About Me

Building an extension for my mother-in-law

I love my mother-in-law but I never planned on living with her permanently. I have been enjoying her living with us now that we have kids but I feel like we all need some extra space so I am getting a granny flat built at the back of our block. This should allow us to have some extra space to make sure everyone has the privacy that they need whilst we can still be a family. This block has some tip on the process of building a granny flat including how to choose a contractor and how to get the council approval for the build.

Search

Latest Posts

Tags

Building an extension for my mother-in-law

Ideas To Consider For Your New Home Design

by Chloe Cooper

When designing a new home, you'll have an endless array of options to choose from in terms of materials, layout and design. Here are just a few ideas to consider when creating your ultimate space.

Make It Energy Efficient

An energy-efficient home saves on power bills and while helping to preserve the environment, so make sure to incorporate features that maximise efficiency. Target glass windows and doors which can allow solar heat to enter rooms, pushing your air conditioner to work harder. Double glazed units have two panes with a gap in between that hinders heat transfer. They'll also prevent warm heated air from escaping during winter. 

Roofing also dramatically impacts the indoor climate. In warmer weather, select roofs with a reflective coating to lessen solar heat gain. Metal roofs also allow cold night air to refresh a home. If you live in a colder locale, consider materials such as terracotta or concrete tiles that absorb warmth during the day and release it at night. These high thermal mass substances help to maintain a steady indoor temperature.

Add A Hidden Room

Why not add a fun, unique feature that you rarely find in most homes. If you loved reading or watching mysteries as a child, you might be familiar with hidden rooms. There's nothing to stop you from incorporating one into your design. For instance, build a wall-bookcase that opens to reveal a bar, lounge and movie area to transport you to another world. The back of a wardrobe in a child's room could open to an extra play space, gaining inspiration from the Narnia books and films. Otherwise, lift floorboards to enter a wine cellar. As well as adding a dash of mystery and fun, these secret spaces add functional new areas.

Incorporate A Touch Of Luxury

Design the bathroom to provide a luxury spa experience in your home. Include a Jacuzzi tub for the ultimate indulgent experience. Running water against the skin can soothe and revitalise tired muscles, so in the shower, install features such as rainfall style heads and body jet sprays. Heated flooring will create a comfortable surface for bare feet. If space allows, add a large window that looks upon an enclosed outdoor space with a large tree or foliage to create a natural, elemental feel. Large natural stone or stone-look tiles and a glass shower will add to the effect. When considering your single storey home design, weave in practical, efficient materials with fun and luxury for the ultimate result.

Share