Willow Granny Annexe with flat roof

Are Granny Annexes Suitable For People With Disabilities?

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Despite their name, granny annexes are suitable for people with disabilities. Of course, they are a great alternative for elderly people, too.

But they’re a great alternative for relatives of any age that may have additional needs or disabilities.

For many reasons, we believe that annexes are the perfect solution. Though the designs may be similar, each is adaptable to the needs of the client.

In this blog, we’ll tell you just why granny annexes are suitable for people with disabilities.

Adapting Your Granny Annexe

Here at Family Annexe, we believe annexes are the way forward.

They offer a way for the elderly to maintain their independence, whilst still offering them the support and closeness they need from their family. And because of that close proximity, it can help prevent loneliness and isolation.

Six unique annexe models that all provide a cost-effective and safe solution for care. We offer a choice of one or two bedrooms and product adaptability to suit the user’s needs. This could be wheelchair ramps, wet rooms, or wider doorways for those with limited mobility.

Disabled Access

From those with additional needs to those who have disabilities, our annexe specifications can be adjusted to meet all the needs and requirements for each unique circumstance.

Accessibility

In terms of entering the property, wheelchair ramps and wider doorways can be added to the design for ease of access. Additionally, adding grab rails on doors provides reassurance and a bit of practical support.

Granny annexes are single storey so they are ideal for people with mobility issues who struggle with stairs. Because the annexe itself is only one storey, everything can be accessed easier as all the rooms are on one floor.

When granny annexes are being built, they’re built with the user’s needs in mind. So the lighting is effective and all the surfaces are even to avoid any trip hazards, and to allow wheelchair users to move around smoothly.

For those with mobility issues, the bathrooms in our annexes can be fully-fitted wet rooms instead.

The accessibility features are typically wider shower areas with grab rails, slip-resistant surfaces, and a seat. Lifts, toilet frames, and bath boards are all to help disabled users access and use the bathroom facilities without fear of falling.

The wider areas also can provide space to the carer of the user that helps them in their routine activities.

Closeness to Family

As annexes are built in the garden, the user will always be close to their family should they need the extra care and support. For those who are semi-independent, this is almost perfect. Your family can be on stand-by to help you with the tasks that you can’t do by yourself.

Independence

And for those tasks that you can do by yourself, you have full independence to do them. The annexes are self-contained accommodation builds, allowing users to retain their independence and privacy. You can experience living by yourself and completing tasks, but should you need help, it’s nearby.

What to Consider

As a granny annexe is a self-contained build and a potential permanent home, planning permission is required. This is definitely an important thing to remember, especially when building a time schedule for the project.

You can book a consultation with us to find out more information. (It’s free!)

Family Annexe: Get in Touch

An annexe is a good investment for anyone who wants to stay close to home whilst keeping their privacy and independence.

Our granny annexes are suitable for people with disabilities as well, so you don’t have to worry about looking for a house that meets your requirements. Tell us what you need and we can do it.

Reach out for more information on our services, annexes, and our efficient seven-step process.

You can call on 0330 1332 668 or email info@familyannexe.com, we’re happy to help.

Image of keys to some Ancillary Accommodation in a door, for blog 'why choose family annexe'

Why Choose Family Annexe?

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There’s plenty of builders out there that work for the client, building the annexes they want.

So why choose Family Annexe?

Well, when you choose Family Annexe, you’re not just choosing a team of experienced designers and builders. You’re choosing a team that understands their responsibility. We know that the one of the biggest desires our clients have is to enable their family to stay close by.

We are meticulous and quality comes before anything else.

Get to know us to know why you should choose us to build your annexe.

Family Annexe: Learn About Us

Specialising in garden annexes, Family Annexe is a small yet friendly business delivering affordable solutions for elderly care. We have provided for families all across England and Wales.

We may be a relatively new business but our core team has many years of industry experience. They’ve built over 100 garden annexes!

We’ve seen all types of annexes, from those almost perfect ones to not so great ones so we have a bit of expertise when it comes to your garden annexe.

Overall, we know where we can make financial shortcuts to save our clients money whilst not once dipping on the quality of their annexe.

At Family Annexe, we understand and possess empathy for our clients’ situation. Providing our services for people means that we get to talk to a lot of families and we’ve dealt with a lot of different circumstances – we know how to adapt or alter our annexe designs to cater to every need.

For us, it’s not just about building an annexe. It’s about providing stability and independence to the user, as well as helping keep families close together.

You can book a free, no-obligation consultation with our annexe experts for information on our annexes or if it’s your first time discovering us. You can use this consultation in order to understand how we work to meet clients’ needs, produce top-quality annexes, and if it’s right for you.

Why We’re A Worthy Competitor

As there are many construction companies to choose from, it may be difficult to choose who to pick. So we’ll give you a few examples of why Family Annexe are a worthy competitor to consider.

1.     Building Independence

We mentioned already how it’s not just about the annexe itself. It’s also about what the annexe provides for someone else – comfort, stability, safety, independence.

When elderly relatives are struggling to complete tasks by themselves, it can feel very debilitating and embarrassing. Especially if they are considered normal, simple task like bathing or laundry. It can be difficult to admit that they need help with such a chore and ignore any form of help.

Our annexes provide a solution to that. A space where your relative can stay that allows them to remain feeling independent but also has you close by for any serious issues or emergencies.

2.     Cost Minimisation

We don’t just work on making sure our annexes our top-quality. We also make sure they’re cost-effective, too.

From £61,950, we offer a choice of one-bedroom or two-bedroom annexes. Each with flat or pitched roofing options and an insurance guarantee.

Our priciest annexe is The Willow, a two bedroom annexe that retails at a price of around £106,000. Which does seem like a lot. But our annexes come fully furnished and modernised. Additionally, it’s one payment in comparison to hospices or care facilities which charge fees per annum. Over time, those fees can add up to can a substantial amount of money.

