Tucked away in the corner of backyards across the country are hundreds of tiny homes. As per housing experts Granny Flat Solutions, granny flats, specifically one bedroom granny flat, are a huge hit right now. But why are these compact 1-bedroom units so popular? Read on to find out.
Granny Flat 101
First, what exactly is a granny flat? These are small, self-contained living spaces built in the backyard of an existing house. They go by names like ADUs (accessory dwelling units), cabanas, or laneway homes too. Granny flats range from about 300 to 1,000 square feet. They have all the basics – a kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom, and teensy living area. Just the essentials in an itty-bitty independent unit.
Who Lives in These Cozy Spaces?
Though initially conceived as dwellings for grandparents, granny flats today appeal to and accommodate a wide range of residents. College students seeking affordable housing often take up residence in the cozy spaces, drawn by both the low rents and proximity to campus. Young professionals just starting their careers similarly occupy granny flats, benefiting from independent living adjacent to the support of family.
The small units even serve as short-term furnished rentals on Airbnb, providing homeowners with an income stream from otherwise unused backyard real estate. With so many potential uses, the tiny home movement has latched onto granny flats as an appealing accessory dwelling.
Why One Bedroom Granny Flats Rule?
Several factors make 1-bedroom granny flats the most in-demand backyard structures:
- More Affordable
Adding that second bedroom tacks on $10,000+ in building costs. One room saves money.
- Maximizes Limited Space
You can fit a lot into 300 square feet. But two bedrooms plus all the other components is tight.
- Greater Flexibility
A simple one bed design works for more uses – home office, guest quarters, Airbnb rental, etc.
- Quicker Approval
Some areas limit granny flats to 1-bedroom to prevent overcrowding neighborhoods.
- Higher Rental Potential
Renters prefer lower price points of smaller units. Especially in metro areas.
One Bedroom Design Tips & Tricks
Crafting a practical one-bedroom granny flat comes down to savvy design to make the most of limited space. Have the bedroom pull double duty as an office or living area during the day by using a Murphy bed or sleeper sofa that can be stowed away when not in use. Install a kitchen island with bar-height seating instead of squeezing in a separate dining table and chairs. For a space-saving sleeping area, use fold-down stairs or compact ladder-style steps to access a sleeping loft tucked above the main living space.
To delineate zones within the open layout, add sliding screens or curtains to divide areas as needed. And most importantly, incorporate ample storage through under-bed drawers, built-in wall shelving, vertical storage racks, and other innovations to keep clutter at bay. With smart strategies like these, a one-bedroom granny flat can feel open and practical rather than cramped.
Granny Flats Provide Key Housing Solutions
With rising real estate costs, one bedroom granny flats meet a range of housing needs affordably. For homeowners, extra rental income. For residents, clean, private living. Tiny home, big benefits.
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