Granny Flat Conversions and Fire-Rated-Walls: Why and How to solve the problem
We’ve just completed our first few Granny Flat Conversions Pricing and Process Page. It sets out how to begin your Granny Conversions for approval and we thought we’d share some of the processes and potential pitfalls in converting Sheds or Garages into Living Spaces, Studios or Granny Flats in Sydney.
1.The first difference between a normal granny flat approval and garage conversions is that you might need a Fire-Rated-Wall if one of the following exists:
(a) The converted structure is within 1.8 meters of the main dwelling, measured from wall-to-wall.
(b) The converted structure is within 0.9 metres of the side or rear boundary.
2. The second difference is the BASIX (Energy Efficiency) Requirements for the conversion need to be brought up to standard. This means even if the existing structure has been partially or fully renovated, it still needs to have all of the insulation, hot-water and drainage systems in place to be approved.
3. The third area of importance is that the existing wet-areas (bathroom and shower) need to also be certified by a licensed ‘Water-Proofer’ as being up to standard.
4. The final notable difference to a normal granny flat is the need to have a Structural Engineer Certify the Existing Slab and Frame.
Below, we show an example where a granny flat conversion needed a fire-rated-wall, due to being too close to the main dwelling:
Most of the preceding requirements are Building Code of Australia and BASIX requirements. The good news is that here at Granny Flats Sydney (NSW) Pty. Ltd. we are the experts in granny flat conversions and we posess the know- how to save you the most amount of time and money when it comes to converting your existing shed or garage into a legally habitable building.
Feel free to check out our Process and Pricing Page (linked above) or give us a call and we’ll asses the suitability of your structure for conversion.
Warm Regards,
Serge Panayi
