When shopping around for granny annexes, the sheer amount of information, choice and endless possibilities that come with custom builds can be overwhelming.
So, we’re here to help cut through the noise and provide you with everything you need to know. We’ll take you through the most essential factors to consider so that you can choose the perfect layout to match what you’re looking for.
Read on to discover what you need to know about choosing the perfect layout for a bespoke granny annexe project…
Determining whether a bespoke granny annexe is right for your needs
Taking on a bespoke granny annexe project comes with a wealth of benefits, with the most obvious advantage being that you’ll be able to make it into exactly what you want.
From custom layouts to the quality of the materials, you’ll have full control over what the granny annexe project will look like. It’s worth noting, however, that fully bespoke projects will come at more of a cost, so you will need to prepare accordingly if you’re set on this type of project.
For example, here at Rubicon, we offer beautiful granny annexes which are built to the standard of a house. Our options are flexible, allowing for the possibility of altering the positioning of windows, creating a larger living space and adding a bedroom, should you wish to.
However, completely bespoke granny annexes that are one-of-a-kind, will, naturally, increase the price of the overall project. So, it’s worth bearing this in mind!
We encourage you to speak to us directly about our granny annexes. You may be surprised by the flexibility of our standard range, and find there’s no need to endeavour down the route of a completely bespoke granny annexe.
However, if a completely bespoke granny annexe is the right choice for you, we’re also highly experienced in these projects. And although more costly, we believe transparency is key to customer satisfaction - so you’ll never experience any hidden fees with us, and you’ll have complete clarity on how much your granny annexe will cost before we agree on a completion date.
So, if you’re trying to keep the overall cost down but still want to achieve something comfortable and of high quality, our standard granny annexe options could be the right option for you. We’ll take you through the best layout choices, tailored to your requirements, and work with you to keep the budget sensible.
See below for the most important considerations to take into account when choosing the right layout for your granny annexe.
How much space have you got to work
Generally speaking, most people don’t want their new granny annexe to dominate their available outdoor space. So, of course, if you have a relatively small outdoor space, building an overly large granny annexe won’t be the best course of action to take.
So, you may believe you’ll need to compromise on having access to the facilities that drove you to want a granny annexe in the first place. Well, we’re here to tell you that’s not the case.
The size of your plot doesn’t have to dictate what you can include within a granny annexe, it just means you’ll have to create a layout within the internal space that focuses on functionality and what works best for you and your elderly relative.
The beauty of our granny annexes lies in their tailored nature, crafted to meet your unique needs and preferences. You won’t have to choose between having a private bedroom or adequate living space, as the internal layout can be customised to suit. For example, we frequently allow for the opportunity to add a bedroom or alter the internal dimensions.
Budget
When people hear the term ‘bespoke’, they may automatically assume that it equals more expensive. Although this is sometimes true, it isn’t always the case.
As we mentioned earlier, completely custom granny annexe projects will be more costly, but that doesn’t mean to say you can’t adapt a standard model to suit your needs. There are plenty of ways you can work with a budget, but you’ll need to determine what that looks like before delving into the layout specifics.
For example, here at Rubicon, we take our customers through all the options available to them within their budget, with no stone left unturned. We lay it all out on the table in a simple, easy-to-understand manner, and then go from there.
Regarding pricing, we’re incredibly competitive compared to other providers on the market, with our standard granny annexes starting from just £50,000 for a fully installed 8m x 4m one double bedroom unit (excluding external services such as drainage, power etc). And for this, you’ll receive an annexe that’s built to the standard of a home, containing a fully functional, comfortable and proportional internal layout including a shower room and toilet.
Plus, there are many ways in which we can make a granny annexe project more affordable. For example, there may be little considerations you may have not thought about before, which have the potential to significantly influence what you can get with your budget.
This may include having the kitchenette space on the same side of the annexe as the bathroom, minimising the labour required to incorporate the pipework and electrical supply through your granny annexe.
Plus, there are many material options and roof designs you can opt for, with some being more affordable than others. Again, if you reach out to us, we would be happy to take you through our options and work to find the best solution for you.
So, your budget doesn’t automatically dictate whether or not you’re able to achieve the layout you desire, as there’s always a way to find a solution to suit your needs. You just need to find a provider that offers that flexibility!
Click here for more information on our Annexe Style Garden Rooms
Size
This goes without saying, but the overall size can significantly influence the price of a bespoke granny annexe.
So, if you’re considering a granny annexe for an elderly relative, it might be worth sitting down with them to discuss what their needs are in terms of space. You’ll also need to factor in the size of your garden and find a harmonious compromise.
We would recommend playing around with this! Get a pen and paper at the ready, and try various layout styles you may wish to consider. Think about window placements, room structures, and the general layout of the space and what that may look like. Using a piece of graph paper is always a good way to see what fits in the space you have available.
Changing where the windows will be and making slight alterations to the internal layout is something we do quite often with our standard granny annexe projects. This is so we can ensure that the finished project meets the needs and requirements of our customers.
If the above sounds like the type of customisation you’re looking for, a bespoke project may be for you, after all! To discuss exactly what you’re wanting to achieve, click here to get in touch with us today.
How many rooms do you need?
The number of rooms required will help you decide on a suitable layout for your elderly relative. For example, you may ask yourself the following questions:
- How can I ensure that the granny annexe feels like home? This may require you to base your layout on a ‘traditional’ house. For example, a separate bedroom, living room, kitchenette and bathroom.
- Would there be a benefit to adding a spare bedroom? For example, if you have children, they may find joy in being able to host sleepovers with their grandchildren. Alternatively, you may need to accommodate a carer for overnight stays when your loved one needs particular personal care.
- Is it better to have an open-plan kitchenette/diner?
