Granny flats are a popular way of adding extra space or income to your home. However, they can be costly to build and you will need to do some research before starting. This guide will give you an idea of how much it might cost you and what things you should consider when building one yourself.
A granny flat is an extra building that’s attached to, or near, the main house. Granny flats are used for many purposes.
- Additional living space for family members or workers
- Income generating property for rent or lease
Granny flats have many names, including ‘accessory dwellings’ and ‘secondary dwellings’.
How Much Does a Granny Flat Cost to Build?
The cost of building a granny flat will vary depending on the size and style of the property. You can expect to pay between $1,500 to $20,000 for a simple shed with one bedroom. However, if you have multiple storeys or require a more complex design then this will increase your costs considerably. If you’re looking to build in an established suburb then it’s also likely that local council regulations will impact on the plans for your new home and affect its overall cost.
In addition to these factors there are many other costs associated with building a granny flat including: materials such as windows, doors and flooring; plumbing (including water tanks); electrical wiring; fixtures such as sinks and taps; waste disposal systems such as septic tanks/pumps/soil pipes; landscaping (to include fencing); furniture like beds etc.; floor coverings such as carpeting etc.; painting walls/ceilings etc., plus any other items required by local councils.
How much does a one-bedroom granny flat cost?
A one-bedroom granny flat is an excellent way to maximise your use of space on your property. It is an ideal space for extended family members when they come to visit, older children who still live at home, or as a guest house. Standard, one-bedroom granny flats might range from 35m2 to 45m2, up to 60m2; starting at prices between $80,000 – $100,000.
This price tag includes the cost of standard fittings and professional construction from a reputable and licensed granny flat builder, Granny Flat Solutions.
How much does it cost to build a 2 bedroom granny flat?
Two-bedroom granny flats are a comfortable and convenient space for grandparents, or Mum & Dad to live as they get older. They also make for an enjoyable living space for your guests while they’re visiting, as an alternative to paying for accommodation elsewhere or landing in your lounge room.
While two-bedroom granny flat prices vary from one builder to another; our prices start at $110,000. Make sure that you compare quotes carefully. Some granny flat companies will include plumbing, electricity, and other additional costs in their figures; while others do not. If you would like a custom-built, 60m2 two-bedroom granny flat, call us to speak with one of our granny flat experts, and we can discuss your options.
How much does it cost to build a house and a granny flat?
You might be looking to build a granny flat and the main home together from scratch. There are businesses that can do both, or like us, at Granny Flat Solutions we pair with a sister company at New South Homes to bring you a package build. The total cost of your complete job will depend on the requirements for both the main building and flat. It’s estimated that in Sydney the average cost to construct a 4-bedroom main property is $1,900/m2 to $3,900+/m2, depending on the level of finish, materials, and labor. Builders and architects often use a per square metre (m2) figure to cost a project. Then you would need to factor in the additional granny flat cost.
Choosing to build the two living spaces together with a building company that pairs with granny flat builders would provide you with a seamless overall look for your home as you could match the materials of your granny flat with the main building.
Floor Plan Considerations
- Floor plan considerations
- What is the best layout for your granny flat? The size and shape of your land will determine how you can use it, but it’s important to make sure there is enough space for all the rooms you want in your design. For example: How much storage do you need? Do you have enough light in the kitchen area? Will there be enough room for a separate dining table or should all meals be taken in a shared space? How many occupants will be living in the granny flat and how many bedrooms do they need?
What Should You Do Before Building a Granny Flat?
Before you begin to build a granny flat, it is important to do your research. Check with local council regulations and the owner of the property first. Once you have done this, check with the owner of the property next door and your neighbours (if possible). You may also want to consult with your builder or lawyer before building a granny flat.
Do Granny Flats Add Value?
If you’re planning to buy a property with the intention of building a granny flat, it is important to consider whether it will add value to your investment. A granny flat can be a great way of generating income for yourself and for renting out to tenants. However, if you don’t do your research first and end up building an unsuitable unit, then this could end up costing you money in the long run.
Before beginning any construction work, ensure that there will be adequate demand for the new home when complete – otherwise, it would simply be more cost-effective (and easier) just buying another house instead.
How Do You Build A Granny Flat In Your Backyard?
