Forget the extra bedroom — get a granny flat built for granny, the visiting in-laws, or the visiting friends.
If you have the space in your property, an extended housing structure, yet completely independent of the main house, could also serve as a smart investment. You could rent out the granny flat so you’ll have additional income or you could use the self-contained structure as a selling point when you put your house back on the market.
Aside from the convenience and lucrative aspect of building granny flats, NSW residents have a wide range of options on design. Indeed, today’s granny flats are not what your grannies would have used back in the day because these “old time” structures are contemporary, innovative, and quite stylish.
Here are just of five of the hot new design ideas you might want to try.
1. The Convertible Granny Flat
Families and couples have changing needs when it comes to accommodations. Maybe your granny flat might serve as a temporary home for your recently widowed parent one year, and the next, it may be required for a one-off project for your creative company.
When going over the floor plan and architecture of your granny flat with the builder, consider these changing needs. A flexible granny flat that could function as temporary home as well as a studio would make your investment worthwhile.
2. The Green Granny
If you’ve been toying with the idea of building an eco-friendly home, start with the granny flat in your property. It’s small enough to keep your construction costs manageable and sufficient enough to help you contribute to a better environment.
Your granny flat builder could work out a design that maximises sunlight and wind in your location, to reduce your energy costs. And you could use recycled or salvaged materials for areas like the deck or the kitchen.
3. Higher Ceiling Granny Flats
If you have limited space, you can always create grandeur with your granny flat by raising the ceiling. A loft space might also add to its beauty and function.
4. The Cabin Slash Communal Granny Flat
Some granny flats have taken after cabin design, wherein facilities like the bathroom and kitchen are shared. You could do the same for your granny flat, if you lack the funding for a self-contained space. Rent out the unit to students or use it as communal space for when families gather for celebrations.
5. The Shipping Container Granny Flat
Finally, reduce your construction cost and boost the contemporary appeal of your granny flat with the use of shipping containers. You can paint the structure in vibrant colours, use an open floor plan, and get modern furniture to complete the contemporary style.