I'm considering getting a studio built in the garden as we have an idea area at the top. I was wondering what you guys think about the most cost effective way to go bout it. Are there prefab kits that you can buy and get installed (after planning permission is granted, or do you have to go through the traditional architect -> builder route. This sounds the more expensive route. Thanks for your input.
Granny Flat/Studio/Home Office in the garden
spartacus77 on 13/07/2014 - 21:24
Comments
This is great advice/feedback - really appreciate your time on this!
Shipping container is quick and dirty and AFAIK doesn't require building permission as it's not classified as a building.
Pay the extra to get an insulated version.Be careful with shipping containers. Most metro council by-laws wont allow them.
AFAIK doesn't require building permission
It probably varies, but they do here.
Take a look at http://www.melwood.com.au/ for some examples.
Note that in NSW and WA planning laws have changed to make getting approvals much easier.
Parking a campervan ?
I've seen a coverted garage that looked quite nice. Put a false wall about 2 meters in from the garage door so they could store gear. Then insulated and plasterboarded a room with the rest of the space. Looked quite nice
I was in Bunnings a while back and saw a couple these fully built out back - I remember thinking they looked quite good if I ever needed something like that. I have no idea how the price compares to other options, buy may be worth a look to get ideas
http://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/outdoor-garden/buildin…
Thanks everyone for the input - plenty of food for thought. Will update you on which route I take.
I just put one in the backyard of a rental I had (in VIC). The amount of hassle and hair-pulling!
My tips:
Check with your local council on their planning policy with respect to what they allow. If they allow granny flats, then always go see an Independent Building Surveyor (Not the Council one!). A Building Permit costs around $1k inclusive of inspections. But before this, read on…
Granny flats are classed as temporary structures, and hence, need to pass a multitude of AS and Build Codes. I suggest buying a flat pack or a 2nd hand pre-fab structure (I picked mine up for $17k as-is) as this will be cheapest and quickest since you will be able to provide all the drawings/certs/energy rating (I had to get an energy rating report for mine at $800) to for the Building Surveyor to issue you with a Building Permit.
You will need a surveyor ($1500) and a structural engineer ($1500) to feature survey your land and to design your footings. My footings costed me $6k doing it myself.
You will need a very skilled chippy ($10k)/sparky ($3k)/plumber ($8k) that has done granny flats b4.
Once you have prepared all your documentation, then speak to the Independent Building Surveyor and ask for their advice and what other info they need.
Start and complete your works. Note: If you are doing most of the stuff yourself, you will need to get insurance cover. You will also need a waterproofing cert from the plumber for all wet areas.
Make sure all the hold points as listing on the Build Permit is completed as a final cert of occupancy wont be issued if you fail this!
Enjoy…
It took me 6 weeks to get my permit and documentation in order (longest one was the structural engineer). It took me a further 8 weeks to finish it/ Would I do it again? Hell NO!!! But I am reaping the rewards…
Also, the above $$$ doesn't include floor coverings/window coverings, appliances, kitchen, air con, etc…Based on my experience, it costed me $70k all up…If I went with something new, it would have costed me $120k…Not a cheap exercise!
As usual, Do Your Own Research…and as usual again, my 2 cents worth.