Cost of Building a 1-Bedroom House (Granny Flat) in South Africa

Estimated Costs Associated with Building a Granny Flat

• Foundation (slab or stilts): R15,000 - R35,000
• Walls and Structure (brickwork or prefab materials): R40,000 - R80,000
• Roofing (corrugated iron, tiles, or steel roofing): R15,000 - R35,000
• Windows (standard aluminium or wooden frame): R7,000 - R15,000
• Doors (interior and exterior): R5,000 - R12,000
• Plumbing (pipes, sinks, toilet, shower installation): R10,000 - R25,000
• Electrical Work (wiring, light fittings, sockets): R8,000 - R20,000
• Flooring (tiles, vinyl, or laminate): R5,000 - R15,000
• Kitchen installation (basic or custom cabinetry): R12,000 - R30,000
• Bathroom installation (toilet, shower, basin): R10,000 - R25,000
• Painting and Finishing: R8,000 - R15,000
• Labour: R40,000 - R80,000
• Transport of Materials: R3,000 - R7,000
• Professional Fees (architect, engineer, municipal approvals): R10,000 - R25,000
• Call-out Fee (if applicable): R500 - R1,000

Steps Involved in Building a 1-Bedroom House

1. Site preparation: Clearing the land and preparing the foundation.
2. Foundation: Laying down the concrete slab or steel stilts.
3. Building the Structure: Constructing the walls using either bricks, blocks, or prefab materials.
4. Roofing: Installing roofing material (corrugated iron or tiles).
5. Plumbing and Electrical Installations: Running pipes and electrical wiring throughout the flat.
6. Flooring and Tiling: Installing tiles, vinyl, or laminate floors.
7. Doors and Windows: Fitting windows and doors for the flat.
8. Interior Work: Installing kitchen cabinets, bathroom fixtures, and other finishing touches.
9. Painting: Finalising the interior and exterior paintwork.

How Long Does It Typically Take to Build a 1-Bedroom House?

• Site Preparation and Foundation: 1-2 weeks
• Building the Structure: 3-4 weeks
• Roofing: 1 week
• Plumbing and Electrical Installations: 1-2 weeks
• Interior Finishes: 2-3 weeks

Altogether, the entire project may take 8-12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and weather conditions.

DIY - How to Build a Granny Flat

Building a granny flat as a DIY project is possible but requires significant skills in construction, electrical work, and plumbing. You’ll need to comply with local building regulations, which will likely require professional involvement at some stages (especially for plumbing, electrical work, and structural approvals). It's recommended to only take on small portions of the project if you lack formal construction experience.

When Should You Get Professional Help?

Hiring professionals is crucial for any structural work, electrical wiring, plumbing, and other areas that require adherence to building codes. It’s also recommended to engage an architect or draftsman to design the layout and ensure the build meets municipal standards.

How to Save Money on Building a Granny Flat

• Use prefab materials or modular construction for faster, more affordable builds.
• Source materials locally to cut down on transport costs.
• Obtain multiple quotes from builders and subcontractors to find competitive prices.
• Consider managing the project yourself but leave specialised tasks (like electrical and plumbing) to licensed professionals.

Key benefits of building a 1-Bedroom House:

• Extra Income Potential
  One of the most appealing benefits of building a granny flat is the potential to generate rental income. Many homeowners rent out their 1-bedroom flats to tenants, which can help cover mortgage payments or contribute to household income.
• Increased Property Value
  A well-built granny flat can add significant value to your property. It creates additional living space that can be used for a variety of purposes, making your property more attractive to potential buyers.
• Multi-Purpose Use
  Granny flats are incredibly versatile. They can serve as a guest house, home office, studio, or even a retreat for personal use. Their flexible nature allows them to be adapted to different life stages and needs.
• Accommodation for Family Members and Friends
  Granny flats are ideal for hosting guests or family members, providing them with comfortable, private accommodation while visiting without infringing on the main house’s living space.
• Cost-Effective Living Solution
  Compared to building an entirely new house, a 1-bedroom granny flat is a much more affordable option. It provides additional living space without the high costs typically associated with constructing a larger home.
• Potential for Downsizing
  For homeowners looking to downsize, building a granny flat on their existing property can be an excellent solution. You can rent out or sell the main house while moving into the granny flat, offering a simpler and more manageable living space.
• Tax Benefits
  In some cases, renting out your granny flat may qualify you for certain tax deductions, such as property-related expenses. It's advisable to consult with a tax professional for specific benefits.
• Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
  Modern granny flats can be built with energy-efficient materials and designs, such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and sustainable building practices, making them eco-friendly and reducing utility bills.
• Increased Flexibility for Future Use
  Whether it's converting the flat into a rental unit, a workspace, or simply extra space for hobbies and leisure, granny flats offer long-term flexibility. As your needs evolve, you can repurpose the flat accordingly.

