It does sound straightforward to simply add a granny flat in the middle of a house build that is already underway. In practice, it can influence the building agreement, design, approvals, expenses, and construction programme. An additional dwelling or separate living space can be added once works have commenced, but these need to be approached with extreme caution.
Regardless if you are dealing with the best new home builders in Sydney, or work with a smaller building company, the contract needs to clearly document what is changing and who is responsibility for each piece of work.
You No Longer Capture the Whole Story with the Original Contract
Your old building contract was written up on a set scope. This could include details of the main residence, any chosen finishes (windows, doors, flooring, etc.), site works, and approximate completion date.
This includes granny flat potential. The builder may be required to formalise a variation rather than simply adding to the scope of work without a contractual agreement.
The revised documents should explain:
- What work has been added
- The revised contract price
- Changes to the construction schedule
- Materials and finishes included
- New payment stages, if required
- Amend the existing site works
Writing these things down also prevents vagueness later.
Changing Design and Approval Requisites
No, a granny flat is not an additional room stuck onto the back of a house. It has different planning, design, and construction requirements.
Access, setbacks, drainage services and space determine if the site can be revisited. The design could also have an impact on landscaping, parking, utility connections, etc.
The necessary approvals before construction can begin are well confirmed. During construction, a change can take longer if drawings or approvals need adjustment.
The Price Can Change Quickly
A granny flat is a lot more than just four walls and a roof. This may need some extra plumbing, electrical work, windows, doors, insulation, flooring, and fixtures.
Excavation, drainage, and connections may also be chargeable, as well as changes to external works.
The costing for the additional work should be crisp and clean by a builder. Homeowners should never rely on a verbal estimate.
By consulting experienced builders in Bondi, homeowners can finally get to the bottom of how a mid-project variation may affect the budget, as well as the build process overall.
The Construction Timeline May Move
For extra works, there’s always the need for extra time.
The builder may have to order new materials, bring more trades to the site, or wait for approvals that need revision. This may mean that certain parts of the initial build are necessitated to be done differently to enable it in order for the granny flat to be built.
Here is where the veteran builders in Bondi could assist clients with planning the amended order of works and how this extra labour may affect the initial deadline of completion.
How the anticipated completion date may be revised should be written into the amended contract or variation.
Existing Guarantees and Responsibilities
Contract variation should be explicit about whether the extra work falls under the same contractual terms of the original build.
Identify the party responsible for design changes, approvals, materials, and workmanship.
This is important if the granny flat service to connect also typical structures with the main residence.
Get Every Change in Writing
Putting a granny flat in mid-build doesn’t have to be a contract nightmare. The thing is to treat it like a real change of the project.
You will approve the work once you examine all of the new designs and costs, timeline, and contract terms. If there are things that you don’t understand, ask your questions.
If you are comparing the best new home builders in Sydney or you have a builder working on your property already, having a detailed written variation provides everyone with an official record of what has changed.
A granny flat is an efficient addition that adds living space and value to a property. And while it may be added halfway through a construction project, careful contract management is just as critical as the design itself.