Things You Need to Know About Granny Sheds

Homes are not just about a large space with thousands of square feet to your name. The right home is the one that offers you a secure and safe living space, has all the facilities needed, and lets you be at peace with your loved ones. We all realized the importance of a proper home setup when the pandemic struck, and it made us think about how blessed we are to have a roof over our heads. While the pandemic also opened up multiple avenues of flexibility and managing things in a limited space, concepts like a wooden shed, backyard studio shed, or portable shed also emerged.

Especially for people who work from home, several cool shed ideas help set up their own office space where they can be close to loved ones while getting the right focus and privacy needed to focus on work. One similar extension to your home is the granny shed. A granny flat shed might be a new term most people hear, but as you read through, you will realize it is what you need.

With lots of small granny flat ideas, you will learn all you need to know about building a prefab granny flat in this article. So let’s read on!

What is a Granny Shed?

Granny sheds are increasingly popular in the US in 2024, providing an innovative solution for elder care and flexible living spaces. These compact units can be installed in backyards, allowing families to keep their elderly relatives close while ensuring they maintain their independence.

Grandparents, as they age, need special attention and care. They also need a private space where life can be centered around their own rules, less quiet, more peaceful, and more freedom to live by their own rules. This means that it is hard for grandparents to adjust to a home where there are lots of people. While many older adults prefer a service nursing home where someone is always there for them, and there is a whole community like them, not all nursing homes are feasible. Some are too expensive; some are too far; let's be honest, who wants to send their beloved grandparents this far?

Thus, comes the granny pod or a granny shed. Also known as a prefab accessory dwelling unit, a granny flat shed is a detached tiny home with a certain distance from your home. This distance offers proximity and the right level of privacy desired by grandparents. And the granny pods also come with built-in amenities, or if you are searching to build a shed for your granny, you can DIY the right selection of facilities required. A modern shed for granny is equipped with the right facilities, such as anti-slip floors, wide doorways, big windows, clear lights, and rounded countertops, which makes the life of a grandparent easier, and they don't have to walk on eggshells around the house scared of a blunt table or a slippery wooden floor.

Where Can You Buy or Rent a Granny Shed?

There will be only a few options with a similar name, granny shed, such as Amazon or a few others. But the truth is a granny pod can be found in many places with the customizable option. At Autonomous, you can find many pod options, all with the option to customize it to your needs. These pods are portable, so you can define the distance to your home and offer built-in amenities like lighting, fans, electricity, and water. You can detach or attach these pods to your home and also, and they are available in a variety of materials to pick the best suitable option based on the climate in your region.

Benefits of Granny Sheds

A granny shed, without question, is going to be the new popular structure in the backyard. Backyard granny flats or sheds, even though they are named after grandparents, don't only offer a single benefit. If your grandma decides to move into the house after a few months, you can still use the granny she has for various purposes. Here are some pros and cons of investing in a granny shed.

Keeps Family Close

This is the biggest advantage of a granny shed. You can keep your beloved grandparents close to your home. Even if they want their own private space, there is no need to send them off to a far space where it takes a 10-minute drive and two hours of preparation for a visit.

Extra Income

When they say it's a wise investment, hear them fully. A granny shed is a one-time investment that will give years of return in terms of valuable rental income. When not in use, you can rent out your granny shed. And in cases when you are planning to sell the house, a granny shed will increase the value of your home.

Home Office

This one will make remote workers happy. Think about times when you needed solitude while working from home. There were many. Hence a home office setup can be easily designed in a granny shed. Since it will have all the basic facilities, you will need a table and chair to work.

Granny sheds are versatile and can be repurposed as backyard offices. With the rise of remote work, transforming a granny shed into a functional office space is an excellent way to utilize these units. They offer a quiet, dedicated workspace away from household distractions.

WorkPod Versatile

For work and play.

38 reviews

Learn more

Specifications

Overall size	8’4”W x 12’6”L x 9’10”H
Floorspace	105 square feet
Ceiling height	7’3”
Weight capacity	2.9 tons
Pedestal	18”W x 43”L x 7”H
Door & Window dimensions, material (include glass)	Main door: 39”W x 89”H Large window: 59”W x 81”H Small window: 39”W x 39”H Window & door material: Powder coated aluminum, 5/16” tempered glass
Siding, roof, floor & balcony material	Siding: Plywood 1/2”, steel frame, honeycomb paper, plywood 3/8”, bitume, housewrap, vinyl siding Roof: Roof shingles Floor: Plywood Pedestal: Steel frame & wood plastic composite
Electrical devices	1 RCB (Residual current breaker) 5 Wall outlet (Universal wall sockets) 1 Ceiling light switch 4 Ceiling light 1 Ventilator switch 1 Ventilator 2 Ethernet wall port 66ft power cable with 2 connectors
Power input	Maximum voltage: 110V AC (US standard) Maximum current: 25A Maximum power dissipation: 2750W
Furniture (optional)	Cabinet, Desk, Small & Big Bookshelf, TV Shelf, Foldable Sofa Table & Electrical Cabinet* (*Electrical Cabinet always included)

• 

  "The StudioPod has been a remarkable addition to my backyard. Its design and functionality create an inspiring workspace that's truly a game-changer."

