Granny flats may have been intended for the elderly but these self-contained accommodations no longer have dated styles. Instead, today’s granny flats have become ancillary spaces that inspire creativity and innovation in design.
To help you make the most of this detached structure, you need to consider several factors when getting your granny flat plans made.
Think of it as a small-footprint living space — and include eco-friendly features.
The popularity of granny flats has skyrocketed in recent years primarily because it allows people in NSW to live as eco-friendly as possible. Unlike the usual house with its massive space requiring greater energy use, the granny flat leaves a smaller carbon footprint.
Its small size doesn’t need much to serve its function. You can also choose floor plans that keep the space efficient, through cross ventilation and full insulation. Plans could also factor in the use of sustainable materials and systems that maximise resources, like rainwater tank installation.
The current purpose for your granny flat may change in a few years’ time.
Whether you’re single or have a family, your living situation will change. Accordingly, your requirements for the granny flat you had built might change as well. A good plan would consider these future needs.
So think about making the detached space into a multi-purpose structure. It might prove useful as a music room, a home office, and a “man-cave” or a “she-shed” someday.
If you want to use the flat as an income generator, plan around tenants you want to target.
A student in uni will have different needs for accommodation than a professional who is just starting out. Which type of tenant would prefer to have in your granny flat? Think about this carefully because it will tell you if you need to get a plan for a studio granny flat or a two-bedroom granny flat.
Know about council regulations.
Here’s where things might get “hairy” with granny flats construction: getting council approval. Some city councils will have separate regulations on the maximum size for granny flats. Certain cities also limit the size of a rental granny flat, with approval depending on the total size of the block.
Although planning policies have eased in NSW, with 10-day approvals for self-contained units that meet criteria, you still need to know specific policies, like zoning, to prevent costly mistakes and stress with your construction.
Granny flats have evolved, in style and function. But before you start making plans, make sure you’ve considered all relevant factors and that you have all the necessary information