Granny flats have become very popular in the last decades ( https://theconversation.com/how-building-more-backyard-homes-granny-flats-and-in-law-suites-can-help-alleviate-the-housing-crisis-204341 ), although they date back to Victorian times, when they were built to accommodate a different type of inhabitant: the widow of the person who owned the large estate on which the dwelling would ultimately be built.

Nevertheless, in modern days, it has taken many forms, therefore providing the experienced granny flat builder with the perfect occasion to showcase their ability to offer a well-structured, modernly built granny flat. In Sydney, taking over such projects, has proven to have great effect on generations, be them young or old, as custom granny flats have become very sought after and appreciated.

In regards to the word origin, history clearly states that the name is derived from old people inhabiting such flats (hence the granny reference), but nowadays, the younger can also benefit from these types of buildings, as it keeps them closer to home while offering a sense of privacy.

What to Look for in a Granny Flat Builder

In Sydney, the business of being a granny flat builder has grown immensely ( https://brickwoodhomes.com.au/granny-flats/ ) over the last decades, providing clients with a large market to choose from. Therefore, with many options come great responsibilities, as there are some things to take into account when making the decision of owning custom granny flats in Sydney:
• Experience: both in building such flats (a well-nuanced portfolio) and in following the local regulations (regarding size, for example);
• Reviews: this can attest to the quality of work such company delivers;
• Pricing: an important aspect, as clarity and transparence are very helpful in having a clear estimate;
• Warranties: the aftercare service is something to look for, as it is vital to be able to ask for help when in need.

Besides the aforementioned, some other tips to consider are the sustainability of the building, as well as the company’s ability to handle permits, so as to reach an efficient outcome.

Besides, a well-seasoned granny flat builder should be able to put at one’s disposal a good deal of various flats, with different styles and price ranges, in order to cover a larger clientele base. Being able to offer personalized versions, namely custom granny flats, is maybe the greatest advantage an enterprise in this market can proud themselves on.

Legislation and Permits for Adjacent Houses

In New South Wales (NSW), the importance in meeting all the legal criteria when building granny flats must be of the utmost priority. The general rules state that, besides the potential size restrictions, there is also the matter of the already existing property being in an area that allows secondary buildings (that means that it should be able to also allow the space for new buildings). Another issue is the one regarding the distance from the property boundary as well as the placement, as it is often advised to be built not in front, but in the back or the side of the main building, so as to avoid obstructing any views.

As far as legislation goes, obtaining permits can be done by the client or, more often, by the builders themselves, as they are already familiar with all the steps that need to be taken. Nevertheless, there is another type of documentation ( https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/assess-and-regulate/development-assessment/planning-approval-pathways ) to consider: the developmental approval (DA) and the complying development certificate (CDC), only to name a few and the most relevant ones. The DA is a more thorough process that is handled by the local council, requiring more details and having the likelihood to move slower; meanwhile, the CDC is represented by the combination of planning and construction approval that is able to cover many developments and is much faster than the DA. In regards to the legislation in NSW, a granny flat can ultimately be built only with CDC, without needing a DA, which has proven to be a very helpful instance, as it ensures a more rapid process.

There is also the matter of the construction permit, a permit that is required before starting any work; luckily, this process is entirely handled by the builders, as they are entitled to due to their experience.

All in all, building custom granny flats in Sydney is no longer a difficult task if having all the right tools, literally and figuratively.



A Worldwide View over the Granny Flats

Adding a smaller additional living space on the same lot, also referred to additional dwelling unit (ADU) especially in other parts of the world (such as the USA) has been on the rise and shows promise from an architectural point of view, as well as from a social one. Being able to keep family close when they come of age or are too old to live far away has proven to be a luxury that is becoming more and more sought after. Furthermore, from a financial stand point, it has shown many benefits, the most important one being not having to buy additional land on which to build such unit. Psychologically and socially speaking, having the loved ones right next door is another great and beneficial aspect of owning an ADU, as if offers a sense of safety knowing that no matter what might happen, distance is no longer an issue.

Taking a look at the rest of the world, Europe has been a home for this concept for a long time, although presenting it under different names; to name a few, in UK it goes by granny annexes, in France it is often found under the name of studios indépendants or in Netherlands going by the name of bijgebouwen. Other countries have borrowed this concept as well, being a widespread one in this century and offering many advantages.

The Future of Granny Flats

Considering the growth in popularity regarding these buildings, it is safe to assume that they will continue to advance and adapt to people’s needs. Due to their ease of being built, especially in NSW where permits are easier to obtain, they offer a great solution to anyone looking to have another place near to the main property while also giving the chance to be used with different purpose: either as a home, or even as a rental.

Finding a suitable granny flat builder in a large market can prove to be difficult at times, but fortunately there are many check lists that help make the job easier and connect the client with an enterprise that is more than just a business, but a way to bring people together.