Address
2145 McClintock #112
Charlotte, NC. 28205
Charlotte, NC. 28205
What is a Granny Flat?
All you need to know from ADuela, a Granny Flat Builder
What is a Granny Flat?
The term “granny flat” means exactly what you think it does: a living space for your relatives. Although, it’s not just your grandmother’s room. Aduela builds granny flats that are used for a variety of purposes including multigenerational living, short- and long-term rentals, dedicated space for hobbies, and flex space for your home. These dwellings are called accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, for short. ADUs have skyrocketed in popularity as homeowners look to maximize their current homes and make space for growing and changing families. These units are also attractive for creating multifamily housing in neighborhoods it might not exist otherwise, helping cities with the affordable housing crisis.
What are Granny Flats Used For?
Traditionally, a granny flat might be used as a living space for older relatives who need to live close by. These dwellings are perfect for this use: Aduela builds granny flats that are small units with modern amenities, full kitchens and bathrooms and allow older relatives to have independence and proximity to family and resources. This is top of mind for many families across the country as the number of people living in multigenerational households quadrupled between 1971 and 2021, totaling 18% of the population in the United States, according to a report from Pew Research Center.
Building an ADU for your loved one is not only helpful to forming and maintaining familial relationships, but it might save you money in the long run, too. On average, assisted living in the Charlotte area costs more than $70,000 per year. On the flip side, building an accessory dwelling unit can cost around $100,000 to build, saving you money over the years.
Beyond keeping loved ones close, the purpose of ADUs has shifted into a way to create space for passions, at-home fitness, and so much more. These spaces provide the perfect opportunity for homeowners to capitalize on space they already have and help their home grow with their families. An ADU can be a:
- Gym
- Guest suite
- At-home office
- Studio
- Pool house
- And so much more!
These builds are tiny, but mighty. They can be almost anything you want them to be and can create practical space (or income) on your existing lot. The space you’ve been looking for might already be in your backyard.
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Barriers to Building a Granny Flat
The biggest challenge homeowners interested in building a granny flat face is zoning requirements. Regulations are always changing, making it hard to keep up with what’s allowed where and what the process should entail to keep in good graces with your city. Enlisting the help of granny flat contractors, like Aduela, who stay in the loop about current zoning ordinances in their area is essential. After leaping over that hurdle and bringing in the professionals, it’s easy to imagine the possibilities of your dream granny flat.
How to Build a Granny Flat
The best way to build a granny flat is to hire a builder. Granny flat builders are knowledgeable about zoning laws, paperwork, and, of course, building. These professionals are your best bet for building a granny flat that suits your family’s needs. The process can be complicated, but reaching out to a granny flat builder from the get-go can greatly simplify your build.
Your granny flat builder should walk you through the process step by step, but generally it looks like this:
- Meet to talk about your goals. The right granny flat builder will want to talk through your goals with an initial consultation and answer any questions you might have about building a granny flat. This is a great time to understand the timeline, budget, and floorplan options you have available. If your loved one has any accessibility needs, this is the perfect opportunity to build those into the space
- Paperwork. Site visits from a land surveyor, architectural plans, and paperwork tend to come into play at these early stages. Your granny flat builder should handle all of these moving parts for you and keep you in the loop before construction begins.
- Building your granny flat. After the paperwork is straightened, the fun part begins: building. Your builder will bring your granny flat vision to life right in your own backyard! This part of the process can take several weeks or months.
- Move on in. Voilà! Your granny flat is ready. The right granny flat builder will walk through the space with you to finalize any finishing touches before your loved ones move in. (You might want to move in yourself when you see the end result!)
When you bring in the right team to build a granny flat, the process is easy. Ready to get started? Reach out today to start building your new favorite space.
Address
2145 McClintock #112
Charlotte, NC. 28205
Charlotte, NC. 28205
more@myADUela.com
Phone
704-251-0551
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