The Many Faces of Granny Flats: A Story that Keeps on Being Written
In Australia, granny flats have been around since Victorian times, named after Queen Victoria, an era of immense transformation that led to the rise of self-government, gold uncovering and the resolution of convict transportation, also establishing six separate colonies: New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia. These colonies were ultimately federated into the Commonwealth of Australia (1901). With reference to other parts of the world, granny flats going under different names were also becoming popular due to their many advantages (being built on the same land as the main house, offering more space to the inhabitants, etc.), therefore it was only a matter of time before the two-bedroom granny flats came to be, becoming even more sought after in regards to granny flat designs.
The future of granny flats in many parts of Australia, especially in New South Wales, is looking brighter than ever as new ways of using them have started to emerge (such as renting them or having them for children or elders of the family to inhabit them), therefore showing promise regarding the market of granny flat designs in Sydney.
Types of Granny Flats and Their Various Uses
When it comes to deciding which type of granny flat is better suited for the needs of the client, there are some aspects to consider and the help of an expert is always valuable and should be sought after. Considering that the popularity of the two-bedroom granny flats has been increasing in the last years, it goes without saying that this is an establishment worth looking into as it offers more space and if it fits into the legislation guidelines of Sydney, it is truly worth taking into consideration.
Nevertheless, after looking at numerous types of granny flat designs in Sydney, it is important to know that there are various that can be considered:
• Attached: often times an extension of the main house, being directly connected to it;
• Detached: is located on the same property as the main house, but built as a separate structure;
• Conversion: this refers to the transformation of an already existing structure into a living space (usually referring to garages, basements, etc.).
After looking closely at the types of granny flats aforementioned, the next step is deciding how to compartmentalize it; there is the possibility of building more walls in order to have more rooms, including a kitchen and a bathroom and it is important to mention that the two-bedroom granny flats have become more in demand than the one-bedroom ones, as they are more versatile and offer more space. All in all, the client should make this decision depending on the necessities and how they would eventually use the establishment.
Legislation to Consider When Deciding to Build a Granny Flat
In Sydney, secondary dwellings, otherwise known as granny flats, fall under the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) and have to meet certain demands and standards that have previously been set out in the Housing SEPP. The approval process is expanded in five steps that include getting approval for all types of works, building the secondary dwelling, getting an occupation certificate for said dwelling, building the main house and last, but not least, getting a final occupation certificate for all works. The abovementioned relevant standards are described in the Exempt and Complying Development Codes and must be met in order to be up to date with the ongoing legislation; all of these steps, although seeming rather difficult to follow, are usually done with the help of the company in charge of building the secondary dwelling, no matter its size (be it in regards to the two-bedroom granny flats or the one-bedroom type).
After looking carefully at the needed documents and providing the demanded paperwork, with the help of the agency hired to help with the building of the establishment, everything should fall in order and go smoothly, therefore making the overall process an easy one.
Technology Intertwining with the Traditional Side
As technology has become a vital part of the everyday life, it is inevitable for it not to be part of the way a house is built, including the manner in which it functions as a whole. Starting with the design (both interior and exterior), which is nowadays helped by programs (as in applications) meant to be of assistance for this part and ending with smart features of the house, such as the lightning, everything in between is touched by technology in various forms, hence speeding the whole process. Hence, making a selection between the various granny flat designs becomes easier with the right tools.
Artificial intelligence also has a great involvement in the growth of the project from one end to the other, becoming a reliable source when hitting potential blockages of any kind; considering the evolution of technology in the last decades while also taking into account the conservative feature many people have, it is important to manage to combine the two – the modern and the traditional – in ways that ultimately favor the smooth running of things.
The Future of Housing from a Sustainable Perspective
Considering the speed at which technology advances and brings new trends in the spotlight, it is safe to assume that houses, be them big, small or additional housing units (such as the nowadays popular two-bedroom granny flats) will continue to depend on innovation in order to keep on offering new options and respond to the ever-changing demands of customers.
Finding ways of creating even more sustainable, smart and adapting homes all the while using technology and renewable energy is most likely the way to go for a future that will be able to sustain itself by being environmentally-friendly. Therefore, creating a space in which expansion on this matter is possible is what will most likely help with the evolution of housing, while keeping it on the innovative side.