Things to think about when building a budget-friendly granny flat
Granny flats (that is, self-contained structures that are built on homeowners' main properties) have become increasingly popular over the last few decades. They provide older people with a private space in which they can live independently, whilst still enabling them to remain in close proximity to their relatives. If you're considering having one constructed on your property for your aging parents or other relatives, and you're working with a limited budget, here are some of the things you'll need to take into consideration.
Detached building vs. extension
Before the project begins, you'll need to work with your construction contractor to determine whether it would be best to have an extension added on to your existing property, or whether you should build a detached granny flat. When making this decision, there are several factors you'll have to think about, including budget constraints, as well as the practical needs and personal preferences of your relative.
A detached granny flat is generally more expensive to build than an extension. Installing separate plumbing and electrical systems will cost more than simply connecting up the flat to an existing supply. Additionally, if the area of land on which you intend to have the detached flat built is on a slope, you may need to hire a structural engineer to advise you on potential drainage and erosion issues and have additional soil stabilisation carried out, all of which will increase the cost of your project.
However, a detached flat may be a worthwhile investment if your relative values their personal space and would enjoy the privacy that comes with living in a separate dwelling. Conversely, if they have health conditions which mean that they need daily support from you and your family, then an extension may be a wiser choice, as this would provide you with quick access to their living area.
The layout
Choosing the right layout for your granny flat can be tricky; it will need to be both cost-effective and suitable for your relative and their personal requirements. There are, however, ways to achieve this. You can, for example, make sure that the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom facilities are all located a short distance away from each other; this will reduce the amount of piping that the plumbers will need to use to install the plumbing system, which will lower the cost of this work. More importantly, however, if like many older people, your elderly relative has mobility issues, the close positioning of these facilities will make it easier for them to carry out their everyday daily activities, such as cooking, bathing and washing their clothes.