Granny flats are a thing of the future.
They’re increasingly popular in Australia as investments and homes for family members.
So what better way to dive into the world of granny flats, than as seen through the eyes of Star Trek’s Spock?
Enjoy classic Spock quotes, heed his warnings, and soak up what you need to know about granny flats today.
Granny flats are changing
Without followers, evil cannot spread.
Granny flats are increasingly popular in Australia. They’re not like they were in the 70s, when Star Trek graced TV screens.
The growth of granny flat architecture means there’s now an abundance of designs for stylish, comfortable granny flats that add value to property.
The number of granny flat providers has grown to match demand. These include builders who specialise in granny flats, granny flat designers, and prefab or flat pack granny flat manufacturers.
Granny flats benefit the whole family
The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one.
Granny flats are an asset in more ways than one. They’re affordable long-term investment and enhance property value. They also generate income through long-term rent. Without regular tenants, a granny flat can bring in short-term rental income through sites like AirBnB.
Granny flats are affordable accommodation for adult children in the rental market, or a home for older relatives to live independently and close to family.
That said, make sure your granny flat design considers all involved.
It should be a nice place to live, address the resident’s accessibility needs, suit your property, and be attractive to look at. Consult a granny flat designer for advice or discuss customisation with your granny flat supplier.
Do your research when choosing a granny flat
Insufficient facts always invite danger.
Make sure you do your research when buying a granny flat! Here’s what you’ll need to consider:
- Make sure you have council approval for your granny flat! (More on this later). This will help you decide the next point:
- What kind of granny flat do you want? Choose from a traditionally constructed granny flat, a prefab granny flat, a flat pack granny flat, or even a shipping container granny flat.
- Is the granny flat supplier reputable? Make sure the supplier specialises in granny flats, has the right qualifications, and uses quality materials. If they’re a prefab supplier, make sure they take all necessary precautions for safe transport of your granny flat.
- Don’t consider just the purchase price of the granny flat. Other costs of granny flats include the surveyor’s report, cost of labour (construction and services connection), preparing the site, transporting pre-made granny flats, landscaping, and separate metres for dividing bills with tenants.
- Does the granny flat design suit your property? You might like a design you see online, but consider whether the dimensions suit the shape and size of your yard. Also consider window placement: you might like to reposition windows to get the best view of your yard, or take advantage of morning sunlight.
Build a shipping container granny flat
Fascinating is a word I use for the unexpected, in this case I would think interesting would suffice.
We said modern granny flats are more sophisticated. Well, they’re also pretty creative – some designs might even make Spock’s grade for “fascinating”.
People are making granny flats out of shipping containers.
Shipping container granny flats are eco-friendly, and can be the most affordable kind of granny flat to make or buy.
If you’ve got the skills you can DIY your granny flat (the walls and floor are already there). There are also people who make and sell shipping container granny flats.
Check your council regulations for granny flats
I neither enjoy the idea of command nor am I frightened of it. It simply exists, and I will do whatever logically needs to be done.
Whether you think they’re logical or not, make sure you check your council’s granny flat regulations! Each state has different rules on whether and where you can build your granny flat, depending on size, zoning, and other factors.
Check with your local council before you even choose a design.
It’s definitely the logical thing to do to avoid a fine and wasted effort and money.
Go boldly where no-one has gone before
Space: the final frontier.
Enjoy your granny flat adventure. If you’ve planned well, you’ll have an asset and a home for any life-forms you choose to welcome.
Just make sure council approves. Some councils may not accept extra-terrestrial tenants.
Alex is a journalist and freelance writer who loves bringing you inspiring stories. Have an idea for a story? Let her know at adevylder@iinet.net.au