Monday, March 18, 2013

Granny Flats: An Alternative to Retirement Homes


Many retirement homes, nowadays, have impressive facilities unlike what is commonly portrayed in movies and TV as a sad and very strict institution for the elderly. Many private institutions have vastly improved their facilities to provide better care for their residents. However, the cost of living in retirement homes is expensive for some folks. Also, the notion that you are putting away an important member of your family may not be agreeable for others. This is ideal for elderly folks who want to live on their own but prefer not to enter a nursing home or live in another separate location.

Instead of nursing homes for the elderly, granny flats are becoming a new option to consider. An extended home within a property can be set up for the elderly. It provides privacy from the main residence but is also easily accessible if family members need to reconnect and bond once in a while. A granny flat usually has its own entrance and all the basic amenities like kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room. It works like a regular small apartment but is situated in the same property as the main residence. Homeowners can decide whether to create an adjoining entranceway or keep it separate for more privacy.

The advantage of granny flats over retirement homes is that it's affordable and convenient. If you want to know more about granny flats, you can also check kit homes offered in your area. You can choose to construct a kit home for a cheaper but good quality alternative over stick-built homes. Minimal repairs and maintenance are required with good quality kit home. The low cost is also ideal for an elderly living on pension or supported financially by family members.

Elderly people who are suffering from any illness can be easily taken care of by family members. Although retirement homes have good healthcare facilities and professionals, being near family in these times will help the elderly manage an illness and put him or her in good spirits. A personal nurse can be hired if the family can't provide care for the elderly full-time. This becomes even more convenient for both parties.

A granny flat was originally built for the elderly, but nowadays, this term is also used to describe a guest home or extended home for another family member, relative, or tenant. A son or daughter who has graduated from college can use a granny flat to feel less dependent on parents. You can also choose to rent out the flat to another person. If you have extra space and would like to get profits out it, this is a good idea.

Before you build your granny flat or kit home, make sure you check zoning law and requirements in your area and adhere to all these requirements to prevent any hurdles in your construction. Also, if you will be renting out the flat, there are also regulations set by councils and local government. Make sure you know more about granny flats construction and regulations.

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