Renovations Archives - Granny & Co Homes

DEALING WITH THE CURRENT INDUSTRY SHORTAGES IN RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

Granny and Co Homes — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 01:29:54 +0000

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) has just released a statement in response to our nationwide building materials shortage. It attributes the industry shortages in residential construction to market forces resulting from the current construction boom and the pandemic. The impact is wide-reaching as it affects everyone in the supply chain including builders, suppliers, subcontractors, and of course, our clients.

These supply issues plus escalating costs are resulting in disputes between builders and clients, according to the QBCC, so it is imperative that all parties (builders, their clients, plus suppliers and subcontractors) now work together to agree on possible solutions. Clients need to be kept properly informed of the situation and the impact on timeframes. Clear and open communication is the key to maintaining a good client relationship throughout the build. Builders are being encouraged to find alternatives (for example, hand-pitched roofs in lieu of roof trusses… at Granny and Co Homes we are turning negatives into positives by offering to build high cathedral ceilings with our hand pitched roofs).

The QBCC has released this handy fact sheet which explains the situation and outlines some options available to clients who are experiencing supply issues. We encourage our current and prospective clients to give it a read and contact us on (07) 3180 2681 to discuss and clarify any concerns. In the meantime, Granny and Co Homes are continuing with construction and will keep our clients well-informed along the way.

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IMPROVING THE VALUE OF YOUR PROPERTY WITH A HOME EXTENSION OR GRANNY FLAT

Granny and Co Homes — Wed, 26 May 2021 03:40:24 +0000

In this short video we talk about improving the property’s value with home extension or granny flat.

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WELL-DESIGNED BATHROOM TRENDS FOR 2021

Granny and Co Homes — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 07:18:59 +0000

A well-designed bathroom can instantly add a sense of luxe to your home and make you feel like you’ve escaped to a day spa. Whether you’re designing a tranquil space to start your mornings, a bathroom with lots of vanity space, or somewhere to make bathtime fun for the kids or grandchildren, renovating or building a whole new bathroom for your home or granny flat can be a really exciting project.

Here at Granny & Co we have a range of standard inclusions from one of Australia’s leading bathroom product suppliers, Reece, that gives you the freedom to pick and choose your perfect bathroom design. Reece is a great option for our clients thanks to their fantastic showrooms and great customer service.

To get you started thinking about your own modern bathroom design, we’ve put together the biggest bathrooms trends we’re expecting to see in 2021!

1. Statement tiles

In 2021 we’re expecting to see a bit more of a creative flair when it comes to picking out tiles. Whether it’s an interesting shape, a pattern, or bold colour, you can expect to see shower or vanity splashbacks that will act as a focus point in the bathroom.

2. Unique vanities

The humble bathroom vanity will also get a makeover in 2021, with much more varied design, colours, and shapes being seen. We’re expecting sleek vanities but with interesting features like brassware and handles, raised sinks, and more curved lines.

3. Modern hardware

Adding an extra element of interest and a sense of luxe, modern hardware will be one of those small details that bring the bathroom together. In 2020 we’ve seen a real popularity growing with statement matte black, gold, and brass hardware and we’re expecting this to continue for the next 12 months. Silver tap ware will also still be popular but in much more sleeker and modern styles.

4. Colour

Another trend we’ve seen over the last 12 months is monochrome bathrooms. However in 2021 we’re expecting colour to make a comeback! Specifically we’re expecting to see lots of teals, deep blues, and baby pinks incorporated through statement tiles, vanities, or the décor.

5. Free-standing baths

The days of the shower over bath are long gone! If you have room for a bathtub then you’ll be wanting to show it off by choosing a free-standing bath. These really add a sense of that luxe spa feel to the bathroom and are now coming in a really wide range of shapes and sizes.

6. Plants

In our 2021 interior design trends we’re expecting to see natural fibres and plants throughout the home, and there’s no exception to the bathroom. Think big fiddle leaf figs, small pot plants on the vanity, or hanging planters for extra dimension.

7. Lighting features

The final trend we’re expecting to see is interesting lighting features Moving on from basic down lights, bathroom lighting will feature hanging pendants, modern chandeliers, and feature sconces.

