In recent years, multigenerational living has become increasingly common in the UK, and one of the most common arrangements is to incorporate a living space for older generations to live and be cared for in.
Whilst the concept of children, parents and grandparents living in one home has existed for as long as communities have, the newest incarnation of multigenerational living is beginning to shape the homes that growing families wish to live in.
One of the most popular reasons why people are increasingly ordering and building garden rooms is to create a so-called granny annexe that can provide a dedicated living space for elderly relatives as an alternative to residential care complexes or care in the community homes.
Here is what a granny annexe is, what it is for, and all of the considerations you should make before installing one in your garden.
What Is A Granny Annexe?
A granny annexe is a type of outbuilding or mobile home designed to act as a complete self-contained living space, with a particular focus on everything older family members need to live comfortably close to the rest of their relatives.
As a granny annexe is more a description of function rather than a specific building type, they can be a large garden room, an extension or even a large conservatory as long as it is suitably designed.
However, garden rooms tend to be the best building type for this purpose because their inherent separation from the rest of the home makes them more private and self-contained in practice, even if they are still a part of a larger family home.
What is essential is that they have everything an older relative needs to live a comfortable, independent life, including a separate entrance, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living space, built-in storage solutions, independently operated heating and any other utilities such as electricity supply.
They also should be designed with any necessary adaptations in mind, such as grab rails, ramps and wider doorways for wheelchairs.
Why Are Granny Annexes Important?
Whether because it is a return to the norm following a few generations where familial independence was prioritised or due to the growing cost of housing and social care, multigenerational living has surged in popularity over the last ten years.
A lot of families are remaining close together, with younger people often having a boomerang period where they return to live with their parents, whilst older relatives are choosing to take advantage of soaring house prices to downsize significantly and live with their children.
To avoid different generations living on top of each other and creating unnecessary tension, having private, self-contained spaces is essential so everyone can be mindful of each other’s needs.
It also allows for home carers to more easily have access to the annexe, in a manner similar to a sheltered housing arrangement, but without some of the costs involved. Where a multigenerational arrangement is suitable, it can significantly reduce care needs and therefore care costs.
Finally, it helps reduce isolation and tackle an epidemic in loneliness that was in no small part accentuated by having single-person or single-family homes. With a granny annexe, there will always be a family member close by to provide help or companionship.
What Should You Consider Before Booking A Consultation?
Because a granny annexe is a use case for an extension rather than a specific type of building, planning permission can be complex and vary depending on the exact type of building you want to have in your garden.
We have a dedicated planning consultancy which will get in touch with your local planning authority and ensure that your building is in compliance with regulations and planning law. This is vital to avoid unexpected fines or complications when selling your home later.
Next, check how much space you have available, and be mindful if you already have a conservatory or extension how this might affect your planning application or permitted developments. Note not only the physical dimensions, but also access points and views from neighbours.
Most importantly, have an open and clear discussion about your plans for the granny annexe to make sure that the needs of your parents are taken into account. They should have a say and be as much a part of the consultation process as possible, so they have a living space they want to stay in.
Finally, start looking at the features, functionality and appliances you need to fit, and what additional preparations and modifications you may need to make to your water supply, wiring and gas to ensure that the annexe is fully furnished.