Thinking about adding a granny flat to your property? It’s an exciting prospect that can add value and flexibility to your home. However, before you dive in, there are critical factors to consider that could make or break your project. Here are the 10 most common oversights that could derail your granny flat plans:
1. Stormwater Drainage – It Rains, It Pours, and the Water Has to Go Somewhere One of the primary reasons granny flat projects get halted is inadequate stormwater drainage. Ensure your property has a legal drainage point for rainwater runoff. Older properties, especially, may lack proper drainage systems, which can complicate the approval process.
2. Flooding – Keeping Your Head Above Water Flooding can be a significant issue, with councils imposing strict regulations on flood-prone areas. Obtain a flood information certificate to understand if your property is affected and to what extent. This information is crucial as it can determine whether your granny flat can be built at all.
3. Bushfire Risk – It’ll Burn Down Australia’s bushfire-prone areas have specific regulations to mitigate risks. Properties with high Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings may not be suitable for granny flats due to safety concerns. Ensure you know your property’s BAL rating before proceeding.
4. Landscape Area – It’s Not Green Enough Councils often require a minimum amount of green space on your property. If recent renovations have reduced your landscape area, you may need to adjust or demolish parts of it to comply with local regulations.
5. Block Size and Frontage – Just Not Big Enough Granny flats typically require a minimum block size and frontage. Ensure your property meets these requirements before investing in your project.
6. Height Restrictions – It’s Too Tall Height regulations can affect setbacks and design options for your granny flat. Be aware of local building codes and setbacks required for structures above a certain height.
7. Sewer Main Placement – The Sh*t is in the Way Building near sewer mains can be costly and requires approval from local water authorities. Avoid building over or close to sewer assets to simplify your project and approvals process.
8. Easements – The Invisible Dotted Line Easements grant others the right to use part of your land for specific purposes, such as drainage or maintenance. Building in easement areas is generally prohibited and can limit your building footprint.
9. Zoning Restrictions – The No-Go Zone Check your property’s zoning to ensure it allows for secondary dwellings like granny flats. Zoning restrictions dictate what types of structures can be built on your land.
10. Protected Trees – It’s a Tree House Protected trees on your property can restrict where you can build. Investigate whether any trees on your land have preservation orders before planning your granny flat.
Each of these factors has the potential to derail your granny flat project if not addressed early in the planning stages. Before you embark on your granny flat journey, thorough research and consultation with local authorities or experts can help you navigate these challenges effectively.
Remember, investing time and effort upfront to understand these considerations can save you significant costs and headaches down the road. If you’re unsure about any of these issues, consulting with a professional or an experienced builder can provide clarity and guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
By addressing these 10 critical points, you’ll be better prepared to ensure your granny flat project not only starts but successfully reaches completion, adding value and functionality to your property.
Ready to get started on your granny flat project? Contact EzFeasy for expert advice and assistance in navigating these complexities, ensuring a smooth and successful building process from start to finish.
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