Tips to Build a Granny Flat on a Budget
The costs of building a granny flat can be quite expensive. A homeowner who has good carpentry skills and time to do the project can drastically cut the building costs at around 20-25%.
Further savings can be gained when you build a granny flat by renovating a home to include a separate entrance for the flat or converting a garage or shed.
By turning yourself as an owner-builder
You can become an owner-builder of a granny flat when you possess the right carpentry skills the time to do it. Getting a permit as an owner-builder is a requirement before starting on the granny flat building project. This means that you need to attend classes and pass a test. However, essential jobs such as plumbing and electrical work have to be given to the pros. The bulk of the construction can also be helped by a good carpenter.
A building permit is a requirement even with small structures such as a granny flat. Hiring the services of a good drafter is an expense you can’t skimp if you want to get approval. The detailed drawings provided by a skilled drafter will not only speed up the approval but also give you a construction blueprint to base your work on.
Going for sheds is a good option
Sheds provide a good option if you don’t want to build a granny flat from scratch. The delivered shed components only take a short time to assemble. You can then do modifications to the interior to make it a comfortable living space. The new comfortable and beautiful designs of sheds have made them a living space to consider.
You can renovate your garage
Renovating your garage to turn it into a granny flat will save you thousands of dollars. The shell of the granny flat can be provided by your existing garage structure. Extensive renovations have to be done though for you to comply with building codes and regulations. Just remember to include the costs of providing a drainage and floor elevation.
Renovating your existing home
Renovating your existing home to add a granny flat with a separate entrance is another cost-saving construction option. Bear in mind that the renovation should include all the amenities of a separate home to include bathroom facilities, separate entrance, and cooking areas.
Incorporating all these features can qualify the structure as a granny flat even when it is connected to your main house. However, renovating your home to add a granny flat is only good if you have a larger-sized house. Incorporating a granny flat will take care of some unused spaces in your home.
Consider the earthworks
Earthworks are an important factor to consider when you want to build a separate granny flat from your home. Obstructions such as large rocks, trees, and bushes are excavation jobs you have to consider before starting work on the construction of your granny flat. Doing it this way avoids nasty and expensive surprises.
Is it better to go the route of being an owner-builder or to purchase a prefab or hire a professional home builder for your granny flat project? Do you want removabale granny flats? If you are still unclear about the designs and details of your granny flat, it is best to consult an expert builder.
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