Is a Two-Story Granny Flat Possible?

You may not be aware, but some granny flats have multiple levels. If you have the land and the right permits, a two-story granny flat could be a great way to maximise your backyard's potential. The added floor in this style of building is a boon for those who want to save money without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Families and financial backers alike have found success with two-story granny flats. They are as versatile as their single-story cousins in terms of form and layout. It's important to remember, though, that the granny flat's habitable interior space is still subject to restrictions that may or may not apply, depending on the state in which the building is constructed.

It is important to have a complete picture of the process before making any design decisions, including the staircase. Two-story granny flats have unique design, approval, cost, and construction considerations.

Luckily, your bases are covered with us. Learn everything you need to know about building a secondary structure of any height with our thorough guide to two-story granny flats. With this information in hand, you can soon take in the scenery from the loft of your granny flat.

Is a Two-Story Granny Flat Possible?

How to build a bigger granny flat is one of the most common questions I get. Can you build a granny flat with two floors?

Yes, you can build a granny flat with two floors. Your setbacks will get farther away from the edges of your property, and height restrictions will come into play.

Layout Ideas to Maximise Space

The following elements make up a solid blueprint for a two-story granny flat:

There will be a two-car garage and a deck on the ground floor, and if you can convince the city council, there will be as many as four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a laundry room, and a kitchen with an open dining and living area on the second floor.

This means that the ground floor won't count towards your total square footage. You can still use up all of your square metres on the second floor.

Having a deck on the ground floor that leads to the front door is a smart design choice. There is a large, open living area inside, which opens up to another deck and floods the interior with natural light.

Built-in shelves sit above the range in the kitchen, which is open to the dining area and living space. A well-placed bathroom/laundry room can be found to the left of the kitchen, which is perfect for accommodating visitors. The family's home, reached via the stairs, is a veritable oasis.

There are two identical rooms with walk-in closets. Each bedroom can accommodate its own private bathroom. Everyone has their own place to keep their belongings, and each bedroom has its own separating wall. 

The bedrooms could benefit from a much nicer view if they were elevated, and the natural light from the windows would be welcome. 

This airy and spacious layout is proof that a small footprint doesn't have to equate to a limited lifestyle. This granny flat is adequate for a couple or young family. There is more than one outdoor area because natural light is crucial to making a room feel larger.

Staircase Placement

One thing that might make a Granny Flats Builder wonder is where to put the stairs. The staircase has to connect the two floors and take up as little space as possible. It can look elegant and classy or simple enough to fit in with the rest of the room's decor.

A Granny Flat can have two different kinds of staircases. These are:

• The straight staircase: This is the one that most people use. The stairs are straight and big enough to carry things up. You can put things in the space under the stairs. This flexible staircase makes it easy for people to go up and down.
• A spiral staircase is a modern design built within a central post. This post has a set of curved steps attached, so people must turn around the post to go up or down. Even though the steps are steep, they take up less space and look nice. The stairwell is easy and cheap to put together. But it might be hard to get around for old and older adults.

Their advantages include the following:

• The stairs' spiral design allows them to be stacked vertically to save floor area. This limits the height of your ascent to the stairway's width. As a result, the staircase can be located in a relatively unobtrusive spot in the corner of the granny flat. However, their size could surprise you. I'll elaborate on this in the section titled "Disadvantages."
• The perfect look for your retirement home: Spiral stairs are versatile in that you can customise the materials and design to fit in with the aesthetic of your granny flat. Alterations can be made to anything from the handrail to the stairs.
• It's simple and inexpensive to set up. Kits for spiral staircases can be delivered and assembled in as little as 4 to 6 hours. If you build your own staircase instead of paying someone else to do it, you can save a significant amount of money. They are simpler to set up than alternative stair designs, even if you hire a professional. This is because they already have some structural support from the central post, so additional support is usually unnecessary.

Floor Restrictions

Careful interior planning and design are essential to make the most of the limited habitable space allowed in two-storey granny flats. One effective way to maximize space while complying with restrictions is by incorporating an upstairs balcony. This additional outdoor area does not count towards the habitable space, providing an opportunity to increase the overall perceived space.

Although the cost of constructing a two-storey granny flat may be higher, it offers the unique advantage of creating a sense of spaciousness. It is important to note that council regulations stipulate larger setbacks for taller granny flats. Therefore, when building a two-storey granny flat, it is crucial to ensure that the height remains within the specified limit of 3.8 meters while adhering to setback requirements.

Tips for Your Two-Story Home Granny Flat Layout

When designing a double-storey granny flat, several additional considerations must be considered. Here are some tips to optimize your space and make clever design choices:

Use the First Floor as a Garage

A double garage is considered a non-habitable space, which means it does not contribute to the maximum living area of the granny flat. This allows a double garage on the ground floor, offering benefits such as storage, a workshop area, or a recreational space while still having a full 60m2 granny flat on the upper level. This allows for the best of both worlds regarding functionality and living space.

