Utilize the free space in your backyard – Build a granny flat

Real estate is valuable. You don’t need anyone to remind you of that fact when you look at the prices properties are fetching today. But if you are a homeowner and have land around your property, have you considered making better use of that land? Do you know that you could build on your property making it more valuable and certainly more practical? One possible new use of your land involves the building of a granny flat.

What is a granny flat?

Well as the name suggests, it’s a small building (a flat) built to accommodate an older member of a family (a granny). Let’s say a grandmother, who might now be a widow, wants to be close to her family but not necessarily inside the family home. A granny flat is the best of both worlds. Granny is nearby and can be looked after. She can be independent or slip inside the family home for meals and other social activities. And being so close, she’s the perfect babysitter. It’s a win-win situation for the whole family.

Of course a granny flat can be for more than one person with both grandparents living in the flat. It keeps them together and as a part of their children and grandchildren. Another reason why such a building is so versatile.

The benefits of a granny flat

Obviously the value of your property will increase if you have a granny flat. Now I say obviously because you do need to be aware of over capitalizing your home. If you spend a vast amount on the granny flat, it may not increase the value of your property to the extent where it covers the initial expense. But building a sensible granny flat will certainly increase the value of your home.

And that is where consulting your professional builder is the first step in your journey. Don’t rush ahead without planning and consultation. Start by talking to your professional builder, one who has experience in building all sorts of granny flats in all sorts of locations.

Another and major benefit of a granny flat is income. If you have a self-contained flat on your property, you could rent this part of your house and thus obtain a steady stream of income. The renter could be a semi-permanent person or persons or it could become a holiday let, a sort of Air BnB place. Again, consultation is the key because your local council will have regulations which must be adhered to.

So think about a granny flat in terms of looking after a loved member of your family and also as a way of earning a lucrative passive income stream.

Building your Granny Flat

This is another example of how a professional builder is the perfect partner for your needs. For instance, do you want an attached, semi-attached or free standing flat? What are the benefits of each? Your builder will know. Do you want the flat to blend in with your current home? Do you want to place it away from your home in another part of your garden? Will it be attached so that by simply walking through a door takes you in or out of the flat? All these questions can be clearly and with authority answered by an experienced builder.

The design of a granny flat is super important if you are to have an elderly person living therein. They will want few if any steps or stairs and access to the bathroom and its facilities will need to be in keeping with the resident. Yet again, a professional builder will know exactly how to design and build such a building. Purpose built granny flats are the ideal and as you know the needs of your relative, your builder can suggest and build all sorts of things to make life easier.

Then there’s the access situation. If you are having holidaymakers staying in your flat, will they have access for their vehicle? Will that vehicle block your access? These seem like minor matters but trust me, they are important.

Of course it sounds like a great idea to build your own granny flat. And it might be nice to have a young grandchild paint a few strokes in a section of a wall. But looking at the project from a practical point of view, leaving the expert tasks to the experts is by far the best way to go. Your professional and experienced builder knows the building materials, the best way to make the design work and, of course, what the local council building inspectors will want to discover.

Trust the professionals and get the perfect job you need and wish for.

Council approval

Your council will have regulations about what can be built and where and for what purpose. You can spend a lot of time studying the necessary documentation or you can partner with a professional builder who will know the council rules. This is a particularly strong benefit for you. Working with a builder who is a craftsman is one thing. But when that builder knows the requirements of the local council, you have a double guarantee. The work will be built to the most exacting standards and your applications to council will be approved quickly and in full.

Conclusion

It’s a good idea to take a long term view when considering granny flat. Yes, it’s an investment. It means you could have an income which will pay off your investment in a few years. And the value of your home will increase as well. And if the flat is for a family member you’ll have all the benefits of caring for a loved one and their presence for you and your family.

Don’t forget your accountant in all this. As with consultation with your builder, getting your accountant’s input is likewise a smart idea.

Granny flats are a sound investment. Think about the space in your back yard. It could be site of your next building project. Call your builder today.