Hi, I'm looking at building a granny flat in my backyard.
I have talked to a couple of manufacturers in China and received quotes for a 37sqm, 1br wooden granny flat. The prices are quite good. Just wondering if something like this would comply to Australian Building Codes? I don't see why it wouldn't. See attached pics for very similar buildings. This is essentially what I'll get.
They supply the house only, without any internal fittings, but including doors, locks, windows, roofing, floor (not floor coverings). They can for extra cost fit it out but I'd rather do that myself. Apparently easy to erect. Just follow basic instructions.
What do you all think about this kind of granny flat? Anyone had any experience.
I think they look and feel pretty cool, and with a price that I can't argue with.
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I would like to share my personal overseas experience in this question.
Had being director of a building and property development company in Russia I have gained some experience in wooden houses as well. Our company was aimed to construct modern, comfortable and economical holiday cottages for country recreation (dacha) in Moscow Area. Two main objectives were established in the project:
1. Modern and high-quality design and
2. Very competitive prices being attained by means of simplified but elaborated designs and standardised assembly technology of precast houses sets.
Most of houses were built from prefabricated glulam (glue laminated beam), however some of them were timber framed ones. Whether we succeeded in it or not, everybody can decide themselves having a look at attached pictures.
I believe that wooden house (made from logs or glulam) can be built in the line with contemporary design and standards. This is one of building technologies which has its pros and cons. And many people over the world (in Canada, Finland, Germany, Russia et al) prefer these "pretty CRAP" to brick and concrete houses. As regards "zero insulating properties", it sounds as nonsense. Wooden houses are traditionally popular in cold North European counties and Canada. I will be ready to hear any "insulating" argument from Australian side when double glazing is mounted in our homes. But Australia does not recognise overseas experience and absolutely is not interested in it.
Some of advantages of wooden houses:
1. Technically it is a Lego set which is simple and quickly assembled.
2. Wood is natural material. Qualitative built houses look well and people feel quite comfortably in them.
3. Houses practically does not require finishing decoration.
4. They are warm in winter and chill during summer.
5. Price can be very attractive
6. Can be constructed on light basement.
7. Can be treated to fireproof, against rotting and pest hazards
8. ......
Drawbacks:
1. They are associated with country style.
2. Fire and termite hazards
3. Structure design of large houses gets complicated
4. Required of qualified carpentry
5. Hardly can be comply with Australian standards and BCA
6. ......
Nevertheless, I would not advise to build a wooden house at Australian backyard.
1. They are more suitable for country, low populated, natural area as holiday house. I would choose frame house for habitable dwelling for permanent use. It can be cheap and stylish.
2. Imported logs can not be treated against the AUS standards.
3. It is hardly can be complied with the quarantine service clearance requirements. Issue is not with customs, but with AQIS clearance.
4. Australians are very conservative (Sorry guys!). And if you even overcome all obstacles you will get in trouble with the nonstandard product.
5. And finally I have many doubts regarding Chinese quality in wooden house industry. They do not have traditions here. Check better European companies, they can ensure perfect quality (gluelam prices in Europe from $1000 to $2000 per m3 of timber).
Good luck.
