Building a granny annexe can be a huge, life-changing decision. It is not one that should be entered into lightly.
You are likely to have a million questions, like ‘do I need planning permission?’, ‘how disruptive will it be?’ and ‘can I finance it?’.
Fortunately, all these ‘nitty gritty’ questions can be answered during the free on-site consultation you can book with us.
But there are some bigger questions you might want to consider before starting the process of building a granny annexe.
Family Relationships
A granny annexe is a fabulous way of bringing the responsibility of care into the family and preventing what many see as the unpleasant alternative of nursing homes.
Or, for some young people, they are an alternative to renting or living with parents indefinitely, as housing prices soar.
It is only recently that families have stopped living inter-generationally. In years gone by, it was common for three or more generations to live together for various reasons, such as easier childcare, finances, and care. Often it was out of necessity, but the benefits were clear.
These days it is rarer to have more than two generations live together, but the benefits are still the same.
Plus, as we get older, we might feel less secure being alone, and having family members in close proximity is a big help.
But, despite all the benefits, it can be stressful and gruelling to live so close to your parents, children, or in laws, no matter how good your relationship is.
Before embarking on building a granny annexe it is wise to discuss how living so close together will impact all affected parties. It is also a good idea to talk about how you are going to protect everyone’s privacy, how the bills will be split, and the care expectations.
That way, there are no nasty surprises three weeks after the build is complete.
Futureproofing Your Investment
There is no point beating around the bush. For many people, the point of building a granny annexe is to prevent or delay the need to go into a nursing home.
It is, therefore, important that you think about how your granny annexe will suit your needs now, and in the future.
You might need to do some research or speak to your GP or specialist to help inform your choices.
For example, if you have been diagnosed with dementia or arthritis it is likely your condition will change over time and you may need to plan your granny annexe accordingly.
Think about where you will be able to add ramps if you need them. Or maybe have the annexe built with a handy wet room instead of a bathroom?
A granny annexe is a fantastic emotional and financial investment, the benefits of which are greatly improved upon if you futureproof your investment.
The Plot
A lot of the elements around the suitability of the plot will be discussed at the free on-site consultation, but it is worth having a think about some of the big issues now.
For example, is the plot itself large enough?
We have a lot of granny annexe options with plenty of sizes to choose from.
The Cantley, for example, is 3.5 meters wide so it suitable for smaller plots, but it feels spacious inside thanks to clever planning.
You should also think about how utilities will be hooked up to the granny annexe. If you live in a very remote area you might struggle to get gas, for example. Our expert planners can talk you through this, though. This blog on how to get utilities to your granny annexe has plenty of helpful information.
Also, consider how building a granny annexe will affect the value of your property. In a lot of areas, a granny annexe will add value to your home if you choose to sell. The attractive proposition of extra living space for a teenage child, or even a holiday rental opportunity can add big bucks to the value of your home. It is worth checking with a home valuation provider to see how much of your investment you are likely to reclaim.
Get All The Advice Your Need For Building A Granny Annexe
If you have had a frank and sensible chat with your family members about building a granny annexe, checked the plot, and decided you want to know what the next steps are, then give us a call.
We will come to your property to assess the plot, advise on the best footprint to maximise the space, and talk you through the nitty gritty details we mentioned earlier.
The benefit of using iHus, rather than buying just the annexe and hiring a builder is we take care of the whole process for you.
We sort out planning permission, if it is needed, we organise utilities, and we can even help you finance the project. All you need to do is choose your customisable extras!
Download our brochure here to find out more about the process of building a granny annexe and your options or book a free survey on enquiries@ihusprojects.com or call 0808 164 1111.
