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Converting a garage to a granny flat. Where do I start?

6 years ago

Dimensions are 6 metres by 3.6 metres

Comments (5)

oklouise
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
first 1. ask local council about regulations for any Granny Flat in the backyard as well as converting the existing garage (sometimes it can be more cost effective to construct a new building 2. post a plan of the existing house and garage showing position of toilets, laundry and kitchen sink and 3. a plan of the block showing the house and garage and distance from buildings to fences and 4. please explain the purpose of the new space.... 6m x 3.6m is not much room for more than a bedsit type accommodation unless it's only meant as a private space for someone who will also share the main home

something like this might work but needs to satisfy class 1a building regulation ...including, insulation, wall lining, windows, ventilation. plumbing and waterproofing etc
siriuskey
6 years ago

I'ts a very small space so I have gone for a very good motel/ holiday cottage lay out. If you wall mount the TV you would be able to watch it from the living and bedroom space. And don't forget Council Regs, cheers
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Hi Liss, I 100% echo the above from Retro & MB. Changing function, particularly into dual occupancy territory will trigger a host of knock-on effects including fire rating, energy rating etc...and of course this all comes down to (as always) the B word - Budget You are best to seek professional design advice/service/assistance, and as Retro alluded to, you are at what we call the "feasibility" stage of the project in which project viability and options are explored/teased out. This involves clarification of specific requirements, budget and & contextual and regulatory constraints applicable. Honestly this is way beyond a dilemma forum - experienced/professional input will enable the most effective path forward to avoid the as you put it "going around in circles", which as an aside many people find themselves doing simply because they don't know what they're doing! We do this for a living for a reason, and we have specific services structured for this stage of the process to professionally manage and assist people to achieve high value outcomes. Happy to provide further details, if you are interested in how this all works when approached professionally. Cheers PD :)
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MB Design & Drafting
6 years ago
The problems with garage to granny flat can be many. From existing floor slabs needing waterproofing to ceiling height being too low. Probably better to knock it down and start again as it may not be possible to get it to comply with building codes.

A granny flat (secondary dwelling) is viewed as a new dwelling therefore you must comply with all the current regulations. That includes the efficiency of the structure as well as environmental concerns. In NSW you may need a water tank, double glazed windows, solar power, etc.... Not a cheap exercise at all!

Look at converting to a 'studio' instead that way its much much more straightforward!
siriuskey
6 years ago
Thats's good advice re calling it a Studio to make it easier to get what you want. I can see sealing the concrete and exposing the ceiling for better height overcomes these issues. An old architect friend always gave us good advice and ideas, example when wanting a garage but only allowed a carport, go with the carport and then fill in with whatever material that could be removed if necessary, after a certain few years it doesn't prove to be a problem. cheers
julia9102
4 years ago
Before starting the garage reconversion, remember to seek council approval as you will need to meet the current standards of Building Code Australia (BCA) as well as any additional council requirements depending on the residential zone your house belongs to.

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