Are you on the lookout for purchasing a granny flat? You are not the only person who is doing so. This has become very popular Australia wide. There is no doubt about the advantages granny flats are associated with and below are some examples to demonstrate this.
However, you need to realise that merely looking around is not sufficient. There are a wide range of granny flats to consider before you buy one of them. It makes no sense in selecting the first one you come across, as you might miss out on features that will suit you better in another flat you see later on in your granny flat buying adventure.
You will find granny flat designs of various types in Perth. The wide variety of designs and options are enough to befuddle anybody. Find below details about the main types of granny flat designs:
1. Single bedroom units
This consists of flats that boast of one living room, kitchen, bedroom, and a combined toilet and bathroom. Such a flat is most suitable for a family consisting of two members. The kitchen in such flats is fully furnished with the basic amenities required for a functional kitchen. You can use the living room either as a dining space or as a family room. Several constructors offer you the style option of building a deck as well. Such units typically require an area in the range of 48 to 60 square meters to construct.
2. Dual bedroom units
The design of such a unit includes two bedrooms along with a single living room, toilet & bathroom combo, as well as a kitchen. This is one of the most sought after designs among the homeowners of Perth, as it provides enough space to accommodate families consisting of two or more individuals. The space required for constructing such a unit lies in the range of 56 to 70 square meters.
3. Triple bedroom units
The design of such units, as its name suggests, is inclusive of three bedrooms. Although the design of such units are ideal for large families, quite a number of homeowners choose this design, and use the third bedroom as a home office or a study. The space needed to construct a three bedroom granny flat is approximately 70 to 96 square meters.
Apart from the amenities mentioned above, you also have the option to configure the design according to your specific demands. Therefore, you have the freedom of adding an attached bathroom in the bedrooms, or include a separate space for dining. The permutations and combinations are unlimited and the configuration depends on your personal requirements.
There might be occasions when you might feel that the readymade granny flats are not suitable for your requirements. If this is the case, then the best option for you is to ensure that you get a granny flat constructed as per your requirements.
Remember, design and building materials apart, the type of builder you choose plays a huge role on the look of your granny flat. Here are some tips to help you, in case you do not have any idea about how to choose a suitable builder.
- Select a granny flat builder covered by insurance
It is wise to select builders who are covered by insurance. In such a scenario, you will not have to pay money if any accident occurs during the construction of the flat. Apart from this, you should also check the limit of the builder’s insurance coverage and the risks they cover.
- Ensure that the granny flat builder procures materials from reputable suppliers
It is the onus of the granny flat builder to source the materials required for building the flat. No doubt, you would love to possess a flat that, apart from looking great is durable too. Confirming that the builder sources his materials from a reputable supplier, ensures that you get a flat that looks good and lasts for a long period.
- The granny flat builder should offer various designs
Always opt for a builder who has a wide range of designs in his portfolio. This ensures that he can design a flat that stands apart from standard flats. Remember, the flat builder should provide designs that you like and not the other way round. To sum it up, the builder should be able to provide you with a flat that meets your requirements.
Following the tips mentioned above will help you select a granny flat builder that can provide you with the granny flat of your dreams.
The 4 common Granny Flat Facades: Which One Suits Your Need?
A facade is the ‘face’ of a building, the skin or outside; the front, or the main part of the home, granny flat, even a shed or structure that faces the street. A home or building’s facade is also a non-load bearing outer layer made from various materials that protects the building from the effects of weather. The facade can make a structure either appealing or off-putting, so for aesthetic appeal, it is very important and has an influence on the value of the property and the cost. Another important aspect to the facade is, that the one you choose can be either eco-friendly or harmful to the environment.
To help you decide on which facade is best suited to your granny flat or backyard dwelling, here are four choices of facades for your granny flat; including the limits and benefits of each.
1. Brick veneer facades for granny flats:
The benefits:
- Strong and durable
- Non-toxic material
- Popular
- Excellent resistance to fire
- Recycled material
- Diverse range of finishes
- Large range of colours
- Low maintenance
- Acoustic performance
The limits:
- More expensive than other materials
- Much thicker than other materials
- Low waterproofing
- Needs a wide cavity
- Needs specially designed ties
- Needs specially designed cavity drainage and flashings
- Not the best choice for insulation
2. Vinyl clad granny flats:
The benefits:
- Cost-effective
- Comes in a range of textures, colours
- Comes in no maintenance or low maintenances finishes
- A durable material
- Maintains a comfortable temperature
- Good soundproofing
- Manufactured with CFC Free Solid Foam Insulation.
- Easy maintenance
The limits:
- Vinyl is not recycled.
- Vinyl cladding is not good for the environment.
3. Weathertex clad granny flats:
The benefits:
- Weatherboards are reconstituted hardwood
- They are 97 percent timber and 3 percent natural wax
- It contains no resins, glues, or silica
- It has a traditional texture and appearance
- Australian owned and manufactured material
- An eco-friendly material
- Coated in a non-toxic, quick and easy to paint acrylic primer
The limits:
- Rather difficult to maintain
- Not good fire protection
4. Rendered granny flats:
The benefits:
- Has good thermal and insulation qualities
- Is painted in a broad colour range
The limits:
- Doesn’t hide webs, water stains, or dirt well.
For further information on the kinds of cladding best suited for your granny flat or secondary dwelling call Fox Transportables on 08 6377 8335