The increased need for living spaces has sent many homeowners searching for practical solutions. One of the rising star answers in this regard is the almighty granny flat. These portable pods can be built in the backyard and serve as a private living space for just about anyone. My granny flat was built as a living space for my elderly relatives. So, if you go that route and also opt for the steel frame our builders favoured, here’s what I can say on the subject.
What is a Granny Flat?
A granny flat—also called an “accessory dwelling,” “secondary dwelling,” or “accessory apartment”—is a self-contained living space located on the same property as a primary residence. Thus, if you live in a conventional two-story, single-family home, for example, your basement might serve as an accessory apartment, as might your attic. Even if your site is very small, you might still be able to put up a “studio in the backyard.” As a site-specific option, it doubles as a “mother-in-law suite” and, at least in some cases, less decoratively as a functional space, in which decor might be a nod to home.
Why Choose a Reputable Builder?
It is of utmost importance and many reasons to select a reputable builder for your granny flat. One of the chief reasons is that a good builder will construct your flat to a high standard and use quality materials. As we all know, the flat’s construction must adhere to building codes and regulations—otherwise, it could be a potential money pit. On the flip side, if a builder does something to the structure that makes it unsafe (you know, like in a house busting-out-wall scenario, or one that is just top heavy), then you’re in an unsafe living situation, or you’re risking something serious happening to the asset that is your granny flat. And let’s not forget that having a well-constructed, safe, and valuable granny flat ultimately depends on securing a good builder.
A seasoned contractor will furnish a tangible schedule and budget for your project. They will aid in the cost and avoid the unforeseen expenses that are always so frustrating when you’re building something. The unexpected always happens; when it does, it drains the coffers and gobbles up time. Your granny flat is supposed to be done in a certain time span and at a certain price. An experienced contractor knows how to make that happen.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Builder
1. Licensing and Certification: Make sure the builder you select is licensed and certified to do construction work in your location. That way, you can at least be sure they meet the minimum legal standards.
2. References and Insurance: Ask for and check references from any past clients (and look for projects the builder might have done near you) to gauge the quality and reliability of their work. Confirm they have adequate insurance and ask about the warranties they offer. When a builder has any deficits in these areas, you’re taking a risk if you choose them.
3. Communication and Professionalism: Select a constructor who is both communicative and professional. These two qualities constitute the optimal mix for attaining a successful outcome as well as a cohesive partnership during construction. Communication must occur on several levels. The first is between the owner and builder. You, as the owner, must be in command of your project at all times, and you must convey this command to the builder on a regular basis. Whether using large gestures or small figures of speech, you must at every turn insist that you are in charge.
The Building Process
After you have chosen a builder, the process generally follows these steps:
1. Initial Discussion: You discuss your requirements, design preferences, and budget with the builder. They assess your property and give initial recommendations.
2. Design and Planning: Work with the builder to finalise the design and plans for your granny flat. This may involve consultations with architects or designers to ensure that the plans meet your needs and comply with local regulations.
3. Approvals and Permits: The essential task of obtaining all the required approvals and permits for construction will fall to the builder. This ensures not only that the project is on good legal and regulatory footing but also that it is on something resembling a level of smoothness that one would associate with a path well-trodden. Meeting—if not breezing through—of all construction-related laws and regulations is not something that an owner-builder can hope to achieve easily, but it is something a professional builder knows how to do.
4. Construction: A professional builder knows how to handle the actual construction process. That is to say, the professional builder knows how to manage the people doing the work and the materials that are being worked in, in order to bring the project to completion.
Selecting the best granny flat builder is an essential part of a successful and useful addition to your property. You must consider several things to choose the right builder: experience, for instance—Does the builder have enough experience with granny flats and similar projects? Licensing—Is the builder appropriately licensed in your state? And communication—Does the builder communicate clearly and effectively with you?
