What should you consider before building a granny annex?

Travelling back and forth to care for ageing parents in this busy world can be time-consuming and frustrating. Bringing them closer to the family unit can improve the whole family’s quality of life.

Whether you are a carer for an ageing or sick relative or you just want your parents closer, finding the right approach can be daunting. A residential home is an option, but it can be expensive and will not be on your doorstep. You and your family will still need your space and freedom, as will your ageing relative. The family needs to sit down and discuss the options. This will be a long-term commitment, and everyone needs to be fully on-board from the start.

Weighing up the advantages and disadvantages

Advantages and Disadvantages

The advantages are having loved ones close at hand, in-house babysitters, house minders whilst you’re away, the ability to speak every day, and giving them time with grandchildren. The disadvantages are sharing your home and forgoing a certain amount of privacy.

Working out how to build it

When the decision is made, you will need to work out how this is going to happen. If you have a very large house, a section could be cordoned off to make a bedroom with en-suite. An extension could be added on the back or side of the house, or a room could be built on top of an existing garage. If you have an existing outbuilding, you could convert it into living accommodation or build a completely separate dwelling in the rear garden. These are all good options, but you should check whether planning permission is required before proceeding.

Cost and practical considerations

Practicality

Other considerations include cost and practicalities. If your parent needs looking after, an in-house extension would probably be the best option. Otherwise, if you want more space and independence, an outside granny annexe like http://www.annexespaces.co.uk/ would be the better choice. This might be the most expensive option, but it will increase the value of your property in the long term.

This is a tough decision because there is no going back, so make sure you work out all the pros and cons. If the ground rules for both parties are laid down from the start, you will all benefit from being close together. The family unit is an important one, and caring for one another is a great way of showing your love.

Summary

This article gives things to think about before building a granny annexe to bring an ageing or unwell relative closer to home. It weighs the advantages, such as help with childcare and daily contact, against giving up some privacy, covers options like converting an outbuilding or adding an extension, and flags cost and practicality as key factors in deciding what’s right for the family.

Questions this article raises

• How much does building a granny annexe typically cost compared with residential care?
• Do granny annexes usually need planning permission?
• How does an annexe affect a property’s council tax or resale value?