Can I turn my garage into a granny flat?

To create more liveable space, you can convert your garage to a granny flat. You will need to make modifications to your existing structure to ensure it meets building codes in your area. This includes things like ensure the height from floor to ceiling is at least 2.4m and waterproofing is approved by a plumber.

hipages.com.au - How to convert a garage to granny flat - Hipages

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An example breakdown of the costs to convert a garage to a granny flat follow: Permit - $1000

Insulation - $650 (on average for a 60 square metre space)

Insulation and drywall - $2000

Air conditioning - $2000

Electricity - $300

Interior build - $2000 (at the low end)

Have you considered a garage conversion to create that home office, spare bedroom, playroom or even a granny flat? Converting or extending a garage can be an inexpensive way of getting the extra room you need, but there's more to it than removing your car and adding some furnishings and fixtures. Here's what you need to know about a garage conversion:

Council approval

Because you're converting a non-habitable space into a habitable room, you will need council approval to convert your garage in most states and territories. This will probably start with development approval. Council will want to know that the work you have done will meet Building Code Australia (BCA) standards for dwellings and any additional council requirements. To get approval, you will need to supply council with preliminary and final plans. A good drafter can provide you with the plans and may be able to help you through the approval process.

Granny flat regulations

Familiarise yourself with the following granny flat regulations:

There is to be no more than one home and one granny flat on the same block. The combined floor area of the home and the granny flat must not exceed what is stipulated by the local government. The size of the granny flat cannot be larger than 60 square metres (or meet local council regulations in they differ).

You do not need to provide additional parking for the granny flat.

If you council has a specific environmental plan, your conversion must meet these requirements.

Garage Conversion Essentials

The typical garage has a concrete floor, outer walls, a roof and usually a window. In order to convert it into a habitable dwelling, it will need more. You will need to replace your garage door with a more appropriate replacement door for starters, and for light and ventilation, you will also want more windows. Other things that you will probably need to include in your costings are:

Flooring

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Waterproofing

Insulation

Interior walls

A ceiling or roof interior lining

Heating and cooling

Lighting

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Garage conversion essentials: Flooring and waterproofing

Garage floors are not usually elevated, so during the conversion you will have to make sure water cannot enter the new living space. You may need to install an elevated floor and get a drainage expert to divert water away from the interior. If you are converting the garage into a granny flat or want it to be a self-contained living space, you will also need to have plumbing installed. Your plumber will provide a water-proofing certificate for all new wet areas. They will also contact the local council on your behalf to ensure than any sewage line additions will not affect the main lines running from your home.

Garage conversion essentials: Insulation

On average, insulation costs $1 per square foot. The type of insulation you require will depend on the climate of location where you live. Fibreglass is the most common insulation material.

Garage conversion essentials: Walls and ceiling

As your garage will now be a living space, the interior floor to ceiling height must meet new regulations. The minimum height is 2.4m. Expect to pay between $35 and $90 per square metre of drywall installation.

Garage conversion essentials: Heating, cooling and lighting

Whether you're going to be using your garage as a spare bedroom or home office, you will need an electrician to install power points and lighting fixtures. If you are going to rent it out as a granny flat, it will need to have a bathroom and cooking facilities as well. Don’t forget to install smoke detectors as this is a national requirement. Depending on where you live in Australia, you may also require air conditioning.

Garage conversion essentials: Final touches

The driveway leading to your converted garage will probably look out of place. A little landscaping can help with this and you may also want to consider diverting your existing driveway to a designated parking space and installing a carport.

Garage conversion costs calculator Australia

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On average, the costs to convert a garage to a granny flat in Australia range from $5000 on the low end, to as much as $25000 on the high end. An example breakdown of the costs to convert a garage to a granny flat follow:

Permit - $1000