Building in the backyard
[INTRO JESSICA MATSON HAS SOME CONSTRUCTION TIPS.
Creating more space in your home can be difficult. Council restrictions impose limits on height and floor space that might mean it is impossible to build a second storey or extend into the backyard. One option that might provide valuable additional floor area is to build a studio in your backyard. This can be done relatively cheaply and provide a multi-function structure to free up space in your home.
This option is particularly well suited to sites with rear lane access. Installing a roller-shutter to the lane means the building can be defined as a garage, whether or not you eventually use it to house a vehicle. Garages and storage areas are generally not counted as floor area by councils (though there are exceptions, so do check your own council’s guidelines) so this can be a sneaky way of gaining space.
As well as increasing the value of your property by providing off-street secure parking and storage, your new garage can serve a range of functions from artist’s studio to home office, playroom to workshop. If you provide a small bathroom it can even double as a guest suite.
In order for the structure to be habitable it naturally needs to be a little more complex than your average shed. Heat and cold are the biggest problem, so treat your garage like a home and install insulation to the roof and walls as well as internal linings such as plasterboard or fibre-cement sheet. It’s also important to provide natural light via windows or skylights as well as ventilation. Beyond this, the fit-out is up to you and can be as simple or as extravagant as you wish.
Providing glass doors to your yard is a great idea to allow views and natural light and create a link to the garden. A lightweight mezzanine structure with ladder could provide additional storage or even a Heidi-style loft bed for guests. If you do use the structure as a home office or to store valuable items, don’t forget that it needs to be as secure as the rest of your home.
Local councils require that a development application be submitted for this kind of structure and they have guidelines governing the construction. Some councils will not allow development at all to the rear of the site, and others will limit construction to one storey. As with any type of development, failing to comply with council guidelines can be costly and stressful so make sure you acquaint yourself with the relevant documents before you start planning.