Design a Staircase With Storage in Mind

We suggest placing the staircase against a wall to optimize floor space, ensuring it doesn't obstruct windows or natural light. Additionally, consider utilizing the space underneath the staircase for extra storage, providing a practical solution to reduce clutter, especially in smaller homes.

Add a Balcony to Your Second Floor

When planning your second storey, take advantage of the additional height by incorporating a balcony. Balconies are not considered habitable spaces, so you won't have to sacrifice any valuable indoor living area to accommodate them. This thoughtful addition will provide breathtaking views of the surrounding neighbourhood, increase natural light in your home, and create a convenient outdoor space to unwind and enjoy.

Considerations for Building a Double-Storey Granny Flat

The two floors make up the maximum 60m2 of Granny Flat floor space.

Like a single-story Granny Flat, a double-story Granny Flat can have up to 60m2 of living space on the inside. This means the 60m2 must be split between the two levels (30m2/30m2 and 40m2/20m2). The space for your staircase and void to the second floor is also included in the 60m2. This is a great solution if you need a Granny Flat for an interesting block space.

Building a Two-Story Granny Flat: Step by Step

There are many steps to building any granny flat, and the whole process usually takes between 12 and 14 weeks, from construction to the handover.

1. Site preparation. After receiving city council approval, the next step is to prepare the site for construction. Your builder will clear the area of any debris or obstructions to ensure there is adequate space in the backyard and minimal disruption to the main house.
2. Slab & frame construction. The timber frame will then be constructed after the slab has been formed and poured. Once the form boards are in place, waffle pods will be installed to facilitate accurate concrete pouring, cut down on excess, and maximise productivity. Cracks can be sealed and the slab strengthened with the help of steel reinforcing. We'll pour the concrete and, if necessary, install a termite barrier after a certifier inspects the subfloor. Next up is the basement frame, followed by the system for the upper level. Scaffolding will be erected, and the second story will be framed and trussed.
3. Lock up. When constructing a 2-story granny flat, the lock-up phase is pivotal because it involves finalising the closure of the building. Your contractor will erect the structure's outer envelope, including the roof, windows, doors, garage siding, and brickwork. And if you're planning on tiling your new patio, now is the time to waterproof it. Scaffolding will be taken down after any exterior stairways have been constructed. You can begin constructing the inside of your granny flat after you have finished sealing the exterior.
4. Linings inside and fit off. As the adage goes, it's not the outside that counts, but the inside. Even your grandma's house is fair game. Your builder will start focusing on the interior now. First, they'll get everything wired, plumbed, and insulated. Garage roller doors and gyprock walls are also part of the plan for the granny flat. The bathroom(s) are the next stop. Tile installation in a shower can begin two days after the floor and walls have been waterproofed. Carpenters will then install the kitchen while finishing the moulding around the doors, windows, and architraves. A painter will be brought in before the plumber and electrician are even finished with their work. Carpet, vinyl planks, or another flooring material can then be laid over the subfloor. Shower inclosures and tiled kitchen splashbacks are examples of these finishing touches.
5. Last look-over and handover. Finally, before the handoff, an inspection needs to be performed.

Conclusion

A two-story granny flat is a great way to maximize your backyard's potential and save money without sacrificing comfort or convenience. These versatile structures are as versatile as their single-story counterparts in terms of form and layout. However, the interior space of a two-story granny flat is subject to restrictions depending on the state in which the building is constructed.

To build a two-story granny flat, you need to consider the layout, setbacks, and height restrictions. The layout includes a two-car garage, a deck on the ground floor, and up to four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a laundry room, and a kitchen with an open dining and living area on the second floor. The ground floor doesn't count towards your total square footage, but you can still use up all of your square meters on the second floor.

The layout includes two identical rooms with walk-in closets, each with its own private bathroom, and two bedrooms with walk-in closets. The bedrooms could benefit from a nicer view if they were elevated, and natural light from the windows would be welcome.

Staircase placement is another important consideration for a two-story granny flat. There are two types of staircases: straight and spiral. Straight staircases are straight and big enough to carry items up and down, while spiral staircases are modern and easy to put together. They can be stacked vertically to save floor area, allowing for a more unobtrusive look in the corner of the granny flat.

Spiral stairs are versatile, allowing for customization of materials and design to fit the aesthetic of your granny flat. They are also simple and inexpensive to set up, with kits for spiral staircases being delivered and assembled in as little as 4 to 6 hours. Building your own staircase can save you money and make it easier to set up than alternative stair designs. To maximize the limited habitable space in two-storey granny flats, careful interior planning and design are essential. Incorporating an upstairs balcony can increase the overall perceived space while adhering to floor restrictions. However, council regulations stipulate larger setbacks for taller granny flats, so it is crucial to ensure the height remains within the specified limit of 3.8 meters while adhering to setback requirements.