  - Keith H.
• 

  "What I really love about the StudioPod is it's multi-purpose. You can use it for work, it has a good desk, plenty of storage space. You can use it for playing video games, watching games, being noisy without disturbing family life. You can also extend it and use for having people sleeping over!" - Jaime H.
• 

  "Excellent customer service for StudioPod. Quick responses."

  - Matthew C.
• 

  "The StudioPod's ergonomic chair provides excellent support for long hours of work."

  - Marcus D.

How to Set Up a Granny Pod

Setting up a granny pod involves careful planning and adherence to local regulations. This guide covers everything from obtaining permits to site preparation, installation, and customization, ensuring a smooth setup process for your new backyard living space.

Step 1: Obtain Necessary Permits

The first step in setting up a granny pod is to obtain the necessary permits. This typically includes:

• Building Permits: Required to ensure the structure meets local building codes.
• Zoning Permits: Verify that your property is zoned for an additional dwelling unit.
• Utility Permits: Necessary for connecting electricity, water, and sewage.

Step 2: Site Preparation

Proper site preparation is crucial for the stability and longevity of your granny pod.

• Choose the Location: Select a flat, accessible area in your backyard.
• Clear the Area: Remove any debris, plants, or obstacles.
• Lay the Foundation: Depending on the pod type, you may need a concrete slab or other foundation.

Step 3: Installation

Once the site is prepared, you can proceed with the installation.

• Delivery and Assembly: If you’re using a prefab granny pod, it will be delivered and assembled on-site.
• Utility Hookups: Connect electricity, water, and sewage according to local codes.
• Inspections: Have the installation inspected by local authorities to ensure compliance.

Step 4: Customize the Interior

Make the granny pod a comfortable living space with the following:

• Install Essential Amenities: Ensure the pod includes a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and living area.
• Safety Features: Add grab bars, ramps, and non-slip flooring to enhance safety.
• Personal Touches: Decorate the pod to make it feel like home.

Step 5: Consider Portable Options

For added flexibility, consider portable granny pods. These can be moved as needed and offer a temporary solution. Learn about the benefits of portable granny pods.

Is Granny Shed Legal?

While some local governments are liberalizing their regulations to permit a granny shed, many still forbid the construction of a second dwelling in the yard. You can find out if granny pods are permitted by local legislation by contacting your local housing authority. If you live in a new development, covenants may forbid installing a pod even though your city's building rules permit construction.

When planning to install a granny shed, it is essential to understand the permits, regulations, and requirements in your area. Here's what you need to know:

General Permit Requirements

Most US municipalities require building permits for the installation of granny sheds. These permits ensure that the construction meets local building codes and safety standards.

Zoning Laws

Zoning laws vary by location and can affect where you can place a granny shed on your property. It is crucial to check with your local zoning office to ensure compliance.

Utility Connections

Granny sheds need connections for electricity, water, and sewage. Permits for these connections are often required, and it is essential to follow local guidelines for utility installations.

Size and Design Regulations

There are often regulations regarding the size and design of granny sheds to ensure they fit within the character of the neighborhood. These can include height restrictions, setback requirements, and architectural design standards.

How Much Does a Granny Shed Cost?

Getting a customized granny shed, building your own, or buying a readymade one all cost almost the same, give or take $2000. Most granny pods with the right level of privacy, safety, and essential features fall in the range of $30K to $60K. You can also get higher-end options that cost as much as $130K. in these higher-end options; you will find better facilities emphasizing safe designs. This doesn't mean a cheaper shed will not be safe, but the cost is expected to rise as you go onboard with better and added features.

On the other hand, buying a work pod or having an extra space in the backyard converted into the granny shed will save you around $10K on the entire building process. You can add insulation, and safety locks, install electric safety solutions and arrange all the amenities needed by a senior person. Understanding the costs involved is crucial. For detailed information on the cost of granny pods, check out this article on granny pods cost.

Granny Pods in Florida

Building a granny pod in Florida involves specific regulations and considerations. For more details, read about granny pods in Florida.

Granny Pods in New Jersey

New Jersey has its own set of rules for granny pods. Learn more about the requirements and benefits of granny pods in NJ.

Prefab Granny Pods in California

Prefab granny pods are popular in California due to their convenience and quick installation. Discover more about prefab granny pods in California.

Granny Pods in Texas

Texas offers various options and regulations for granny pods. For more insights, visit granny pods in Texas.

Conclusion

Granny sheds or granny pods provide a practical and compassionate solution for elder care, offering proximity, independence, and cost-effectiveness. Whether you are considering a portable option or need information on local regulations, these versatile units can meet a variety of needs and preferences. For more detailed information on building granny pods in different regions, refer to the provided links.