If you're thinking about adding a "granny flat" to your property there are a few things you need to be aware off: First of all the legal framework.
When we are talking about granny flats we are talking about buildings no bigger than 70sqm, no taller than 4m measured from the floor to the highest point of the roof. They need to be 2m away from any other building on the property and at least 2m away from the boundary.
Before starting to build one, you or your builder, that is us, needs to request a PIM or Project Information Memorandum from your council. It not a Building Consent but it will inform you of any existing requirements and limitations of the site, your property and if the project is likely to comply.
Your Builder, like us, needs to be a currently licenced building practitioner (LBP) and you will need a set of plans to submit to council. The building will go onto your property file together with all related information, ie our LBP number, the Plumbers registration, the electrical certificate, and so forth. Only this way does it actually create an asset rather than a liability when you come to sell the property (or when your heirs come to sell the property).
For more information you can check this link to MBIE
Granny Flats can be used for various purposes: To give the grandparents a place to stay close to their grandkids, whether temporarily over the holidays or permanently, as an AirBnB, as a flat to rent out, as a place for friends to stay at or even as work accommodation.
Talk to us today if you're thinking of adding value to your property.