A granny flat is an independent living unit that is usually built on the side or rear yard of a property. It can be built in a concrete slab, or it can be constructed on a timber frame and clad with weatherboards. The cost to build a granny flat will depend on many factors including the location of the property, whether it’s being built for rental purposes and how it will be constructed.
The location of your property can have an impact on the price because councils may charge different rates depending on where you live. If you’re planning to build in an area where there are strict planning laws then you’ll likely pay more than if you were building as part of a renovation project at home without council approval required first (for example: building under 2 storey height).
How Do You Make A Granny Flat Step By Step?
When you’re planning to build a granny flat, the steps are not as complicated as you might think. In fact, it’s pretty straightforward and easy to follow. If you have never built anything before and have limited knowledge of construction work, that’s okay. You can still easily follow these instructions and achieve great results. Let’s take a look at these steps in detail:
Step 1: Get Permission To Build A Granny Flat
The first thing that needs to be done when building a granny flat is asking your local council for permission to do so. This will ensure that what you’re doing is within their rules and regulations, which will help avoid any issues later on in the process (and save time). Once this step has been taken care of then all other steps can begin.
Construction costs
The cost of building a granny flat will vary depending on the location, the size and materials used. Here’s a breakdown for you:
- The cost in Sydney is around $120,000 – $130,000 for a two bedroom granny flat. This includes all costs such as government fees, stamp duty and professional fees.
- In Melbourne it’s about AU$150,000 – AU$200,000 depending on whether you get someone to build it or do it yourself (DIY). The prices are also based on whether they’ve got an existing house or not; if they don’t then it’ll be more expensive because they need to buy their own block of land first too before they start building anything else.
Architectural fees
- Architectural fees
If you are planning to build a granny flat, you will need an architect to help you with the design of the building. The cost for this can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of your project. An architect will also be able to help you obtain planning permission for your scheme.
Building permit
Building permit.
All building work, including a granny flat, requires a building permit. The application process can be a little overwhelming but it’s worth getting this right as it will save you time, money and stress in the long run. You can apply for your own building permit or hire an architect or builder to do it for you. If you’re going to be doing your own research into what is required before applying for a building permit (which we recommend), then make sure that you have read through all of our information around planning permits and development approval first.
Council and other approvals
Once you’ve struck a deal with your local council for approval of your granny flat, it’s time to prepare for the next step and make sure that all of the services needed for your new build are in place.
Council approval is just the beginning of what needs to be done before work can begin on your project. As well as checking with your local council, it is important to check with:
- Your water authority, who will likely need to be present during construction works and may ask you to submit an application form.
- Your power company and gas provider, both of whom will also require an application form from you before accessing their infrastructure (particularly as they may need access through another property first).
Abolishing stamp duty for granny flats
Stamp duty is a tax on property transactions, and it’s managed at the state level. Unlike federal taxes that are automatically deducted from your paycheck, stamp duty is applied to the purchase price of a property (or in this case, your granny flat). That being said, stamp duty only applies to residential properties; commercial or industrial properties don’t have any associated costs with them. As you can imagine, this has resulted in some pretty substantial savings for many people who’ve built granny flats on their existing homes—which makes it an attractive option for homeowners looking to add more space without breaking the bank.
But what exactly does stamp duty cost?
Site Clear & Preparation
Site preparation, site clearance, drainage and water supply, earthworks. These are the stages you will have to go through to build a granny flat on your property. The first thing you need to do is decide where the new dwelling will be located. If there are any trees or boulders on the chosen area then they’ll have to be removed before construction can begin.
Once that’s done you’ll need to excavate deeper foundations so that they’re supported by firm ground—this will also allow pipes and cables to be laid under ground level instead of above it where they could be damaged if people were walking over them all day long (and night).
Next comes drainage: a lot of work needs doing here because water finds its way into even more places than most people think. After this stage has been completed there should no longer be puddles around when it rains which means less risk for standing water in rooms like bathrooms etcetera which leads us nicely onto our next topic – earthworks…
Piers & Slab Foundation
Piers and slabs are a bit more complex to build, but they have their advantages. The first is that you can start your foundation on level ground, which saves you from having to dig down or fill in. It’s also easier to install steel beams instead of wood ones—steel beams can handle heavier loads without being weakened by the weight of the floors above them as much as wood beams would be.
