All Granny Flats' are built to your specifications, at no extra cost!
What is a Granny Flat?
A Granny Flat is a self-contained living area or unit, usually located on the same property as a larger house. They are called “Granny Flats” because they are a popular way for adults to take care of their ageing parents. Whether attached to the main home or a standalone structure, Granny Flats allow elderly parents a comfortable level of independence and privacy while ensuring they are not far away from family or assistance. They also give both parties the opportunity to “get out of each other’s hair” when the need arises.
Here in NZ, people choose to build Granny Flats NZ for many different reasons though. Some are used for older teenage kids as a stepping-stone to full independence, others are used as backyard entertaining hubs, still others are rented out to the public as a secondary income stream. Even when not being used, having a Granny Flat can be a good selling point and increase the value of your home to potential sellers.
Portable Granny Flats – the modern Granny Flat
In previous years, building Granny Flats NZ either involved an extension to the main home or building a separate structure in the backyard with full plumbing and electrical. This is still an option, albeit an expensive one.
However, with advances in mobile living in recent years, modern Granny Flats NZ can be a fully portable standalone unit, pre-built in a factory with no foundation, electrical or plumbing work required. These portable units can have full kitchen and bathroom facilities and can run off the power and water supply of the main house.
Going one step further, Granny Flats NZ can have solar power, composting toilets, rainwater collection, and can even be built on a trailer, making them 100% transportable and eco-friendly. As an added benefit, if your Granny Flat is built on a trailer, it is legally considered the same as a caravan and doesn’t fall under the New Zealand Building Code. This way, you avoid some of the extra rules, regulations, and red tape in having a second dwelling on your property. (Having said this, we always recommend you get in touch with your local council to clear it all up first, as councils can vary wildly in how they apply the regulations.)
