Approval for double garage conversion to granny flat

Discussion in 'Granny Flats' started by andy ngo, 14th Mar, 2016.

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  1. andy ngo

    andy ngo Well-Known Member

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    Hi Al

    I got a double garage and I would like to convert it to granny flat. The house is in Fairfield Sydney NSW. Fairfield council

    does anyone has experience about the process of getting approval? would you mind to share it here?

    thank you in advance
    regards

    Andy
     
  2. Biz

    Biz Well-Known Member

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    You need to speak to a certifier who is lenient with this type of thing. Stuff to look out for:

    1: Garage slab likely isn't the correct grade for a habitable space.
    2: Is there plumbing present? Will you need to cut the slab for drainage, water etc
    3: How close is it to the boundary? How close is it to the house? You may need fire rated materials depending on what you come up with.
     
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  3. 380

    380 Well-Known Member

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    @andy ngo
    Search for username "Brazen" @ somersoft.com.

    He has done over 100+ garages to granny flat conversion approvals.
     
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  4. andy ngo

    andy ngo Well-Known Member

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    Hi Biz

    do you know any certifiers?

    thank you
    regards
     
  5. andy ngo

    andy ngo Well-Known Member

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    Hi Be Developer

    I checked their website and their cost is $7500. do you know any cheaper?

    thank you very much
    regards
     
  6. Biz

    Biz Well-Known Member

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    I havent done a garage conversion but i investigated it. I have done a few granny flats though from scratch. Like bedeveloper said talk to Brazen (Serge) i know he had connections who would be able to help you.
     
  7. 380

    380 Well-Known Member

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    @andy ngo

    I am not aware of any one cheaper(price wise) than Serge!

    i wouldn't worry about getting a cheaper drafty, my focus would obtaining a tick of approval by engineer for existing slab.(Saving you $$$$$ in build cost)
     
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  8. RetireRich101

    RetireRich101 Well-Known Member

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    The cost for CDC approval for a garage conversion is least of your worry.

    You are effectively converting a class 10a(garage) to a class1a dwelling. This needs to meet basis requirement, such as concrete slab,height, insulation, lighting, wet proofing, etc

    If its a bare bone garaged (no bath) and it meets the slab and height ( important ones), and you're prepared to spend 30-40k + approval cost, and like to learn, then go for it.

    The approx CDC approval cost:
    drawing $1200
    slab/concrete testing $800
    Private certifier $1600-2000
    Councils $500-1000

    These cost are just approval cost, construction is separate.
     
    380 likes this.
  9. WestOz

    WestOz Well-Known Member

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    @andy ngo
    Just throwing it out there, is the GF to rent out, or for yourself to live in while renting out the main resy? If the latter I'd just go for it, easy to set it up yourself.
    Nothing has to be permanent fixture, just need access to water/sewage, set up your shower/loo/kitchenette closest to it, panel the walls, throw some vinyl down etc...

    Being single (planing to keep it that way) I don't need a lot of room (cleaning), planning on doing some travelling, so considering this myself.
     
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  10. andy ngo

    andy ngo Well-Known Member

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    Hi WestOz

    Just me living in while rent out the main residence. do you have experiences with this project? can you share it with me? thank you
     
  11. andy ngo

    andy ngo Well-Known Member

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    Hi RetireRich101.

    do you know anyone that I can contact to get approval? and do you know any builders who have done similar projects?

    I really appreciate your help
    thank you
     
  12. Biz

    Biz Well-Known Member

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    I just don't see how that is a good idea sorry, you're still going to have to spend the money either way to make it livable so may as well spend the extra dosh and do it properly. At minimum the build cost will be added to the overall value of the property. If it's an unapproved gf it would add very little if anything.
     
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  13. WestOz

    WestOz Well-Known Member

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    Depends on fussiness (one word to phrase it) one is re personal living standards...
    Its an existing double garage which likely won't get approved, personally not worth dealing with bureaucrats (another one word to phrase it/them), making them aware.

    I, & perhaps andy, just need a place to crash, have a feed, watch some telly, _ _ _ _ , shave & shower etc, back to work while increasing our equity/portfolio, doesn't need to be, have to be, Flash.

    In my case sewer & water pipes are outside behind the rear wall, very easy to tap into, punch through the wall etc, same with power. Setup a raised motorhome style bathroom/kitchen (max 1k), lay some vinyl, throw in a bed/wardrobe etc (maybe a partition wall/curtain), run some TV cable & Cat6 from NBN NTD.
    What else does a bachelor need?
     
  14. Sidney Barker

    Sidney Barker New Member

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    Hi Andy

    how did you go with getting approval?
    Was it difficult?

    I'd love to hear about it.
     
  15. andy ngo

    andy ngo Well-Known Member

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    Hi @Sidney Barker

    I have not submitted the application.

    I am just seeking advises from forum to have ideas how to do it.

    Do you want to do the similar project? ^^
    thanks
    regards
     
  16. Sidney Barker

    Sidney Barker New Member

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    I work with master builders who construct granny flats and garage conversions in Sydney and can give you an assessment and quote on what you want.

    They will design it exactly how you want it and can organize every part of the process from financing to construction etc.

    I'm available to come and view your property to see if it is suitable. Would you like that?