Functionality and accessibility
Our granny annexes allow you the freedom to design a home that’s tailored to the unique needs of your loved one. So, take advantage!
These may even be small considerations, such as whether they would benefit from having easier access to the bathroom at night. If so, make sure these rooms are close to one another.
At Rubicon, we frequently install comprehensive fire and emergency call systems in accessible places within our bespoke granny annexe projects. This provides both parties with peace of mind.
And although it’s unpleasant to think about, it may be beneficial to consider accessibility in the future. Your loved one may be in good health now, but if they were to decline, would the granny annexe layout and design you have in mind accommodate this?
For example, some considerations to be aware of may include (but are not limited to):
- How wide are the door frames? Would they allow for wheelchair access or a zimmer frame should they ever require one?
- Fixtures and fittings are also an important factor, especially if your loved one is prone to stiffness or experiences lapses in their motor skills. So, would they be able to use their kitchenette appliances with ease? Will certain locks or door handles become harder for them to use?
- How accessible is the granny annexe? Will it be elevated? And if so, is there enough room to have a ramp installed should they ever become reliant on a wheelchair?
- If your loved one happened to accidentally fall, could they reach out for help?
Please note that making substantial alterations to the fixtures and features throughout a granny annexe project can influence the final quote.
Click here for more information on our Bespoke Annexe Style Garden Rooms
Weather normalities
Depending on where you are in the UK, ‘normal’ weather conditions can vary significantly.
So, we’d strongly recommend considering weather patterns when determining your layout. Consider variables such as wind direction and rain patterns. These two factors alone may influence your granny annexe layout, as you’ll want the space to be as comfortable as possible. Think about ventilation - how many opening windows do you need which can be important during the hot summer months, particularly in the evening when the doors need to be secured during bedtime and cannot be left open for ventilation.
In addition to the above, if you’re in an area prone to flooding, you’ll need to carefully consider where to position your granny annexe. If this is similar to your circumstances, you may need to have the granny annexe built on a raised foundation and in the most elevated part of your garden.
All that being said, if you choose a reputable provider, poor weather normalities shouldn’t be an issue at all.
For example, our standard granny annexes are heavily insulated with 150mm PIR foam in the roof and 100mm in the walls, and you’ll always have the option to upgrade this to 125mm in the walls to add extra comfort and reduce energy bills further, depending on your needs.
We also understand that double-glazed windows aren’t free from faults and can sometimes cause granny annexes to become colder than necessary, especially over the winter months and when large areas of glazing have been incorporated. This, of course, will be the last thing you want when building a bespoke project for an elderly relative. So, as a solution, we offer triple-glazed windows as standard on all our projects.
Harsh weather conditions can also lead to more upkeep being required. So, to ensure our granny annexe projects stay in top condition, we only use premium materials, with the option to upgrade depending on your unique requirements, such as a variety of Premium Wood Composite Cladding, Stone and Brick feature walls, or Renders in multiple colour options.
So, if it’s particularly wet and windy where you are, rest assured that we can find a better alternative for you.
If you’d like more information on the options available here at Rubicon Garden Rooms, click here to be taken to our contact page for a friendly chat.
Orientation
An often overlooked consideration, but nevertheless, an important one. Following on from the above, take the time to consider the orientation of your granny annexe layout.
It’s popular to want a granny annexe to be bright and airy, taking advantage of natural light when possible. So, you may wish to consider the most ‘used’ rooms to be towards the front, with a south-facing position being the most desirable.
If your elderly relative will spend most of their time relaxing in the lounge area, ensure it’s the room with the most access to natural light. A thought-out orientation will also help with heat loss issues, as north-facing granny annexes will be more prone to being cooler and falling into the shade.
Orientation also plays a big part in ensuring your elderly loved one has access to the privacy they need to be comfortable. So, when determining the overall layout of a granny annexe, it may be worthwhile to position the bedroom towards the back, not facing towards the
Work with an expert provider - choose Rubicon
When creating something as personal as a granny annexe, you’ll likely want to go with a company that will listen to you. When considering the needs of elderly relatives, our motto is always to keep them warm, keep them safe, and keep them nearby - and at Rubicon Garden Rooms, that’s exactly what we do.
We have extensive experience creating bespoke granny annexes, with each project more unique than the next.
We also offer the flexibility to customise parts of our standard granny annexe builds, should you prefer not to go down the entirely bespoke route. This is because we understand that preferences, budgets and requirements will vary, and we offer the expertise and skill required to bring your vision to life.
As a family-run business, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality bespoke granny annexes on the market, with a focus on bringing back the ‘personal touch’ to the industry.
Our team are highly trained and incredibly skilled at what they do. We’ll take you through each part of the process, providing you with complete visibility on what to expect, so you’ll never receive any hidden surprises with us. We take care of everything from start to finish, so you can sit back and enjoy the process.
A company that prioritises the customer isn’t the only perk you’ll receive when you choose us. We’ve got plenty of benefits to rave out, with some highlights being:
- We’re proud of the work we do, and trust that our projects are built to an incredibly high standard. That’s why we offer 20-year guarantees (T&Cs apply) with our bespoke granny annexe projects.
- We’re a provider that specialises in bespoke projects. Nothing is ever off the table with us.
- We only ever use top-quality materials for our projects. However, we always offer our customers the chance to upgrade their builds, depending on what they’re looking for. For example, if low maintenance is essential to you, we’ve got a ton of materials to accommodate that requirement, including hassle-free composite cladding.
- Our talented team are passionate about what they do and get to work. This means we’re speedy with our delivery. We offer one of the fastest turnaround times, with the average annexe project taking just 4 to 6 weeks* to fully complete.
For more garden room information, inspiration and advice, read the Rubicon blog…