Hi All I have a house in Glenfield, NSW with 640 square meter lands with a pool in my backyard. It is also located next to reserve and it says bush fire prone on the contract although I do not know the rating. I want to cover the pool and build a granny flat there for extra rental income. I have spoken to a builder few months ago, they suggested me to get a BAL report first from a private certifier which would cost me around $1,700. Local council charges only $450 but someone suggested not to get it through local councils, too many hassles. I would like have some suggestions from experts. - Will it be a good idea to cover pool and build a granny flat? - Will it increase value of my house by the amount I spend to build a granny flat? - Any suggestion for Granny flat builders in me area? - What would be the cost efficient way to get BAL report? - When will be over capitalised?
Hi Jakir, A Bushfire BAL report shouldn't be needed at this point unless the bush-land is REALLY close, say less than 30 mtrs away. If it's too close, it means you wont be able to do a granny flat at all because NSW RFS won't sign off if the property is in a 'Flame Zone'. You can call me and I'll preliminary check it if you like - it's free and it will save you the $$ To answer your other questions: - Will it be a good idea to cover pool and build a granny flat? That's a question only you can answer but it can cost upwards of $15,000 to cover an in ground pool and do special piers over/through it. - Will it increase value of my house by the amount I spend to build a granny flat? Not always. These days it usually at least matches the cost but not always. It depends on the area. That's a question for a real estate agent. - Any suggestion for Granny flat builders in me area? Me! But seriously there are many across the city. Just compare apples with apples. We've done numerous 'over a pool' jobs and it does take some knowledge to understand how to minimize the cost.. - What would be the cost efficient way to get BAL report? See above. Our consultant charges me around $450, not $1,700! - When will be over capitalised? That's a good question for a real estate guru as well, sorry. Brazen.
All great advice from Brazen. The only comment I would add is that there may be two levels for a bushfire risk assessment. The level at about $500 is for a "certificate" (which is generally all that is needed) where as a more detailed "report" (for more difficult sites) is usually around the $1,700 mark.
Thank you Brazen for your information. What is your company name and contact details? I may contact you when I decide to do it.
Thank you Anthony. Do you know anyone who can help me with the BAL certificate which I need for Granny flat approval, as you said for $500?
Yes you're correct Anthony but for a Complying Development with a granny flat, a BAL Certificate from a Busfire Consultant is all one needs.
