Tips for Designing a Granny Flat - 20 March, 2012
A granny flat is a self-contained home which is perfect for a family member who has reached retirement years. These portable housing units have a bedroom, bathroom and living area and are designed to be installed in the back garden of a close family member. This living arrangement means that the elderly parent can live close to their family members and have their support and companionship when needed, but can also have their own privacy and independence.
However, these types of structures don’t have to simply be used for aging relatives. They can provide a space for teenagers or young adults living at home, a home office space, or a starter home for a young couple. They can also be used to generate rental income, as they give a great return on investment per square meter.
When you are designing a granny flat there are many different styles to choose from. Granny flats come in all shapes and sizes and the design that you choose will depend on your budget, the size of your garden and the needs of the elderly relative living within the home. The design process can take some time as you want to ensure that you have the ideal home for your needs. Here are some tips for designing the best granny flat for your needs:
Before you get started on the design you will need to know about the planning requirements in your particular area for your property. What will your council allow you to build? How big can it be? Are there any restrictions on how it can be constructed?
How many bedrooms will you need? Most granny flats only have one bedroom, but others will have two bedrooms and this will affect the design.
If the elderly relative who is living in the home has any mobility issues, it is important to think about this within your design. Make sure that there are no steps to climb up towards the home and that the corridors are large enough to navigate with a cane, walker or wheelchair. You can also create kitchen and bathroom designs which are accessible and easy to reach even with low mobility.
You have the option of using a template from the granny flat company, but if you don’t like any of the basic designs that are offered don’t be afraid to ask for custom features. You can create the ideal granny flat for you which will be totally unique.
Think about how the design will incorporate into its environment. How much space do you have for the property in your back garden and how will it fit within the layout of the area. Don’t forget to consider what the views will be from each of the windows and how the flat will be accessed.
These are just a few important tips to consider before designing a granny flat for your property where your elderly relative can live in comfort and convenience in close proximity with you.