When designing a double-storey granny flat, consider using the first floor as a garage, designing a staircase with storage in mind, and adding a balcony to the second floor. Balconies are not considered habitable spaces, so you won't have to sacrifice any valuable indoor living area to accommodate them.

The two floors make up the maximum 60m2 of granny flat floor space, with the space for the staircase and void to the second floor included in the 60m2. The building process usually takes between 12 and 14 weeks, from construction to the handover. The site preparation involves clearing the area of debris and obstructions, constructing the slab and frame, and locking up the building. The lock-up phase involves finalizing the closure of the building, including erecting the structure's outer envelope, waterproofing the exterior, and constructing the interior.

The interior of the granny flat includes wiring, plumbed, insulated, garage roller doors, gyprock walls, bathroom(s), tile installation, kitchen, moulding, painter, and flooring. The last look-over and handover are crucial, with an inspection performed before the handoff.

Content Summary

• Two-story granny flats are possible with the right permits and land availability.
• Two-story granny flats offer the advantage of maximizing backyard space.
• The habitable interior space of two-story granny flats is subject to restrictions based on the state.
• Two-story granny flats have unique design, approval, cost, and construction considerations.
• Thorough guides are available for building two-story granny flats.
• Layout ideas for two-story granny flats include a ground floor garage and a second-floor living area with bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living-dining space.
• Ground floor space does not count towards the total square footage of the granny flat.
• Designing a deck on the ground floor and open living areas can enhance natural light.
• Walk-in closets and separate bathrooms can be incorporated into the bedrooms of a two-story granny flat.
• Elevated bedrooms provide better views and natural light.
• Small footprint doesn't mean limited lifestyle in a two-story granny flat.
• Staircases in two-story granny flats can be straight or spiral.
• Spiral staircases save floor space and can be aesthetically customized.
• Spiral staircases are simple and inexpensive to set up, with DIY options available.
• Careful interior planning is crucial to make the most of limited habitable space in two-story granny flats.
• Incorporating an upstairs balcony can maximize space while complying with restrictions.
• Two-story granny flats create a sense of spaciousness but require adherence to height and setback regulations.
• Utilizing the ground floor as a garage allows for additional storage or recreational space.
• Staircases can be designed against a wall to optimize floor space and incorporate storage underneath.
• Adding a balcony to the second floor provides additional outdoor space and views.
• Two-story granny flats can have up to 60m2 of living space split between the two levels.
• The site preparation, slab and frame construction, lock-up, linings, and fit off are essential steps in building a two-story granny flat.
• The entire construction process for a two-story granny flat usually takes 12 to 14 weeks.
• Clearing the site and preparing the backyard are necessary before construction.
• Slab and frame construction involve forming and pouring the concrete, installing waffle pods, and constructing the timber frame.
• The lock-up phase includes finalizing the building's outer envelope, such as the roof, windows, doors, and brickwork.
• The interior linings and fit off phase involve electrical and plumbing work, insulation, gyprock walls, bathroom installations, kitchen installation, painting, and flooring.
• A thorough inspection is conducted before the handover of the two-story granny flat.
• Two-story granny flats provide a way to maximize backyard potential while maintaining comfort and convenience.
• The design and layout of two-story granny flats should adhere to regulations and restrictions.
• Utilizing space-saving staircases like spiral staircases can optimize floor space.
• Balconies can be added to the second floor for outdoor space without compromising living area.
• Two-story granny flats offer a sense of spaciousness and can be designed for a small footprint.
• Proper planning and design choices are necessary to optimize the limited habitable space.
• Incorporating storage solutions, such as utilizing space under the staircase, can reduce clutter.
• The construction process of a two-story granny flat involves site preparation, slab and frame construction, lock-up, linings, and fit off.
• Ground floor garages provide additional functionality and storage space.
• Balconies on the second floor offer outdoor areas and scenic views.
• The design of the staircase should consider space optimization and complement the overall decor.
• Two-story granny flats require adherence to regulations regarding setbacks, height, and overall square footage.
• The construction process of a two-story granny flat takes approximately 12 to 14 weeks.
• Thorough guides are available to assist in the design and construction of two-story granny flats.
• Two-story granny flats can provide a spacious and comfortable living environment for families and individuals.
• Incorporating natural light through open living areas and windows enhances the overall ambiance of the granny flat.
• Building a two-story granny flat requires careful consideration of regulations and restrictions imposed by the local authorities.
• Balconies on the second floor offer opportunities to enjoy outdoor spaces and panoramic views.
• Maximizing storage space through well-designed staircases and utilizing under-stair areas helps reduce clutter.
• The interior linings and fit off phase involve various tasks, including electrical and plumbing work, insulation, wall installations, and flooring.
• A comprehensive inspection is conducted before the handover of the completed two-story granny flat.
• Two-story granny flats provide a flexible and functional solution for optimizing living space while maintaining backyard usage.