If you've always desired the financial advantages and lifestyle benefits of having a Granny Flat on your property but have limited space in your backyard, attached Granny Flats present a favourable solution. They are popular for individuals with smaller land parcels and are included in the government's limited-time scheme.
Granny Flats have gained significant popularity as additions to many properties, and they come in various sizes and designs. Traditionally, Granny Flats are known as separate dwellings, typically constructed far from the main residence. However, many people investing in a Granny Flat may need to realise the potential of having an attached Granny Flat, which refers to a dwelling connected to the main residence, according to industry terminology.
What Is an Attached Dwelling?
An attached granny flat is constructed adjacent to the main dwelling, sharing a wall between them. This type of dwelling has its separate entrance and includes all the essential features found in a separate dwelling, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
A Granny Flat, also known as a secondary dwelling, is a self-contained living space built on a property alongside another dwelling, referred to as the principal dwelling. The Granny Flat can be attached to or detached from the principal dwelling.
To be classified as "attached," a granny flat is considered as such when it is 900mm from the principal dwelling.
How to Construct a Granny Flat Successfully:
Here are the most important things to consider when adding a granny flat to your house.
- Overall Aesthetic Appeal: How will the building look with the granny flat added?
A granny flat attached to a main house should look like it belongs there and be built in the same style. I will explain how the roof fits into the building as a whole in a moment.
It's worth noting that a fireproof wall is required between the two houses in order to adhere to Australia's Building Code.
- Location: Where will you put the new granny flat?
What impact will its placement have on the views and solar access of the main house? If the granny flat completely obstructs the perspective from the main house or prevents the sun from entering, it is not a good idea to build it. The property's value could drop if this is done.
- What kind of roof does your primary home have?
Can this type of roof be easily extended to connect a second house? For the two houses to work well together, they should have the same roof. Some roofing materials are hard to stretch because of this;
- Gable Roof: This roof is inexpensive and easy to add to the new granny flat.
- Hipped Roof: This type of roof is harder to add on to because it is "broken" at the wall.
Because of this "break," a lot of work will need to be done on the roof tiles and frame to make this roof longer. A new roof will need to be put on most of the time. If the main house is tall enough, adding a skillion roof would be easier and cheaper.
Attached granny flats with gable or skillion roofs are much easier to construct. Trying to put a skillion ceiling over both dwellings is the best option if the roof is already hipped.
How Big Can an Attached Granny Flat Be?
A granny flat attached to the main house must follow the rules. The maximum size for living space is 60sqm. The 60sqm limit does not apply to additions like garages, alfresco, and carports.
Do the Attached Granny Flats Have Restrictions?
The National Construction Code (NCC) mandates that all Granny Flats must include specific facilities such as a kitchen, a bathroom or shower, laundry facilities, and a toilet. Another crucial requirement aimed at preventing the spread of fire between dwellings is the presence of a wall with a Fire Resistance Level (FRL) of at least 60/60/60 or a masonry wall with a minimum thickness of 90mm, separating the Granny Flat from the principal dwelling.
Furthermore, having no internal access between the Granny Flat and the principal dwelling is preferable. If a door is provided, it should be a self-closing door with a solid core, and its thickness should be no less than 35mm.
- Most local councils follow the rules below when it comes to granny flats:
- The same person must own both the main house and the granny flat.
- The granny flat can't take up more room than the main house is allowed to.
- Only lots designated as "Residential Zone" can have granny flats constructed on them.
- On a residential property, you can only build one granny flat.
Depending on your local council's rules, this living area can be anywhere from 60sqm to 90sqm, even though 60sqm is often the largest footprint you can build on.
But patios, verandas, and carports can be added to the allowed living space. Usually, these can be up to 12 square metres in size. (The floor space limits set by the council don't count these)
It's always smart to make sure you don't break any of these rules:
- Granny flats can't be built on land with a strata title, land that has been split up, or land with a community title.
- On empty land, you can't build a granny flat.
- Granny flats can't be built on properties that were bought for business.
- Granny flats must have clear, separate, unblocked access for people on foot.
- A granny flat attached to the main house can't have an internal door. Instead, it needs a separate entrance.
A granny flat must also be built on a certain size of land.
Here are the main rules that the council has about granny flats;
- The size of the block must be at least 450sqm.
- Keep a 3m distance from the back and a 0.9m distance from the sides. (These setbacks may also change based on the height of the building.)
- Keep at least 3m away from trees over 4m tall.
What Council Permission Do You Need for this?
As a homeowner, you are not required to obtain council permission to construct a granny flat on your property. However, ensuring that your property meets certain minimum requirements is important.
