As the real estate industry continues to expand, trends are also increasing day by day. In particular, granny pods are rising in popularity, but what exactly are these?
Nowadays, structures are constructed for almost every need thinkable, including obstacles relating to growing old. For those who have aging parents and relatives, it is not advised to have them live on their own. They may need to be taken care of or checked from time to time. However, they may still want to have their privacy. This is where granny pods come into the scene. These structures provide the homeowner a way to live with the elderlies in their family while still having their own space.
What is a Granny Pod?
Think of a granny pod as a tiny home, typically about 250 to 1,200 square feet, but not on a lot of its own. Instead, it is built on the same property as another house. However, it is distinct from other types of structures as it comes complete with all amenities needed for it to be a dwelling for a person or two. While tiny homes for sale austin is primarily built to accommodate aging family members, it can be used for many other purposes.
If you are somehow familiar with real estate, you may identify this type of structure as an Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU. However, other less formal terms are also used to describe it. That includes the backyard cottage, secondary unit, in-law suite, and laneway house, among many others. Basically, how you call it depends on how the space is utilized.
What are the Amenities in a Granny Pod?
One of the notable characteristics of a granny pod is that it comes with all amenities expected in a housing unit. It has to be able to accommodate the person residing in it without having to share facilities with the other structure in the lot. In order to fit in the limited space, granny pods can also have miniature versions of the needed furniture or appliances. Specifically, here are the amenities expected in this structure
- separate entrance
- main living space
- bedroom for one or two
- miniature or full kitchens
- lavatory or bathroom
What are the Structural Forms of a Granny Pod?
As previously mentioned, there are many ways you can add a granny pod to your property. For example, it can be attached to the main house but still have its separate entrance and amenities. Otherwise, it can be detached, commonly called backyard granny flats. It has a considerable distance from other structures in the lot and sometimes even has its own parking space.
Another way to categorize the granny pod is if it is converted from an existing structure or built from none. For example, it could either be a garage, basement, or attic conversion. This is ideal if you want to make better use of the space other than just for storage. It is also more cost-effective as you will only need a few resources.
On the other hand, you can create a new structure from scratch. To save time, you can even look for ready-made granny pods or granny pods for sale. However, you ould save money if you create them on your own. Look for granny pod designs online or come up with one and bring it to life with the resources and budget available. A piece of advice: when searching, try looking for granny pods plans and prices so you can estimate the expected costs while making the design.
In what Ways is Building a Granny Pod Achievable?
The advantage of building a granny pod is that you can work on your own terms. Choose whether to create a new structure or convert whatever room you have available. You can also control how small or big you want the house to be, what materials to use, and how much budget to spend. You can get ideas from other granny pods plans and come up with what is most convenient and practical for you.
Should you face any difficulties, it would be that you have to keep in mind the building regulations of your city or state. There will most likely be limitations to the size or amenities, and you may also face difficulties with the home insurance
What is great about Granny Pods?
As it is termed, granny pods are ideal as a dwelling for the elderly. In terms of security, it would be safer than if they were on their own, as they are most likely no longer capable of defending themselves. Besides that, it also allows easy monitoring, especially if what you have on your property is a granny pod.
What sets a granny pod aside is its high-tech monitoring capabilities. Basically, the house would be equipped with advanced technologies so you can check up on the elderlies residing inside. Examples include a timed medication dispenser or a toilet with a urinalysis feature. Looking for these technologies could be difficult, so you can alternatively look for granny pods for sale to make it easier on your part.
There will always be difficulties with converting or building a dwelling. Of course, that is also the case with granny pods. More often than not, that has something to do with the financial aspect. Indeed there will be upfront expenses, but the benefits of this structure far exceed the investment it needs, not only for the elderlies in your family. It can also be for your gain, as you can have the adu design build rented for passive income, plus it can increase your property’s value. At the same time, you provide affordable housing to others, so you are doing a favor to your community.
Converting or building a granny house is not a small undertaking. It takes thorough planning, not only with the design but also with the practical and financial side. If you want to ensure the best quality of the structure, let the experts in this field take on the task for you. With Small House Solutions, rest assured that you can bring to life your ideas for your next granny pod with excellent accuracy and attention to detail.
Accessory Dwelling Units / ADU’s
Tiny House On Wheels
Park Models
Single Family Residential
Accessory Structures
Miscellaneous
We offer free consultation services for property owners.
Have a specific question for us?
Small House Solutions serves the following Texas Towns, Counties and nearby Areas for Tiny, Small, Large Custom Homes, Tiny Homes on Wheels, ADU, Accessory Structure and Park Models:
