Extension V Granny Flat
Extension versus a Granny Flat
This is the second part in a two part series looking at the benefits of building a Granny Flat versus adding an extension.
Extending is an exciting milestone but it often leads to a classic home owners dilemma: Should we extend the existing home or build a stand alone granny flat in the backyard? While an extension can feel like the natural ‘growth’ of your floor plan, the reality of construction tells a different story.
At Great Granny Flats we’ve seen first hand how choosing a secondary dwelling over an extension can save your sanity - and provide a better result for the person living in it. Here is why a granny flat might be the smarter, more peaceful path to your property.
3. The Freedom of a Blank Canvas
Extensions are often slaves to the existing architecture. You have to match rooflines, structural walls, floor levels, which can lead to compromises in layout. A granny flat however, offers the freedom of a purpose built design. You are not trying to fit a square peg in a round hole; you are building exactly what the occupant needs:
For ageing parents: You can incorporate ‘universal design’ from the ground up - think of zero threshold showers, wider doorways for walkers, and grab rail reinforcement without having to retrofit old plumbing.
For adult children: You can create a modern, studio style aesthetic that feels like a trendy apartment, offering them a sense of independence and ‘grown up’ space that a bedroom extension simply can’t provide.
For a Home Office: You can optimise the orientation for natural light and sound proof the walls specifically to block out the noise of the main house.
4. Privacy for Both Parties
An extension usually shares a wall and a hallway with the main house. This can lead to ‘shared’ noise and a feeling of living on top of one another. A granny flat provides a physical ‘buffer’ of garden space. This gap is vital for long term harmony; it allows two households to live closely enough to support one another, while still having a front door they can close to enjoy their own private sanctuary.
The Verdict
While extensions have their place, a granny flat offers a faster, cleaner, and more customised solution to the need for more space. You get a brand new modern home without the headache of living in a half finished one.
Ready to see what is possible in your backyard? Call Kathy at Great Granny Flats today on 0413 126 238 and lets design a space that fits your life perfectly.