Affordable future-ready granny flat (DPU) 4m x 8m with veranda in suburban Melbourne VIC

How to build a low-cost granny flat in Melbourne – three generations, one suburban property

In Melbourne, the challenge of extended family living was resolved by cost-effective completion of an approved affordable and future-ready granny flat (DPU) in a Backyard Pod.

A working mum with a young son was living with her mother and grandmother. After her grandmother passed away, it was time to re-assess living arrangements for her mother, her son and herself, and the family’s 70kg pet Rottweiler.

They had all been living together in a two-storey, dual-occupancy house. Jodi and her son inhabited the top level while Margaret, Jodi’s mother, occupied the ground level. The stairs between the two levels had become a problem for Margaret, making shared roles and day-to-day family life increasingly difficult. Jodi and Margaret considered selling and purchasing a four-bedroom, single-storey house with plenty of living space. However, it soon became evident that this type of property would push them into a much more expensive price bracket on the real estate market.

After further contemplation, they decided the best option was to buy a three-bedroom house with the potential for detached self-contained accommodation. This concept gave them a shared living arrangement with separation for individual retreat. A suitable house with a sizeable backyard was purchased. The search then began for an appropriate granny flat.

Traditional permanent structures proved to be quite expensive. “The price was almost the same as a minimum deposit for a house”, said Jodi.  Thankfully, they discovered the Backyard Pod, an affordable structure that offered the same beneficial components as the more expensive buildings. Jodi contacted Backyard Pods for a quote. The price was right on target which meant Jodi and Margaret’s vision could be comfortably realised.

The 8m x 4m pod included a kitchenette, ensuite, doggy door, and an open-plan living area with enough space for a couch and bed. A 4m x 1.5m verandah deck was attached to the front of the pod. “We designed the pod to be easily accessible,” said Jodi. “At the moment, my mother is very sprightly. But if she does require care in the future, we wanted to make sure the pod could be adapted to meet the needs of assisted living.”

The team from Backyard Pods was with Jodi and Margaret every step of the way. The pair didn’t need to consult an architect as a team member was able to design the pod for them. “The Backyard Pods people were fantastic. They kept in touch the whole time and were happy to help with any questions”, said Jodi. “They made the whole procedure much easier.”

When it came to actual construction, Backyard Pods introduced the services of an experienced Melbourne installer, Peter from Skills Unlimited.  https://www.skillsunlimited.com.au/  This introduction also saved Jodi and Margaret from searching to find a reputable builder. “Peter was terrific and had lots of good ideas. He went above and beyond the usual assistance you expect from a builder,” said Jodi. “He was dependable and punctual. If there was an issue with timekeeping, Peter would always let me know the night before his arrival.”

Peter was highly involved in everything. He assisted Jodi and Margaret with the complicated process of obtaining a Victorian building permit. When professional tradies were required, Peter made recommendations. Quotes were gathered and compared. Jodi and Margaret were under no obligation to use any of Peter’s recommendations either.

When it came to kitchen design, Peter accompanied Jodi and Margaret to Bunnings where they planned the kitchenette. Eventually, Jodi and Margaret chose Kitchen Shack for fittings. After the flat-pack kitchen arrived fully assembled, Peter went ahead with the installation.

The build to lock-up stage took approximately 3½ months. An added bonus on completion was the increase in property value to the customer. The property went from three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two living areas to a total of four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and three living areas. From the customer’s perspective, adding the economical backyard pod was a financial success compared to the option of buying a much larger house in the first place.

“We are so happy with our granny flat pod. It was the ideal solution,” commented Jodi. “I’m so glad we chose Backyard Pods. Their hands-on assistance made the entire process flow smoothly.”

If you’re thinking about additional accommodation such as a teenage retreat, granny flat, guest apartment, or rental flat then consider a Backyard Pod. It’s economical and extremely practical. Backyard Pods can help you every step of the way from building approvals to concept designs. Get in touch with us today.