Also called an in-law apartment, a granny flat is an additional space built on your property. Cheap granny flats are designed for one or two persons and can be used for accommodating aging parents or relatives, live-in nannies, or visiting guests. You can either choose to build a separate structure, or construct it in your basement, or convert your garage into a granny flat.
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Things To Consider When Building Granny Flats
Furthermore, a space like this can provide a lot of benefits for your household. For instance, you can obtain an additional income if you want to rent it out or enjoy some additional storage space for your items and belongings. However, before you can build a granny flat, there are some important things that you must consider.
Regulations
Before building a granny flat, then the first thing that you need to do is to verify the regulations of city zoning or homeowners’ association (HOA). Then, check if the HOA rules and city regulations allow a separate structure on your property. In this way, you will not waste your time and money in building cheap granny flats.
Budget
When designing your mother-in-law’s apartment, be sure that it fits your budget. If you have the amount needed, then you can do what you want with your granny flat. Also, be sure that it fits your purpose, whether to rent it to tenants or allow your aging parents or relatives to stay there. On the other hand, if you decide to buy a home with a granny flat, then you will have to pay extra for it.
Contractor
If HOA rules or zoning regulations allow you to build a granny flat on your property, you should find a contractor with a good reputation. Ensure that the contractor is experienced and licensed. In addition, the contractor might help you concerning the paperwork and acquiring the essential construction permits.
Utility Costs
When constructing your granny flat or purchasing a home that includes one, you also need to consider the utility costs. Since you have an additional structure, you also need to pay for its utility bills such as water, electricity, heating and cooling. So, be sure to incorporate these additional bills into your budget if you plan to have a granny flat on your property.
Maintenance
You also must pay for the maintenance of the additional structure. For instance, replacing the light bulbs, clearing the gutters, and vacuuming the floors. Make sure that you are ready for this additional work once the construction of your granny flat is completed.
Insurance
Another thing to consider when having a granny flat is the insurance costs. Keep in mind that not all insurance companies are willing to include the coverage of a granny flat on their home insurance policies. To avoid putting your structure at risk, look for an insurance company that can cover your granny flat. Paying for additional home insurance can likely protect your granny flat.
Storage Space
One of the greatest advantages of granny flats is that they can be used as a storage space and a living space at the same time. Therefore, when you design your granny flat, be sure to include a storage space under the floor or in the ceiling. In this way, there won’t be any obstruction of the living space of the detached house. Consequently, you will have storage for your excess items and belongings.
Author Bio:
Alison Lurie is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.
