Introduction
Granny flats, also known as secondary dwellings, are becoming increasingly popular in both urban and suburban areas as homeowners look to capitalize on their backyard space and add extra value to their homes. Building a granny flat in your garden is a great way to increase the amount of living space in your home, and can even provide additional income through renting the space out. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the steps involved in building a granny flat in your garden, from compiling the necessary documentation to finding the right builder.
Steps To Building a Granny Flat In Your Garden
1. Check Your Local Zoning Regulations
Before you begin to explore your options for building a granny flat in your garden, you’ll need to ensure that your local zoning regulations permit such a construction. Local councils can provide more information on their regulations, and may also provide information on permitted size and design restrictions.
2. Find the Right Builder
Once you’ve identified that you can legally construct a granny flat in your garden, it’s time to find the right builder for the job. Begin your search by asking for recommendations from friends and family, or by looking at reviews of local builders online. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – the right builder should be able to advise you on the planning and building process, and should also provide references from previous clients.
3. Plan Ahead
Good planning is essential when building a granny flat in your garden – without the right preparation, you could end up with a construction project that takes much longer than necessary. Think about the type of granny flat you would like, the size of the construction, how it will integrate into your garden, and any additional features you would like to include. It can also be a good idea to create a timeline that includes key milestones that you would like to reach, as this will help to ensure that the construction process stays on track.
4. Collect the Necessary Documentation
In order to start building, you’ll need to collect the necessary documentation to enable the building process. This might include building insurance and quotes from your chosen builder, as well as any relevant permission and planning documentation. Your local council should be able to advise on what paperwork you need to provide.
5. Get Started
Now that you’ve done your research, collected all the necessary documents, and found a reliable builder, it’s time to get started! The process of building a granny flat in your garden will vary depending on the complexity of the design and the size of the construction, but typically involves excavating the ground, pouring and levelling the foundations, and finally constructing the flat itself.
Conclusion
Building a granny flat in your garden is a great way to increase the value of your home and provide extra living space. However, it’s important to do your research before getting started, to ensure that you are legally permitted to build a granny flat in your area. Additionally, it’s essential to find a reliable builder, plan your construction project in detail, and ensure that you are in possession of all the necessary documents. With the help of this comprehensive guide, all the steps involved in building a granny flat in your garden should be much easier to navigate.