Professional Tips for Building a Granny Flat

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When you build a house, you always think you have considered all the aspects and included all the essentials for you and your family at that point, but you might often decide that the house is no longer enough for your needs. Instead of looking for a new one, you can opt to build a granny flat to extend the size and utility of your current house. Granny flats are commonly made as an extension of the home to increase the living space or create an additional storage room.

Sydney residents are familiar with the terms as many houses located in the area have a conjoined area that is used as an additional room of the house or a garden suite. Designing a granny flat from scratch is not a complicated task, but there are some vital details to consider if you want the result to be fully functional and useful. As such, getting some professional tips from granny flat builders in Sydney firms is always welcome if you decide to take on the building task yourself. 

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What Is Essential when Building a Granny Flat

The amusing name of this construction comes from its initial purpose, which was hosting grandparents who came to visit or decided to come live with the young family but couldn't fit in the single-family house. More formally, it is known as a dwelling unit or an in-law apartment. 

The building process involves some costs that must be taken into account beforehand. You can't estimate the final price of the project as various factors influence it, but we can tell you that the average cost in Sydney is $75.000. Of course, you can get a minor price if you build a smaller unit or choose cheaper materials and finishing touches, or you can even reach $125.000 if you want to opt for high-end finishes and materials. Whether you decide to build it as a separate living unit or attach it to the already existing house on the property, the construction implies following some steps that ensure a smooth building process. Contracting granny flat builders will make the job much easier and will ensure an ideal result.

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Get Council Approval 

Before starting any procedure, you need to get official approval from your town's council to make the granny flat legal. The process can be a little complicated, but companies of experienced granny flat builders in Sydney can help you with the paperwork and make the process more straightforward. 

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Determine Building Requirements 

The next step in building a granny flat is inspecting the surroundings and determining the construction requirements based on the size you want to obtain, the design and layout of the space available, and the property's location. According to granny flat builders, the view is of the essence, so ensure you position it in a vital place on your property. 

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Decide the Final Project 

Once you have obtained the legal documentation, it's time to start thinking about the actual building project that includes the number of rooms in your granny flat. Usually, they comprise a living room, a kitchen, a bedroom, and a bathroom, connected by a hallway. Increasing the number of rooms is not permitted, as it would turn the construction into an actual house, not an additional unit. However, these rooms are enough to accommodate a couple of people and make them comfortable. 

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Things that Make a Good Granny Flat 

In Sidney, granny flats are trendy as many young families decide to co-live with their elders but want to enjoy freedom and privacy at the same time. Granny flat builders in Sydney offer legal assistance for homeowners who wish to extend their homes as there are some regulations to be followed. Many companies also build granny flats on demand, so they know the most popular trends. Aside from the practical aspects, these living units must be stylish and comfortable to make their residents feel at ease. Let's see the essentials that make or break a granny flat.  

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Maximize the Space 

Given the restricted size implied by the law, you might be tempted to think the granny flat is less comfortable or practical than an apartment, and you couldn't be more wrong. The small size doesn't take from its beauty and functionality if you know how to make the most of each inch. When building a granny flat, limit corridors and hallways, and use the space to create large rooms, design large windows that allow natural light to come inside and enlarge the space. Think of clever storage spaces so that everything will have its place and you will avoid clutter while maintaining everything within reach.

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Maintain Privacy 

The fundamental difference between a granny flat and another building is that it has to have a separate entrance. Whether you attach it to the existing house or build it separately, the entrance door must be separated. This automatically implies privacy, essential if you want to share the property with someone else. It also provides freedom, allowing the co-living families to interact only when needed and to remain separated on demand to ensure each will feel at ease while sharing a home on the same land.

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Design a Deck

Although you might not think it's essential, a deck can transform your granny flat. While legal reglementation applies to the indoor dimensions, it doesn't mention anything about the outdoor, so you can design a generous deck that will increase the living space. It can include a resting corner, a barbecue zone, a playground, or anything you want to add to the other rooms. Take into account the location of your land, analyze from where the sun rises, whether or not you have a beautiful garden nearby, or if you want the deck to face the house. These details make a huge difference when designing a granny flat.

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Furnish it Wisely

Poorly chosen furniture can ruin all your efforts in building a granny flat that will be practical and welcoming for a long time. Make sure you take your time and choose quality furniture that will complement each room. Make sure to pick large items that will overcrowd the space; use smart design tips that enlarge each room, and opt for light hues with small color accents that will create a smooth and chill ambiance. Opt for quality finishes that will make a difference in the durability and comfort of the lives of those who will live in the granny flat.