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10 WAYS TO INSTANTLY ADD MORE STORAGE TO YOUR SMALL HOME

Granny and Co Homes — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 07:07:04 +0000

If you live in a small home, apartment, or granny flat, then you’ll know all too well the struggles of never having enough storage! From overflowing cupboards and crowded countertops, to messy pantries and unorganised wardrobes, trying to find enough storage in a small space is a big task. Thankfully the team here at Granny and Co Homes have tons of experience with small home solutions, having helped hundreds of Queenslanders build their perfect granny flat, meaning that they’ve picked up loads of handy small space storage tips and tricks along the way. Here are our team’s top 10 ways to instantly add more storage to your small home, apartment, or granny flat.

1.Look for a bedhead with extra storage

We all know all handy under bed storage is, but did you know you can also buy bedheads that double as storage? This simple bedhead from IKEA hides it’s storage on the sides, perfect for storing books, phone chargers, and other nighttime accessories. While this bookend bed frame comes with under bed storage and both visible and hidden cabinets built within the bedhead.

2.Use lazy susans in your pantry

Using lazy susans to organise the countless bottles, sauces, and spices that clutter your pantry is an easy hack that will make it easier to find what you’re searching for when you’re cooking. By purchasing a tiered lazy susan, you’ll also be maximising the storage capacity of your pantry shelf.

DId you know that all of our kitchens are custom designed to suit each individual client’s needs? This means we discuss your pantry and kitchen storage needs with our cabinetmaker and design the perfect cabinet layouts to suit you!

3.Utilise Magnets

Magnetic strips are a handy way to organise your kitchen knife set, and will remove the bulky knife block from your countertop or bench space. They can be used as a feature accent above your stove, or hidden on the underside of an overhead cabinet. The magnetic strips can also be used to hold small spice jars by installing the strip on the back of the pantry door and sticking a small magnet to the spice jar.

4.Don’t rule out bench seating

This one is a great tip if you are designing a new apartment or granny flat, or renovating an existing space. Built in bench seating is an easy way to use wall space, dead corners, and can include build in storage cabinets.

5.Swap the coffee table for storage ottoman

While coffee tables can offer additional storage, a storage ottoman will keep your living room clear of clutter and can act as an extra seat if needed.

6.Reorganise your wardrobe

The wardrobe is one of those spaces in the home that can become unorganised and cluttered very easily. By taking some time to reorganise the wardrobe you’ll be surprised at how much you can actually store. Check out our blog about the best way to organise a small wardrobe.

7.Decant your laundry or kitchen products

Trying to fit a range of different sized and bulky bottles and containers into one small cupboard space can result in lots of dead space. Try and find containers that fit and maximise the space and if needed can be stacked on top of each other. Then you simply decant your products, label your new containers, and you’ve instantly got a more organised laundry cupboard or kitchen pantry.

8.Pick up a few tension rods

Tension rods are handy to have around the house and can be used in lots of different ways. One of our favourite ways is by adding a rod in the shower for more hanging space. Simply install the rod, add S hooks, and then you’ve instantly got somewhere to hang your bathroom essentials.

Tension rods can also be helpful in cleaning cupboards allowing you to hang up spray bottles or create a second hanging rack in the wardrobe, or in the kitchen to divide a draw into sections allowing you to store lids and baking pans vertically.

9.Make the most of your shower curtain

Another easy way to instantly add more storage to your small bathroom is by using an existing shower curtain. Simply use the shower curtain’s hooks to hang a vertical pocket organiser

10.Don’t forget under the sofa

If your sofa is slightly raised from the floor, then make sure to use this space for extra storage. Under bed storage boxes work just as well under the sofa, and by matching the colour to your sofa, they’ll hardly be seen.

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THE BENEFITS OF A SECOND STOREY EXTENSION

Granny and Co Homes — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 05:51:15 +0000

Adding a second storey to your home can open new doors for your family, both literally and figuratively. Whether you’ve got a growing family and need more space to suit your changing lifestyle needs or you simply want to improve the value of your property, there are several reasons to choose a second-storey extension.

1. You get to keep the back yard!

One of the key benefits of building up rather than out is the fact that you don’t need any extra land to do so! You’ll be able to keep your swimming pool, your tool shed and your veggie garden right where they are.

2. It’s a cost-effective solution that gives great results

Most homes are suitable for a second storey extension and when built right, they are an economical way of transforming your home. You get to optimise the layout of your home to suit your family’s changing lifestyle needs and update its overall look.

