by Neil Baulch


Today, people are being faced with very tough decisions as to what to do with their aging parents or how to help their children finance their own place. Money is just not as abundant as it once was and it is time to get a little creative to try and solve these problems. Granny Flats may just be the answer that you are looking for.

Sometimes referred to as a relocatable home, this living option is basically a pre-fabricated small cottage or cabin that will easily fit in many backyards. The “Willow” is a single bedroom cottage that can sleep as many as four. It has a kitchen with cook top and oven, a bathroom and comfortably sized living and dining areas.

A slightly larger option is also available with the same size bathroom and bedroom as the “Willow” but featuring a more roomy living area and balcony/deck. The “Willow” starts at $49K and its slightly larger sister is about $56K.

If prefabricated is not something to be considered, there are also a significant amount of choices that will allow the buyer to put them together from scratch. Actually, most of the larger units will require that the Granny Flat be constructed on site rather than shipped as a whole unit. In addition to the standard models, they can be customized to fit any special needs.

For your money, you will be getting a completely ready to move in unit. Windows, kitchen and bathroom will be completely ready to go. While the upfront cost may seem like a bit much, you have to consider that once the home is in place, it is ready with little else to do except move in your own furniture and put some food in the fridge.

Keep in mind that Granny Flats are not just for elderly relatives. You can give your just turned 18 year old a little privacy or create a guest cottage for future visitors. Not only that, but you may decide to plop one down on that piece of land that you own out by the lake. After all, it will cost you a lot less that having someone build you a home from scratch.




About the Author: