How Big Is An Annexe Compared To A Bungalow?
Diane Cossie
We all have trouble visualizing that new paint colour on the wall, or the size of the new sofa in the living room so when it comes to a major purchase like a granny annexe in your back garden, it can be quite easy to think they might look like some kind of glorified garden shed that has an interior that matches Dr Who’s tardis (that it looks bigger on the inside than it does on the outside right?)
Granny annexes are one level living (like a bungalow) with an apartment style look, feel and layout.
And yes, they are a LOT bigger and better constructed than most people imagine.
The whole process is a very much like a house build in your back garden and involves every conceivable construction skill, from foundations and services, through to the build itself of the roof, walls and cladding and all the way through to fitting a kitchen and bathroom, heating, lighting and plumbing and of course painting and decorating ready for the new annexe owner to move right in.
So as this is one of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of building a granny annexe in your back garden, we thought we’d do a few comparisons of things you already know the size and feel of to help.
Let’ Compare The Harleigh For Size
Above is one of our most popular lodge style annexes, The Harleigh.
It comes in a variety of sizes and floor plan designs but let’s work on the smallest floor plan which is 36’ x 20’ (10.9m x 6m).
All our lodge style annexes typically have an open plan living space, storage (for a dual washer / dryer & cloaks), a full bathroom (tiled or grout-free), fully fitted kitchen with appliances, carpets, curtains & blinds plus one or two bedrooms with wardrobes.
The Harleigh is one of or most traditional lodge style annexes at an attractive price point for anyone on a budget of just under £100,000. It’s also one of our show site models that is available to view on request.
Now Let’s View A Classic Two Bedroom Semi-Detached Bungalow (Perfect For Retirement)
We are based in Shropshire very close to the Staffordshire border, Wolverhampton is not too far away and we benefit from reasonable house prices in our area.
This bungalow is sold subject to contract at £189,000 and is a classic semi-detached bungalow that would be an ideal choice for retirement. And here’s the floor plan (see Image Right)..
The overall size includes the garage (12 sq metres) and as you can see with most UK housing, the room sizes are modest.
And the bungalow needs completely updating.
The Beauty Of Annexe Living
Every new annexe owner faces a choice when it comes to purchasing an annexe. And whether it’s right for you and your family is all about personal preference and circumstances.
However annexes like the Harleigh offer beautiful living spaces (picture perfect, in fact!) and great value for money when compared to a traditional retirement bungalow.
In most cases you can literally pocket the £90,000+ difference in cost and enjoy life on your terms.
And that’s why we call it downsizing without compromising!
The Harleigh is manufactured to BS3632 and is subject to either Planning Permission or a Certificate of Lawfulness which we can apply for on your behalf.
Every lodge style annexe comes with a 10 Year Manufacturers Warranty and a great service guarantee.
Why not book a consultation with one of our experts to learn more?
Finally, In Summary…
- All annexes that will be lived in require either planning permission or a Certificate of Lawfulness. We carry out this service on your behalf.
- Annexes are one level living (like a bungalow) with the layout of a modern apartment.
- Most annexes have between 48 square metres and 75 square metres of living space, your Local Planning Authority may restrict the size in some cases when you use the Householder Planning route. This does not apply to the Certificate of Lawfulness route.
- Getting stuck on the housing ladder in the wrong location, or where it is affordable can cost you far more in the long run than investing in a family annexe and playing it smart.
As always we look forward to your thoughts and comments below or join in the conversation on our Facebook Page! Use The Contact Us Page To Email Us With Your Enquiry