The specific requirements vary across different states and local councils. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with your local council right from the beginning to determine what is permissible and what is not.
To assess whether any restrictions exist that might hinder the construction of a granny flat on your land, you can take the following steps:
- Your local council will sell you a "Section 149(2) Planning Certificate" for about $40.
Check the rules your local council sets to determine the remaining details. Obtaining Development Application (DA) approval is the following step. Depending on the rules of your council, your application must contain the majority of these items, if not all of them:
- Planned survey
- Drawings for buildings
- Drawings from structural engineers
- Certificate from BASIX
A BASIX Certificate can be obtained online, but it is best to enlist the assistance of a professional for all other requirements. Additionally, your architect or draftsperson can assist with this.
The drawings must be produced by an architect, building designer, or planning consultant for the council to accept them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Granny Flat
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, a granny flat is a self-contained home with the following properties: 1-2 bedrooms in the property (although occasionally there is another bedroom), Walk-in or separate bathrooms. A small (limited) kitchen, a dining and living area and laundry.
There are three types of Granny Flats: in-home, home-extension, and detached.
It is sometimes called a granny flat because it is a popular way for families to accommodate aging parents. In the building industry, the granny flat is often known as an accessory apartment or dwelling unit (ADU).
So the first thing to remember is that there's usually a standard. If, for example, you're in New South Wales, the standard maximum granny flat size in most areas is 60 square meters. So in most sites, that's what we can get for you, 60 square metres.
Benefits of an Attached Granny Flat?
Attached granny flats offer several advantages to savvy investors and family-focused homeowners, including:
- Smaller lots, such as those owned by people who reside close to the city or wish to preserve as much of their garden as possible, can benefit from an attached granny flat.
- For meeting family members who are ageing, disabled, or simply needing a little extra support, they offer that extra level of security, supervision, and closeness.
- Enjoy the advantages of built-in babysitters while comfortably hosting visitors or relatives while maintaining privacy!
- It offers a practical, adaptable space that may be utilised and a home office, enabling remote workers to participate in video conferences in a quiet, expert, and private setting. Additionally, every Attached Granny Flat constructed by Cubitt's comes standard with the most recent Wi-Fi technology.
- Your needs and preferences can be fully customised with Cubitt's Attached Granny Flats. For instance, you could add wider doorframes, expanded outdoor decking, and alfresco areas. You could even design your granny flat to blend in with the style of your main house.
- If you decide to rent the attached granny flat, you will significantly increase the value of your current property and create a consistent source of passive income. More sporadic income opportunities are available to you in today's adaptable world, like renting out short-term Airbnb rooms.
Are Attached Granny Flats Cheaper?
Regrettably, no. There will be unique difficulties associated with adding a new home next to the existing one, such as roofing, guttering, and stormwater considerations.
Should It Match the House Facade?
This decision is entirely subjective and based on personal preference. Some clients of RESCON prefer to have the attached granny flat match the main house's design, while others opt for a different finish. The choice is entirely up to you.
Will There Be Privacy?
Certainly, even though the main house and the granny flat are connected, they have distinct, separate entrances, ensuring that both parties can maintain their privacy.
Building a Separate Granny Flat for Privacy
Privacy is a crucial consideration when constructing two homes so close to one another. Particularly an attached granny flat intended to blend in seamlessly with the primary residence.
However, privacy can be achieved with a few easy changes:
- Orientation – Consider carefully where you want to put your granny flat.
The privacy between the two residences may be maximised or minimised depending on their orientation. A granny flat's additional living quarters can be positioned so the two homes face one another.
They can, however, also be mirrored, giving you and your residents more privacy and their entryways.
Consequently, the straightforward design possibility of:
- A patio away from the main house.
- A second sliding door for access from the patio to the granny flat,
When it comes to securing privacy, this makes a world of a difference. That means you can sit outside without having to avoid eye contact.
- Landscaping – Use clever garden space-saving techniques.
More space for discreet bushes necessitates some ingenuity on your part. For instance, you could construct a hanging garden from recycled guttering for your patio. As a bonus, the herbs included in it are delicious.
- Separate access – Consider adding a side gate and a laneway to the property's back.
By doing this, your tenant and any guests will have a private entrance and won't bother you when entering or exiting.
Conclusion
Attached Granny Flats offer financial and lifestyle benefits for individuals with limited backyard space. These small, detached dwellings are typically constructed far from the main residence but can be attached to or detached from it. They have a separate entrance, essential features, and are built adjacent to the main dwelling. To construct a successful granny flat, consider the building's overall aesthetic appeal, building style, and fireproof wall compliance. The government's limited-time scheme includes attached granny flats.