How to Find the Right Pro to Build My 1-Bedroom House?

For a stress-free process of building a 1-Bedroom House, look no further than Kandua. By posting a job with Kandua, you can relax knowing you'll be connected with and receive quotes from affordable, vetted and top rated Pros who can efficiently handle your construction needs.

Now that you have a better understanding of building prices – it’s time to find the best Pro for the job.

Luckily for you – Kandua has hundreds of Pros who build houses on a daily basis.

Here are our top tips to help you find the right Pro:

• Give the contractor as much information as possible. The more details they have the more efficiently they can quote on the job and also offer their professional advice.
• Once you’ve gotten quotes from different Pros – you can look up their profiles on Kandua and read their reviews and see pictures of their work.
• Read the quote carefully. Make sure you double-check everything so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into.

Remember, it’s not always about finding the cheapest option. Stick to these tips, and take into account the entire package, Pro reviews, your experience in dealing with them and then, of course, the cost.

These figures are approximate and may not accurately reflect current prices in South Africa. Click here for free, non-obligatory, up-to-date, location-specific quotes for building a granny flat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Building a 1-Bedroom House

Q: Do I need building approval to build a 1-Bedroom House?
A: Yes, most municipalities in South Africa require building plans to be approved before starting construction. Always check with your local authorities for specific regulations.

Q: What’s the smallest size I can build a granny flat?
A: Granny flats typically start at around 40 square metres, though sizes may vary depending on local regulations and plot size.

Q: Can I use a prefab or modular design for my granny flat?
A: Yes, prefab and modular options are increasingly popular as they reduce construction time and may lower costs.

Q: What materials are best for a budget-friendly build?
A: Brick and concrete are durable and cost-effective. For budget builds, consider prefabricated panels or lightweight steel.

Q: Can I add a second storey to a granny flat?
A: This depends on your foundation’s strength and local building regulations. Consult an engineer or architect for a professional opinion.

Q: Will building a granny flat increase my property value?
A: A well-built granny flat can add significant value to your property, especially in areas where rental demand is high.

Q: Can I rent out my granny flat?
A: Yes, many homeowners build granny flats to generate rental income. However, you should check with local zoning regulations to ensure that renting out the granny flat is permitted in your area.

Q: Is it possible to build a granny flat in my backyard?
A: In most cases, yes. However, you’ll need to check local zoning laws and ensure that your property size meets the minimum requirements for a second dwelling.

Q: What are the benefits of building a 1-bedroom house?
A: Building a granny flat can provide extra living space for family members, rental income, increased property value, and a versatile space that can serve various purposes, such as a home office or guest house.

Q: What are the maintenance costs for a granny flat?
A: Maintenance costs for a granny flat are generally similar to those of a main house. Expect to budget for regular upkeep, such as repainting, minor repairs, plumbing checks, and landscaping.

Q: Can I finance the construction of a granny flat through a home loan?
A: Many South African banks offer financing options for building secondary dwellings like granny flats. You can apply for an extension of your home loan or a personal loan, depending on the project’s cost.

Q: Can I install solar power in my granny flat?
A: Yes, many homeowners are opting to make their granny flats more energy-efficient by installing solar panels. This can reduce energy bills and add to the property’s overall value.

Q: What are the insurance implications of building a granny flat?
A: It’s essential to inform your insurance provider once your granny flat is built to ensure that it’s covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy. Premiums may increase slightly, depending on the flat’s use (e.g., rental vs. personal use).