3. You’ll be adding a large amount of value to your home.

Adding a second storey will significantly increase your home’s value, should you choose to sell. With the availability of vacant lots slowly shrinking as population records continue to grow, home buyers are looking for dwellings with extra space and room to move. Homes with parents retreats are typically in-demand.

4. That view, though.

Tying in with the previous point, another reason two-storey homes are worth more than single-storey homes is the magnificent views they yield. After all, who doesn’t love waking up to the sun rising behind the clouds or looking out their window into a tree canopy?

5. The obvious one… It’ll give you more room to move.

A holistic design that optimises the use of your home?! A whole new floor for activities?! Adding another level to your home is a great way to establish more room to move. How much would you benefit by having a parents retreat? Or a home office? Now that the kids have grown up do they need bigger bedrooms or an entertainment space? Whatever the case, adding a second storey is a surefire way to create more privacy in your home.

Interested in adding a second-storey to your home? Call us on (07) 3180 2681 to discuss your options.

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HOUSE RAISING: HOW TO DO IT AND WHY

Granny and Co Homes — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 05:46:26 +0000

Some options to consider when trying to create more space in your home include building a ground floor extension (building out), second-storey extension (building up) or a house raise (building under).

House raising has grown in popularity in recent years, particularly in the inner suburbs where changes to the value and availability of inner-city land which have made this type of extension more economically viable. To extend many of our older inner-city homes it’s necessary to retain their traditional character and this can be more easily achieved via a house raise and building underneath. Inner-city row houses with their highset construction and lightweight materials are ideal candidates for a house raise, the iconic Queenslander too, but what other houses can be raised and why should you do it?

WHY RAISE YOUR HOUSE?

Create a new home design that suits your needs

Raising your house and building under gives you the opportunity to remodel and improve the overall layout of your home, this is especially helpful for families who want to create separate bedroom (upstairs) and living areas (downstairs). In this instance its common to open-up the newly-built ground floor area to the surrounding yard. A smooth transition between the indoors and outdoors improves the flow between spaces and makes homes feel more inviting.

Increase the value of your property

Like a second storey extension, raising your house and building-under will increase the floor area of your home without increasing the overall footprint on the site so it’s a great option when there’s limited yard space. Sometimes the size of the project warrants updating the overall look which will further increase the market value of your property.

If you’ve already been through the process of considering whether to extend or sell your home then you’ll probably be aware of the lack of availability of large family homes in the inner suburbs, they attract a premium price and are usually on the market for a very short time.

Investing in your property by raising it and building-under can help futureproof the value of your property which will help provide you with long term peace-of-mind.

Retain your yard

Raising your home and building-under helps to retain precious yard space, this in turn provides more options for optimising your site through the addition of external features such as landscaping, a vegetable garden, pool or outdoor entertainment area, and so on.

Which homes are suitable for raising and building under?

To successfully raise your home and build under, the structure and surrounding foundations must be suitable for taking the additional load of a new floor. A house with a timber floor frame and subfloor support posts can more easily be adapted than a brick veneer home on a concrete slab.

Council rules may restrict you from building an additional storey. In some parts of Brisbane for example, there are strict regulations regarding character / heritage homes and maintaining their traditional appeal, this can make certain home renovations more challenging. However, raising the house and renovating underneath can preserve heritage features while adding much-needed space!

How do I raise my house?

House raising can be a complex process so it must be carried out by a team of qualified professionals. It involves lifting the building off its posts using hydraulic jacks to achieve the desired height. Then, new post supports are fitted and the house is lowered onto the new foundations. A concrete slab is typically built underneath. Additional structural support may be added to the original building.

All house raising projects should start with a thorough property assessment that identifies any factors that might affect construction including topography, accessibility, development constraints, and so on. Plans will need to be drafted and building approval is essential, particularly for homes that have a traditional building character requirement. Council regulations and site restrictions may pose a challenge to building on your site so it’s wise to use a Builder who has house raising and remodelling experience.

Granny and Co Homes are experts in home remodelling, our team of professionals has successfully built many house extensions and renovations throughout southeast Queensland and New South Wales. Call us on 07 3180 2681 to discuss your home extension needs.

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