The location of an attached granny flat is crucial when considering its placement and impact on the views and solar access of the main house. The roof type of the main house should be gable or hipped, with a skillion roof being easier and cheaper. The maximum size for living space in an attached granny flat is 60sqm, with no restrictions on the size.
Local councils follow specific rules for granny flats, such as the same person owning both the main house and the granny flat, allowing only one dwelling to be built on a residential property. The living area can range from 60sqm to 90sqm, with patios, verandas, and carports allowed up to 12 square meters in size.
Granny flats cannot be built on land with a strata title, split up, or community title, empty land, or properties bought for business. They must have clear, separate, unblocked access for people on foot, and a separate entrance. The block size must be at least 450sqm, and the building must be at least 3m away from the back and 0.9m away from the sides.
Critizen permission is not required for constructing a granny flat, but ensuring that the property meets certain minimum requirements is important. To assess if restrictions exist, consult with your local council and obtain a "Section 149(2) Planning Certificate" for about $40.
To obtain DA approval, complete a planned survey, drawings for buildings, structural engineers, and a certificate from BASIX. The council will require the assistance of an architect, building designer, or planning consultant for all other requirements.
Attached granny flats offer several advantages for savvy investors and family-focused homeowners, including smaller lots, increased security, supervision, and closeness for family members, built-in babysitters, and a practical, adaptable space for remote work. They also come standard with the latest Wi-Fi technology.
Additionally, renting an attached granny flat can significantly increase the value of your current property and create a consistent source of passive income. However, there are unique difficulties associated with adding a new home next to the existing one, such as roofing, guttering, and stormwater considerations.
Privacy is a crucial consideration when constructing two homes close to one another, especially an attached granny flat intended to blend in seamlessly with the primary residence. To achieve privacy, consider the orientation of the granny flat, landscaping, and separate access.
Content Summary:
- If you've always desired the financial advantages and lifestyle benefits of having a Granny Flat on your property but have limited space in your backyard, attached Granny Flats present a favourable solution.
- They are popular for individuals with smaller land parcels and are included in the government's limited-time scheme.
- Granny Flats have gained significant popularity as additions to many properties, and they come in various sizes and designs.
- Traditionally, Granny Flats are known as separate dwellings, typically constructed far from the main residence.
- However, many people investing in a Granny Flat may need to realise the potential of having an attached Granny Flat, which refers to a dwelling connected to the main residence, according to industry terminology.
- An attached granny flat is constructed adjacent to the main dwelling, sharing a wall between them.
- This type of dwelling has its separate entrance and includes all the essential features found in a separate dwelling, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
- A Granny Flat, also known as a secondary dwelling, is a self-contained living space built on a property alongside another dwelling, referred to as the principal dwelling.
- The Granny Flat can be attached to or detached from the principal dwelling.
- To be classified as "attached," a granny flat is considered as such when it is 900mm from the principal dwelling.
- How will the building look with the granny flat added?
- A granny flat attached to a main house should look like it belongs there and be built in the same style.
- I will explain how the roof fits into the building as a whole in a moment.
- It's worth noting that a fireproof wall is required between the two houses in order to adhere to Australia's Building Code.
- Location: Where will you put the new granny flat?
- What impact will its placement have on the views and solar access of the main house?
- If the granny flat completely obstructs the perspective from the main house or prevents the sun from entering, it is not a good idea to build it.
- The property's value could drop if this is done.
- What kind of roof does your primary home have?
- Can this type of roof be easily extended to connect a second house?
- For the two houses to work well together, they should have the same roof.
- Some roofing materials are hard to stretch because of this; Gable Roof: This roof is inexpensive and easy to add to the new granny flat.
- Hipped Roof: This type of roof is harder to add on to because it is "broken" at the wall.
- Because of this "break," a lot of work will need to be done on the roof tiles and frame to make this roof longer.
- A new roof will need to be put on most of the time.
- If the main house is tall enough, adding a skillion roof would be easier and cheaper.
- Attached granny flats with gable or skillion roofs are much easier to construct.
- Trying to put a skillion ceiling over both dwellings is the best option if the roof is already hipped.
- A granny flat attached to the main house must follow the rules.
- The maximum size for living space is 60sqm.
- The 60sqm limit does not apply to additions like garages, alfresco, and carports.
- The National Construction Code (NCC) mandates that all Granny Flats must include specific facilities such as a kitchen, a bathroom or shower, laundry facilities, and a toilet.
- Another crucial requirement aimed at preventing the spread of fire between dwellings is the presence of a wall with a Fire Resistance Level (FRL) of at least 60/60/60 or a masonry wall with a minimum thickness of 90mm, separating the Granny Flat from the principal dwelling.
