There are many reasons why people might want to build a granny flat on their Sunshine Coast property. Maybe they want to provide a place for elderly relatives to live, or perhaps they want to generate additional income by renting it out. But what kind of foundation should the granny flat be built on? In part 1 of this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of building a granny flat on a slab vs a suspended floor.
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What is a granny flat?
A granny flat is a separate living area, typically designed to provide a self-contained living space for an elderly relative or to be rented out for additional income. It is similar to a studio apartment or semi-detached house, and typically has a separate kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area.
The term “granny flat” is derived from the idea that it is usually designed to accommodate an elderly relative. They are also sometimes referred to as “ancillary dwellings”, “granny suites”, backyard cottages, or secondary dwellings.
Granny flats can vary greatly in size, from small, one-bedroom dwellings to large, multi-room structures. Many people build granny flats on the same property as their home, making them a convenient and cost-effective way of providing additional living space for a family member or tenant. The local Council will govern the rules in terms of the permittable size - read more about the Sunshine Coast granny flat rules & requirements here.
The pros and cons of building a granny flat on a slab
Building a granny flat on a slab has both pros and cons.
Pros:
-It is more cost-effective than building a granny flat on a suspended floor due to the cost of the materials.
-A slab-based granny flat can be built in a shorter amount of time.
Cons:
-It is not as versatile as a suspended floor since the shape and size of the granny flat footprint must remain the same.
-It limits the potential for adding features such as a basement/undercroft storage.
The pros and cons of building a granny flat on a suspended floor
Building a granny flat on a suspended floor has both pros and cons.
Pros:
-A suspended floor allows for more design and shape flexibility, enabling more complex and stylish designs.
-The potential for adding features such as a basement/undercroft storage is increased.
-The ground beneath is well ventilated and insulated.
Cons:
-It is a more expensive option due to the cost of materials such as posts, beams, and joists (as opposed to a slab on a perfectly level site, with no earthworks required).
-The building process can be longer and more complicated than building a slab-based granny flat.
So, which one should you choose?
When it comes to building a granny flat on the Sunshine Coast, the choice between a slab or suspended floor comes down to personal preferences, budget, personal needs and your site specific requirements.
Building a granny flat on a slab is much more cost-efficient and requires less time. The simpler design and structure of a slab-based granny flat makes it easier to construct, but it also limits the home’s shape and design. Plus, in the long run may not be as cost effective on a mildly or greatly sloping site.
A granny flat built on a suspended floor, on the other hand, offers more creative freedom in terms of design and shape. As mentioned, a suspended floor system granny flat is better suited on sloping sites, and it is also a more expensive option (when compared to building a slab on a perfectly level block).
In the end, the choice between a slab or suspended floor in a granny flat is a matter of personal preference and budget. It is important to consider all the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.
To learn more about what we can offer as a builder, make an enquiry with our team today.