9 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Building a Granny Flat

Building a granny flat has remarkable benefits such as increased comfort and financial progress. For some, having a granny flat adds a place for leisure or for accommodation purposes (particularly to aging parents or young adults). But others see it as a doorway for investment opportunities and greater value for their property.

 

Whether your goal has something to do with expanding your home or obtaining financial stability for your family, it’s best to specify the project details and the corresponding requirements needed for its success.

 

Consider asking yourself these questions before aiming for a granny flat that accommodates a growing family or increases your standard of living.

 

1. Why do I need a granny flat?

 

It takes careful thought and thorough planning before acquiring a loan from the bank or home entity. You may have the finances needed to fund the project but knowing your objectives and desired plan of action is important to get a clearer picture of what you really need. For instance, if you’re planning to buy a new home for upgrades and improvement, renovating your existing house can be the ideal option since the cost is cheaper and it presents a less-daunting process.

 

Part of the renovation or remodeling project is to prepare a draft that includes the pros and cons of building a granny flat, your expectations (in terms of building costs and ROI), and a detailed timeframe. Doing so helps to prevent potential disputes and keeps you from making unwise decisions.

 

2. What are the policies required in my area?

 

Local councils have different conditions and requirements for residential owners. Your familiarization with the policies and permits required for a granny flat construction is an absolute necessity. Houses with granny flats have definitely undergone council approval before the building process took place.

 

However, in 2009, the New South Wales Government in Australia released a policy that authorizes homeowners to build a granny flat. This course of action describes the complying development approval that only takes 10 days (compared with other planning approval that takes more than 6 weeks) to complete for lot sizes with a minimum number of 450 square meters.

 

Other minimum requirements for the land size, proximity and maximum dimension for the floor area are indicated to guide you in the approval process. If it fails to meet the standard required by the Complying Development checklist, submitting a Development Application (DA) is one of the initial stages that shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s also important to learn more about your state and local government regulations when it comes to building secondary dwelling to avoid getting involved with legal issues.

 

3. How do I know if the size of my property is enough?

Having a backyard that’s suitable enough to support a granny flat construction can resolve any spatial issues. For property owners with small lots, the average size needed to construct a granny flat is a minimum of 450sqm. On the other hand, lot sizes with over 600 to 1,500sqm have a corresponding size requirement for frontage, floor and setback areas.

 

Devoting your time to discuss it with your local authority allows you to clarify if your space is qualified for the project.

 

4. How does building a granny flat yield great investments?

 

According to research, the constant demand for granny flat plans and construction are one way to resolve house affordability issues. As such, houses with granny flats have a higher chance of acquiring more income from rental fees and getting into contracts with tenants within their area.

 

It also yields higher investments if you plan to sell your property in the next 10 years.

 

5. How much am I willing to spend for a granny flat?

 

The answer will depend on the available finances and your plan to acquire a loan. Planning a budget for the project can save you from headaches and falling into significant debts.

 

Other aspects to consider also include:

 

• The sizing requirements in your location
• Granny flat designs that you prefer
• Number of rooms to build
• The structure’s layout (kitchen, bedrooms and living space)
• Professional fees (architect, project manager, builder)

 

6. Where should a granny flat be built?

 

Choosing a specific location around your property also needs compliance with your local authority. Some homeowners prefer to have it built in the yard where proximity requirements (frontage, floor and setback areas) are followed.

 

7. How big should a granny flat be?

 

Granny flats are typically built up to 60 to 70sqm (not more than 80sqm) as required by the law. If you plan to go beyond that measure, you may need to confirm it with your local council to smooth out the process.

 

8. How will I benefit from building a granny flat?

 

As mentioned above, owning a granny flat is for increased convenience in terms of comfortability and income. Is the idea of building a granny flat worth it? If you have future plans of introducing your property in the market or opening it up for rental agreement, it benefits both you and others.

 

9. How do I acquire a professional builder for the project?

 

Choosing an experienced builder is crucial especially if the project involves your invested time and money. It’s important to check the following criteria to ensure you’re partnering with the right professional:

 

• Does the builder have a reputable track record in building high-quality granny flats?
• Do they offer a wide selection of sizes, structural designs and types?
• Are they licensed and insured?
• Do they provide inspection services and relevant certificates before, during and after the procedures?
• Does the building company receive good and positive feedback from other clients?

 

Keeping these questions in mind can help you with your planning and decision-making. Make sure to find a builder that suits the requirements as your home deserves the best value for your money.