How To Construct A Comfortable Granny Flat For Your Coastal Property
If you’re planning to construct a granny flat for your coastal property, there are several key tips to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll go through some ways to build a granny flat that’s secure, beautiful and a pleasure to live in.
Keep reading to discover how to build the perfect granny flat for your coastal home.
Regulate The Temperature
If your granny flat has a full-time occupant, it’s vital to ensure that it isn’t too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. This is particularly crucial if you live in a coastal area, where temperatures can be even more extreme than in cities.
And it’s best to stay local when looking for temperature control essentials. For example, if you live in the area, explore options for tailored air conditioning in Palm Beach. Many local HVAC specialists can provide bespoke systems that are perfectly suited to the unique needs of coastal properties, some of which include installation requirements like protecting system components from harsh coastal winds or salt spray.
Some cooling options that a HVAC specialist may recommend for a coastal granny flat include portable and split system air conditioners, installed suitably for beachside properties. And if you do happen to live by the sea, you also want to consider installing outdoor blinds to make full use of the ocean breeze. Blinds can also help you save money on electricity by allowing you to keep the air conditioner off on cooler days.
During the winter, you want to ensure that your granny flat is sufficiently warm, particularly if it’s home to elderly family members. Consider heating options like heat pumps and radiant space heaters when constructing your granny flat to ensure that it stays comfortable year-round.
Choose The Right Materials
Selecting the right materials is crucial to designing a comfortable granny flat, especially those that will be installed in exposed coastal environments. Similarly, if you live in a coastal area, you should choose materials that won’t rust or rot when exposed to higher humidity or moisture levels – two qualities that are sadly a constant in coastal living.
Some materials to consider include Colorbond steel, brick, and pre-treated wood. These options are both stylish and functional, and durable enough to go a long while before requiring maintenance or repairs.
When building a granny flat, you should also consider adding cladding to its exterior to create an extra layer of protection against the elements and enhance the structure’s durability. Some cladding materials to consider include aluminium, natural stone and concrete.
Use Coastal Design Principles
Take advantage of your proximity to the ocean by designing your granny flat using coastal furniture and design principles. When shopping for larger pieces like beds and dining tables, choose lighter colours like white and sky blue. The same should apply to your walls.
A coastal granny flat should feel as airy as possible. Include plenty of windows to let in the sea breeze and sunlight. Keep large pieces of furniture some distance away from each other and do your best to reduce clutter wherever possible.
If you want to capture the mood of a seaside resort, you should also add plenty of indoor and outdoor plants to your granny flat. Popular coastal options include sea oats, lavender and juniper. These plants are more resistant to sea salt than most, making them perfect for a granny flat by the ocean.
Finally, your granny flat should be accented with smaller pieces of furniture and accessories that emphasise the coastal theme. Little touches like transparent bowls filled with seashells, paintings of the sea and thatch baskets can all contribute to a seaside atmosphere. If you’re looking to rent your granny flat out to tenants or perhaps as a short-term rental, these little details are sure to help you attract a lot more interest.
Consider Security
Finally, a granny flat can only be a comfortable place to live if it’s secure and well-protected – – and we’re not just talking about protection from the elements here either. One way to ensure this is to install security cameras, particularly if the granny flat is home to older residents. Motion detectors can also be incredibly valuable in detecting potential intruders, and will likely provide your granny flat with an extra selling point if you’re looking to place it on the rental market.
Another way to enhance the security of a granny flat is to install a security screen door. A screen door can keep a granny flat safe from both human intruders and insects without looking out of place on a coastal property. If you plan to install a screen door, choose one that’s durable and that contains a sturdy door jamb.
If you plan to keep valuables in your granny flat, consider purchasing a safe. If the worst does happen and there’s a break-in, a safe will at least keep your most prized possessions from being stolen.
In this article, we’ve gone through some key ways to ensure that your coastal granny flat is as comfortable as possible. Whether you’re in the process of building a brand-new granny flat or renovating an existing one, applying the tips we’ve gone over will go a long way to making your granny flat a lovely place to live.
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