A granny flat can serve various purposes. A family member or friend could live in the flat, or you could rent it out and earn extra income. Other uses are a home office or a studio. One way to keep costs down is to use a granny flat kit that has been prefabricated.
When setting up the flat, you'll need council approval. The rules vary in different regions. To comply with the regulations, you'll require the help of a team of experts. Here are several people you may hire.
Land Surveyor
A land surveyor uses equipment to physically measure the boundary of a property. They'll also measure the location and size of the intended granny flat in relation to the property border. These measurements are crucial as local laws specify the allowed distance between a dwelling and the boundary line. This can help to protect both you and your neighbour. A land surveyor is also interested in the topography or contours of the terrain and other factors.
Structural Engineer
A structural engineer is trained to assess the strength, performance, and rigidity of different structures and materials to ensure they're safe. They can determine what strength or density of concrete slab will be required to carry a specific dwelling. They are also concerned with the soil type and how well it will support a building. Is the earth rocky, or is it unstable and prone to flooding? Another type of engineer that may be involved is a geotechnical engineer, whose specialty is soil.
If you live in a region prone to specific conditions such as cyclones, fire or floods, the granny flat you set up may need to comply with specific localised requirements. For example, if a building is close to the sea and receives direct wind from the coast, the facing roof may need to be treated to prevent corrosion.
Electrician and Plumber
Electricity, in particular, is always best left to experts. An electrician can connect the wiring to the granny flat. Similarly, a plumber can establish the required pipes to handle the water flow.
The first point of call when planning to construct a granny flat DIY kit is to talk to your local council. They can advise on who is eligible to live in the flat. Plus, they can tell you what permits you'll need. In some regions, it may be a requirement that the dwelling is moveable. If this is the case where you live, you'll need to be aware of this first.
Share16 September 2021
Hello, my name is Ryan and this is my blog. I don't work in the roofing industry but I recently had to spend a week on the roof of my home trying to fix it up. I am pretty good at DIY, but in the end, I had to call in a roofing contractor to help me out. I decided to replace the entire roof and that wasn't a job I was going to take on my own. I have learnt a lot during the past few weeks and I hope to use this blog to pass on some of my knowledge.