The biggest disadvantage of this type of foundation is that it’ll be harder to add onto later on because it takes up so much space underground (you’ll need additional piers and concrete below each room). If you want to expand your home in any way at all, you may end up having to tear out the entire thing and rebuild everything from the ground up with a different kind of foundation system altogether (like a crawlspace).
Pier & slab foundations typically cost between $5-$8 per square foot for labor costs alone (not including materials).
Frame Erection
The frame erection process is done by a crane. This involves attaching each of the steel beams to one another in order to make up the main structure of your house. It’s also important to note that this takes place before any concrete has been poured, which means you need to be careful when choosing your builder. The cost of frame erection will vary depending on how many rooms are going in and whether or not they have an attached garage or carport but generally speaking, it’s one of the most expensive parts of building a granny flat.
Lock-Up
You can’t just leave a granny flat unfinished, as it will be less appealing to tenants. The lock-up stage is where you make sure that the granny flat is ready for your tenant to move in. This varies depending on how much work you have done at this point, so make sure that you check what needs to be done before locking up your granny flat.
Linings & Utilities
- Plumbing, Electrical & Gas
- External walls, windows and doors
- Internal walls, flooring and ceiling
- Kitchen, bathroom & laundry
Kitchen Structure
The kitchen should be able to fit a stove, sink and enough room for a person to move around. The size of the space you’re building is dependent on the size of your home. If you have enough room in your main house, it’s best to plan ahead so as not to waste money and materials on building something that won’t fit later down the road. Kitchens should have enough room for a fridge, microwave and dishwasher if possible. Kitchens aren’t just for cooking anymore; they’re also used as family rooms or entertainment centers in many homes today.
Kitchens can be built-in or purchased later on if needed – this depends on preference and budget constraints but building them into wall spaces allows easy access through adjoining doors between units which makes cleaning easier too.
Flooring & Fix-Out
Your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area will need to be fitted out. This includes the cost of flooring and fixtures such as taps, sinks, and lights. You may also need to buy lighting for your verandah or deck area if you don’t already have it installed in your main home.
The amount you pay for these items depends on what you choose to install in your granny flat – it can range from $700 to $5000 or more.
Practical Completion & Handover
Practical completion refers to the stage at which the building work is considered to be complete, and you no longer need daily visits from your builder. Once practical completion has been reached, you can move into your granny flat, even if there are still some finishing touches such as painting left to do.
Handover refers to a transfer of responsibility for a building project from the contractor (builder) to the client or owner. This should take place before or at the same time as practical completion occurs, but if it doesn’t then you should follow up with both parties until it does happen.
When moving into your new granny flat, there will be many tasks that need completing before you become fully settled in such as:
- Changing locks on all doors throughout the house/flat/unit
- Replacing light fittings & switches where necessary
- Making sure smoke alarms & carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly
The cost to build a granny flat vary depending on where you are building.
The cost to build a granny flat can vary greatly depending on where you are building, the size of the granny flat, and the quality of materials used. For example, if you live in an urban area and want to put your granny flat over your garage, expect to pay more than if you live in an outer suburb with space for a backyard. The size of the granny flat also has an effect on how much it costs. If you have limited funds but still want a fully functioning living space then opt for a smaller sized home (at least at first) so that it won’t break your budget too badly.
Granny flats can be a great way to add income or extra space to your property, but you need to do your homework before committing.
Granny flats can be a great way to add income or extra space to your property, but you need to do your homework before committing. Depending on the location and size of the granny flat, costs can vary significantly. You should gather as much information as possible before deciding if this is something that would work well for you.
In addition to the cost of building the home itself, you should also consider how much it will cost to run your new little rental property—or whether it’s even worth doing in the first place.
In conclusion,
If you’re thinking of building a granny flat, it’s important to do your research and make sure it’s the right option for you. The cost of building a granny flat can vary depending on where you live and what size home you have. It can also be difficult to find contractors who are willing or able to build these small units in backyards due to zoning laws and other regulations that may prohibit such construction work. However, they are an excellent way of adding value to older properties while providing extra space for families who need additional bedrooms but don’t want the hassle of moving somewhere new.=