3.     Stress-Free Service

Family matters don’t pause just because we’re building an annexe, we understand that. So we designed to make our process as stress-free for our clients as possible.

Also, we know that buying an annexe is a massive commitment to make, which is why we can 1000 percent reassure you that your home will be built with the utmost care and held up to a high-quality standard. Additionally, we throw on a ten year, insurance-based guarantee to ease your mind.

We strive to make our building and installation process as stress-free as possible, taking care of everything in our easy seven-step process.

Our Method

Our seven-step process means that all you have to do is wait for the keys to your new home.

A free phone consultation with you is about getting to know each other, but more specifically about getting to know our clients situation and needs. It will be followed up with a quote and annexe drawings so that you can make an informed decision about working with us.

This second step always includes a cost breakdown and payment schedule, along with detailed drawings of the foundation and elevation plans for your annexe.

If you agree with our offered proposal, we’ll send your project manager out to meet you as well as survey your garden onsite. We’ll check utilities like plumbing and electricity and environment surroundings for 100% accuracy on planning your annexe position.

Once we’ve finalised the build spec, we’ll apply to obtain planning permission from your Local Planning Authority (LPA), this is the step that takes the longest. Waiting for planning permission confirmation can take up to 8 to 13 weeks. Once approved, we’ll build your annexe which takes between 6 to 9 weeks depending on size and additional groundworks.

After that, we’ll hand over your keys and your annexe is all set, ready to be moved into right away.

Get In Touch

Reach out to us today for more information on our services and annexes.

You can call on 0330 1332 668 or email info@familyannexe.com, we’re happy to help.

And if you want to see images and the progression of our projects, visit our Instagram page. Why not choose Family Annexe for your next Annexe project?

Foxglove-Granny-Annexe for blog about other uses of granny annexes

What Else Can A Granny Annexe Be Used For?

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A great way to create additional space for a growing family, a granny annexe doesn’t just have to be for your granny.

Of course, it is a popular option choice when it comes to caring for elderly relatives. But that’s not it’s only purpose. If you don’t need one for the purpose of care, that doesn’t mean you can’t have one at all.

They make the perfect cosy space for everyone, elderly or not. In this post, we’ll talk about the traditional use as well as other uses of granny annexes.

What Granny Annexes Are

Traditionally, people that have elderly relatives who need support may want to be near them. Granny annexes fix any distance worries because they are built in the garden.

Building an annexe in your garden is a good alternative to care homes and retirement homes. Especially if your elderly relative isn’t interested in going to one.

These days, granny annexes are very efficient, self-contained accommodation builds. They provide independence and privacy to any person(s) living there.

Things A Granny Annexe Can Be Used For

Contrary to what people may think, granny annexes actually have multiple uses. Plus, they can be altered in design, layout, and size.

See some of our annexe projects to get an idea.

Extra Space

If rooms in the main house are tight, having an annexe is a great way to provide the family with that extra space it needs. It could be a really cool hangout room for family gatherings or even a space for the kids to be entertained – games room, anyone?

Quite a lot of people actually want granny annexes for extra workspace. What about having an office all to yourself? A nice, quiet space that’s organised so you can get your work done. And it doesn’t just have to be an office workspace. If you’re self-employed, it could be your base of operations.

A studio for all those artists out there who need enough room for their creations and equipment.

Those are just a few examples of a workspace, though. If you already have a workspace in your house, then how about a space to relax? Did someone say at-home spa?!

Children

The cost of owning or renting property these days is quite high. For any adult children that are struggling to find an affordable place to live, a granny annexe is an option.

They’ll be able to live comfortably without worrying about monetary issues, and they’ll be close by to family.

Speaking of children, we’re not all fortunate to have healthy and able-bodied children. Or perhaps you have a disabled relative.

A granny annexe would be quite ideal for them. They’re suitable for those with mobility issues as they are single story buildings. They’d have a space to themselves that’s (almost) completely their own.

Now, not all disabled individuals are physically handicapped. It may be a condition that affects them mentally or socially. Granny annexes would mean that they’re nearby for support, even if they’re not wholly dependent. It allows them to have some independence whilst also still being around the people that can help them most.

Renting Out

You can earn income by choosing to let out your annexe.

Of course, this will make the owner a landlord so they need to be aware of the new responsibilities they’ll have. Things such as structural repairs, health and safety checks, fire safety checks, general maintenance, and plumbing.

Of course, if you do want a granny annexe with the sole intention to rent it out, you may have to request additional features. Like a wardrobe, for example. As they are traditionally for providing support to elderly parents, they aren’t built with wardrobes.

You can learn more about renting out a room in your home with this guide by the government.

Council Tax

If your annexe is lived in by a relative, it can be the difference between paying full council tax and council tax that’s discounted by up to 50%.

If a dependent relative is living in the annexe, you are exempt from council tax. In this case, a dependent relative is:

  • Someone over the age of 65
  • Permanently disabled
  • Severely mentally impaired

Property Points

As a granny annexe is self-contained and a potential permanent home to someone, planning permission is required. This is an important fact to remember, especially when figuring out a rough time schedule.

Though your granny annexe can be rented out separately, it cannot be sold separately.

Planning permission has it stated that an annexe must remain ancillary to the main home. This means it must always be a secondary (necessary) support to the main house. Therefore, it cannot be sold as a separate dwelling.

Really, the point is that a granny annexe isn’t just for a granny.

If you’re interested in the other uses of granny annexes and would like more information, why not book a consultation with us?

Get In Touch

Six unique annexe models, all providing a safe and cost-effective solution. If you would like to know more about our services or processes, reach out.

Call us on 0330 1332 668 or email us at info@familyannexe.com.