layout is not already in print, it is recommended that you request that the designing firm include detailed dimensions for each room in the plan.
    • Take measurements of your granny apartment to ensure that your furniture will fit comfortably there.
    • The size of your granny flat will depend heavily on the size of the area in your backyard where you plan to build it.
    • The design of the granny flat should take this into consideration.
    • The location and size of windows are also essential in this regard.
    • When deciding on a granny flat layout, it's important to keep in mind how to maximise the amount of natural light streaming in through the windows.
    • The best granny flats designers would tell you to keep things as basic as possible when it comes to picking a colour scheme for your home because there are so many different elements at play.
    • If you want to maximise your granny flat's resale value, you should pick complementary colours for the roof, walls, and windows.
    • The layout and square footage of a Granny Flat should be determined by your personal preferences, financial constraints, and the space available on your lot.
    • Make sure the Granny Flat meets your needs and your budget without sacrificing on size or style.
    • Size and layout of the property.
    • Your Granny Flat options will be affected by the size and layout of your land.
    • The local temperature and climate should be taken into account while planning your apartment's layout.
    • Making a practical budget for your Granny Flat build is the next stage.
    • Size and layout must be decided.
    • Think about any costs you may incur.
    • Create a backup plan financially.
    • With the growing interest in granny flats comes the inevitable exposure to some widespread misperceptions.
    • Before deciding if a granny flat is the best option, let's debunk some common misconceptions and learn the truth:
    • The permission, construction, and usage of granny flats are governed by stringent planning and building rules in some Australian states and local governments.
    • Therefore, providing all the necessary criteria are met, it is simpler to get approval for the construction of a granny flat.
    • Different municipalities have different requirements for the minimum lot size on which to construct a granny flat.
    • Before settling on a design, find out the restrictions imposed by the municipality.
    • Building a granny flat does not allow the actual subdivision of your property unless it is already permitted under your local planning scheme.
    • A granny apartment is a fantastic investment opportunity.
    • A well-designed granny apartment that blends in with the main house can be the best option, depending on your circumstances.
    • It is crucial to select a lender that has experience with granny flat financing because not all financial institutions are aware of the changing needs of your living requirements.
    • A construction loan or the ability to use home equity should be available for the express purpose of constructing a granny flat.
    • Now that we've busted ten myths about granny flats, you should chat to Gateway about your finances so that you can start realising your small-space living dreams.
    Google Rating
    5.0
    Based on 29 reviews
    js_loader
    Scroll to Top