Dual occupancy developments, such as granny flats and multi-unit properties, are gaining traction in Australia because they offer plenty of benefits. Because these are basically two dwellings built on a single plot of land, they can house two families or several family members, usher in more cash flow for landlords, or allow owners to maximise property space.
However, the benefits reaped from dual occs depend on how good their architectural design is. That’s because when it comes to dual occupancy subdivisions, there are several things you need to consider, such as the size of your property, zoning, approval fees, town planning fees, and limited privacy.
Thus, when planning to build a dual occupancy subdivision or transforming your current house into a dual occ, it’s always best to hire an architect who knows your area’s local building regulations and approval requirements and who can create a dual occupancy home design that maximises lot area while addressing your needs and preferences.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at dual occupancy subdivisions and why you should hire an architect.
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The Benefits of Building a Dual Occupancy Subdivision
How can a dual occupancy home potentially benefit homeowners and investors?
Maximising the Potential of Your Property
A dual occupancy property lets you maximise your property’s potential, including its value. If you have plenty of unused space, for example, you may want to use that as a site for a dual occ that you can rent out or use as a dwelling for older family members. You can then subdivide the lot, thereby creating two separate titles. Doing so will allow you to sell the lots separately and maximise return on investment (ROI).
Additional Income Stream
A dual occupancy home can provide you with a stable cash flow, even if you decide to rent out only one unit and reside in the other. If you decide to rent out both units, then you have the opportunity to double your income. Also, if you’ve taken out a mortgage, you can use the monthly rental income to cover the mortgage.
Ideal Structure for Different Locations
Dual occupancy homes can be built on a single plot of land and on practically any location. You can find such homes on farms, by the beach, in suburbs, and in the countryside. If you’re an investor, you have plenty of options when it comes to location. If you’re a homeowner, this makes it easier for you to find dual occupancy homes in different areas. While dual occupancy homes are usually built in expansive properties, a good architect can create a dual occupancy home design that works even in smaller lots.
Why It’s a Must to Hire an Architect for Dual Occupancy Subdivisions
The role of an architect is to create a dual occupancy home design that meets your requirements while ensuring that the design stands out. When you hire an architect who is an expert in dual occupancy subdivisions, you will also be assured of its workmanship and compliance with local building codes, standards, and regulations.
Conduct a Feasibility Study
Professionals can help you conduct feasibility studies, which are crucial in making construction projects manageable in terms of scale, cost, and timeline. They can work with other professionals to carry out site assessments and meetings with your local council.
Customised Designs
Templates are great, but they can limit a property’s potential as well as your options.
The role of an architect is to create a dual occ design that works for you, your preferences, and your needs. They can factor in your surroundings, the slope of the land, existing vegetation, and views in creating the design so you can still get the best views, plenty of natural light, ample space, and more without infringing on your neighbors or risk violating your local council’s regulations.
An architect can also help you create a dual occ subdivision that features two different designs that still adhere to a theme, for example. They can also advise you in what materials to use or what textures or features you may want to highlight in your home.
Capability to Utilise Complex or Narrow Blocks of Land
Think dual occupancy subdivisions are only suitable for large plots of land? The good news is a skilled architect can make complex or narrow blocks of land work. A good architect considers your block’s size, shape, location, and orientation to create a design that works perfectly whether it’s a big parcel of land or a small one.
Account for Your Needs
Every family’s needs and preferences are unique, which is why it’s important to hire an architect who respects your vision for the build. By creating custom designs that take your existing and future needs and your property’s size into account, you can have a home that lets you enjoy maximum benefits.
Familiarity With Local Subdivision Regulations
Building a dual occ subdivision usually involves zoning regulations, approvals, and red tape. An architect, along with their network of professionals, can help you navigate the complexities of subdivision regulations.
Compliance With Local Council Regulations, Permits and Approvals
When you hire an architect, make sure that you’re working with someone who has in-depth knowledge of your area’s local council regulations. This can make the process of acquiring permits and approvals more convenient while making sure that your dual occupancy home is up to standards.
Project Management
As the project manager, an architect supervises and orchestrates all aspects of development. They act as the central hub for all teams involved–they liaise with the design and building team, tender for and collaborate with consultants, prepare and organise all relevant permits and building documents, and take care of end-to-end management as well as quality control. When you hire an architect, you’d have a point person who can make the entire development process hassle free.
Why It’s a Must to Work With Experts in Dual Occupancy Developments
If you’re thinking of building a dual occupancy subdivision in Victoria, it’s a good idea to assess whether or not your land is suitable for such a build. Coordinate with experts in Victoria who can help you conduct a feasibility study and keep you informed about local subdivision regulations.
At SQM Architects, we go above and beyond to provide support every step of the way, from planning to monitoring the construction process. When you hire an architect who is an expert in dual occupancy subdivisions, you not only get peace of mind but also the assurance that your home will be built according to local and industry standards.
Schedule a free consultation today and start bringing your plans to life.
How to gain professional insights for FREE, no strings attached
Unsure about your next building project? Get expert advice, no strings attached! Take advantage of our FREE consultation at SQM Architects. We’re here to answer your queries and bring clarity to your vision. With our transparent process and reputable track record, your project is in capable hands.
About the Author
Sammi Lian, the founder of SQM Architects, has dedicated over 15 years of her career to the architectural industry. She works diligently with property developers, builders, investors, and homeowners, using her skills and knowledge to facilitate their building design needs.