Hello World! Welcome Friends! Having a large plot of land to your family name isn’t a luxury everyone can enjoy. So, if you have one, you should make good use of it.
One thing land is good for is obviously how it provides easy space for you to build a home. Since it’s so scarce now, a lot of people would jump at the opportunity to have a place to stay. In fact, you might know someone, a family member, or a friend, who might need a little help in that department.
Enter the granny flat. It’s not exactly common in these times, but it should be. Whether you want to make an abode for your extended family members or rent out a place for passive income, making a granny flat is a good idea.
What Is a Granny Flat?
Because of the name, some people think it’s only for the elderly. In actuality, a granny flat refers to any small, independent living space that’s either attached or separate from the main house. It’s also known as a secondary dwelling or in-law unit.
Granny flats usually provide a comfortable and convenient living space for senior citizens, hence the same. Extended family members or even friends close to the owners of the property also stay there on a short or long-term basis. They can also be rented out or repurposed as offices or storage.
Designing the perfect, cozy granny flat involves considering various factors such as size, layout, accessibility, and style. Choosing the right builder is also key to all of this.
Before you dive in and have one built on your property, here are some tips to help you create the ideal granny flat:
1. Determine the Size and Layout
Determining the size and layout of your granny flat is an essential step in the design process. The size of each room, alongside their number, should be based on the occupants’ needs. It’s also essential to consider the space they’ll take up in relation to the overall property and the zoning regulations in your area. Golden State builders agree that accessory dwelling units in california should be between 500 to 1,200 square feet, depending on the available land and local regulations. This size range ensures the unit provides ample living space while adhering to zoning restrictions and maintaining the property’s overall aesthetic.
2. Make It Accessible For All Occupants
This is important if you’re planning to house elderly loved ones or people with mobility problems. The place should have features that make moving around and supporting oneself easy. Some ideas for improving accessibility include:
- Installing handrails along walls and in the bathroom
- Adding ramps or lifts for wheelchairs and other mobility aids
- Using lever handles on doors and faucets
- Adding roll-in showers or bathtubs with built-in seats
- Providing as much open space as possible
3. Make It Welcoming and Comfortable
Making a granny flat cozy involves choosing an equally cozy design style. This can be achieved through the use of soft colors and comfortable furnishings. Learning the psychology of colors can also help in creating a coherent concept for every space.
You can further enhance the ambiance of a granny flat by taking these steps:
- Adding cozy touches such as throw pillows, blankets, and rugs
- Placing soft lighting, such as table lamps and candles, in key areas
- Using natural materials, such as wood and stone, to bring a sense of warmth and comfort to the space
4. Incorporate Natural Light and Ventilation
Incorporating natural light and ventilation is vital to make an open, pleasant space to stay in.
Natural light can help improve mood, boost energy levels, and sleep quality. It can also help reduce the need for artificial lighting, saving energy and cutting power costs.
To incorporate natural light in a granny flat, use large windows and doors that allow plenty of sunlight to enter the space. Skylights can also be excellent for bringing daylight in from above.
Meanwhile, you need good ventilation to maintain a comfortable and healthy living environment. It prevents moisture buildup, reduces indoor air pollution, and improves climate control. Depending on your local weather, you can choose either fans or an AC unit. Complement that with tightly sealed windows to maximize your control of air quality.
5. Add Personal Touches
Of course, you need this to top everything off. Personal touches can be anything with sentimental value or that reflects the personal style and interests of the occupants. These can include:
- Family photos or artwork on walls or shelves
- Sentimental items such as heirlooms or souvenirs
- Plants or flowers
- Colorful or patterned accents on throw pillows, curtains, or rugs, to add visual interest and personality to the space
- Decorative products of hobbies or interests like cross stitch wall art, clay pots, or papier mache
These tiny additions, when smartly put together, complete the ambiance of a welcoming, safe, and secure sanctuary for the people you want to house.
Bring One of Your Dreams to Life For 2023
Granny flats are a great addition to your property, raising its value while providing a place to stay for people who need it most. Whether you’re planning to house loved ones or rent out the space, following these tips can help you create a space that is functional, pleasant, and truly home-like. Start planning today.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
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How to Buy a Space Heater: What to Look For
How to Plan a Perfect Family Getaway: 7 Steps to Follow
How to Choose the Right Car Insurance in Tricky Situations
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Toodles,
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