Curious what granny flats in Melbourne actually mean and how they’re used today? These versatile backyard units have evolved far beyond their original purpose. The word “granny flats” came into use when small, self-contained dwellings were constructed in the backyard of the house for aging parents. But now the best solution is to construct a small unit in the garden area of your property where a small office, living room, and bedroom, or a gym is needed. The size, cost, and layout of the backyard granny flat depend on many factors, like approvals, utilities, construction materials, and other hidden costs.

Granny flats in Melbourne are usually more than single-room sheds that contain a bedroom, a kitchen, a dining area, a bathroom, and a laundry area. Some granny flats have a porch area as well. In today’s fast-paced world, granny flats are used as secondary dwellings that serve as:

• Independent offices
• Independent living spaces
• Guest rooms
• Rental rooms
• Art studios
• Gyms and kids’ play areas

What Are the Rules and Regulations of a Granny Flat?

A granny flat can be built by anyone, but there are some rules and regulations that need to be followed. This self-contained unit can be built on the outlines laid down by the local council. But first it is necessary to check if your property is suitable for building a granny flat or not. The result is high quality granny flats constructed for functional, compliant, and built to suit both current and future needs.

There are several permits that are needed before the actual construction begins. Even so, it is advised to contact your local council directly to check the development regulations. Local council regulations include state environmental planning policies (SEPP) that are effective and simple. Some of these policies are to support primary production and rural development, to protect major infrastructure corridors, to remove duplicate and outdated units, and a few others. It is true that understanding council regulations at early stages of construction helps in avoiding delays and additional costs.

How to choose a design for a granny flat?

The best thing about choosing the design layout for your granny flat is that it can be customized according to your needs. Layouts like one-bedroom are the most versatile, and two-bedroom are suitable for families. The design can also vary according to the number of family members using it, rental requirements of the shed, or home office solutions offered by the unit. Planning ahead about the future use of the flat makes things easy for the owner. It ensures that the pod remains functional, adaptable, and valuable over the passage of time.

Then comes choosing the right build type for your granny flat. It is necessary, as the flexibility in layout will allow easy transition between different uses. There are several build types for granny flats.

Some of them are:

3 Build Types for Granny Flats in Melbourne:

1. Modular granny flats: In these, most of the structure is made in factories. After which, it gets delivered to your site and is assembled into place. It has the fastest build time and minimal site disruption. It is also cheaper than custom builds. Some cons include limited customization of the designs and transport restrictions.

2. Custom-built granny flats: In custom builds, a designer creates a tailored plan according to the needs of the customer. Then, builders construct it traditionally on-site. They provide the most flexibility in customization of the granny flats. More specific features can be easily incorporated in comparison to modular granny flats. But they are also more expensive and take up a lot more time.

3. Future use of the granny flat: When one needs to choose a build type, it is important to consider how that granny flat may be used in the future. If the flat is used for family, it needs to be functional. The layout should be flexible and should allow for upgrades in the future. Also consider if the design can be modified in the future, such as with more bedrooms, additional storage, or living spaces. You must also use proper plumbing, internet connectivity, and electrical connections to avoid inconvenience later on.

If the flat is to be bought for investment purposes, it must have room for later modifications and upgrades. For other uses like rental spaces, the non-accessibility from the primary house is also important. So, the value of the granny flat is dependent on its future use.

Conclusion

There are different construction companies that have quotations of different prices for the same granny flats in Melbourne. Choosing professionals with proven experience in building the best garden granny flats will save your hard-earned money. It also ensures that you have a long-term value for your investment. So, partner with the best company, like Silko Home, that provides smooth granny flat solutions, and enjoy the advantages of working from home or living in a separate entity attached to your home.