Have you ever thought about expanding your home, but not
sure of the requirements or value in doing so?
Having a secondary dwelling on your property is becoming
increasingly popular across Australia. Whether it’s a solution for our growing
and ageing population and rising rental prices or an escape to a parents’
retreat, granny flats are an affordable way to expand the living space on your
property. Not only do they improve the value of your home, but also accommodate
for more private living.
Granny flats as self-contained extensions can be constructed
in three ways – within the house, attached to the house, or separate from the
house. NSW Government outlines that granny flats must be on the same lot of
land as the principal house and not on a separate lot, in a strata plan or in a
community title scheme. There is only to be one house and one granny flat
existing on the property – not on a subdivision.
There are particular standards and regulations that come
into play when designing and building a granny flat. The legal maximum size for
granny flats is 60 square metres, and they must be built in line with the
Building Code of Australia. Furthermore, the combined total floor space of the
two structures needs to comply with local council standards. Planning controls
must also be met, including building height and setbacks, floor space ratios,
and open space.
Designing a granny flat comes with endless possibilities –
from an open-plan studio space to spacious two-bedroom apartment set-ups. The
opportunities for different layouts and styles enable home-owners to use the
space for a variety of uses, depending on their spatial needs. Some suggestions
are a home office, rumpus room, parents’ retreat, design studio or home gym.
The flexibility of and range of functions for granny flats
is what drives their attractiveness to home owners. As long as adequate
backyard space is maintained, the addition of a granny flat on unused space can
successfully improve your property value – particularly as you can rent out the
space for some extra income.
So, if your teenagers are driving you crazy, or you need the
extra room for another person, a granny flat could be your solution. The
diversity in design choices will allow you to create a space that will meet
your needs and improve the value of your home.
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