AIBU to ask if anyone has built ...

[Givenupshopping]

Hi everyone, we're thinking of building a granny annexe in our garden, one of those insulated garden building type things, and wondered if anyone on MN has done this, and if so, what sort of size you've built, and what the costs were to have it erected, groundwork, etc. The idea behind this, is to give our grandchild a place to call their own, giving them some independence, while making it possible for them to save for their own place. Again, if anyone has done anything like this for their child or grandchild, I'd be interested to hear about an problems that may have occurred, etc.

Obviously not an AIBU, but posting for traffic.

Would you including a bathroom and kitchen? Or just a room?

My next door neighbour did this when he moved to live with his son’s family. I believe it cost around £200k. He did pay a company to do all the work though, I’m not sure if you’re thinking of doing some of it yourself. Also, it was big and rather swanky. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, and a big lounge/kitchen/diner.

You sound like a lovely grandparent.

You can by prefabricating pods now literally just craned in

Do you need planning permission?

Planning permission if you have toilet, cooking and water facilities i believe, if its just a room with electric then not.

I have one i work in, but it doesnt have toilet or cooking facilities. Some councils are looking to charge self contained units their own council tax bills as well, be careful.

Thanks for your thoughts so far everyone. Yes, the plan is for it to be fully self contained. I've read conflicting things about planning permission, as some things are able to get through without it, due to a law about caravans, but I think it is likely we'll need it. Not planning on doing any of the work ourselves, so will have to pay for erection, foundations, etc. Thanks for the heads up about possibly needing to pay separate council tax, we'll have to look into that.