Granny Flats Can Turn Your Backyard into a Second Home

Let’s face it, a major challenge for baby boomers today is how to balance aging parents’ need for greater care with the desire to preserve their independence. For a variety of reasons, it is not always possible to move parents into a growing family’s home and assisted living facilities are very pricey. Why not take a page from the UK and consider Granny Flats?

Sometimes referred to as a relocatable home, this living option is basically a pre-fabricated small cottage or cabin that will easily fit in many backyards. The “Willow” is a single bedroom cottage that can sleep as many as four. It has a kitchen with cook top and oven, a bathroom and comfortably sized living and dining areas.

A slightly larger option is also available with the same size bathroom and bedroom as the “Willow” but featuring a more roomy living area and balcony/deck. The “Willow” starts at $49K and its slightly larger sister is about $56K.

Granny Flats are available both in pre-fabricated and kit forms. Smaller cabins like the “Willow” are usually pre-fabricated. Larger units with two or more bedrooms are generally kits. All options can be modified to accommodate wheelchair access. Customization to fit specific needs is also available.

Quoted costs include the complete living unit ready for move-in, with full kitchen, windows and bath ready for use. The price does not include necessary governmental permits, soil testing and transportation costs. An electrician and plumber will be needed for hook-ups. Generally all of these can be accomplished in the $5 to $10k range.

And do not forget that Granny Flats are not just for elderly relatives. It would also be a great way to give your college aged child a place of their own while still being able to keep an eye on them. Another purpose would be to put one down on a piece of land that you own instead of absorbing the huge costs involved with getting a house built. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also enjoy additional articles on Granny Flats Australia orour How To Build A House website.