Which of these small buildings would add more value to your property?

Too many Kiwi homeowners seem to think that the best way to gain extra living, working or storage space is to plonk a tin shed in their yard.

Here are some tips and ideas that we hope will inspire you.

Would this secondary building raise your propoerty value?

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Which of these secondary buildings would raise your property value the most?

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The key to creating value

is a small home that fits

As you can see, this small home in Melbourne sits right beside a classic Victorian villa, separated for privacy by a hedge.

The slope of the roof allows the home to comply with height-to-boundary requirements while opening it up to loads of natural light from the overhead windows on the right.

They’re not flash, but they do

work with the house

This home has two secondary buildings, a small dwelling and a shed, on the same section.

Here, the homeowner hasn't gone for a designer look but rather a traditional style of construction and landscaping that works with the original house and character of the neighbourhood.

Will your small home comply

with the new exemptions?

This small house has a kitchen and bathroom, so even if it was under 30 square metres (which it clearly isn’t) it wouldn’t be exempt from needing a building consent from August this year. Only unplumbed buildings which meet the exemption criteria will be exempt.

But that doesn’t stop you from having a bedroom, studio or workshop without requiring a building consent.

Openness and light create feeling of space

Will the exemptions apply

to this outdoor room?

With a footprint smaller than 30 square metres, an outdoor room like this will probably not require a building consent when the new exemptions come in.

But they must comply with the Building Code and be built by a Licensed Building Practitioner – that’s us!

Lots of glass and opening louvres are ideal in this kind of application because with plenty of natural light and airflow, they provide the versatility so the room can be enjoyed in both summer and winter.

Separate or linked?

That is the question

For privacy, you may prefer to keep your secondary dwelling quite separate from your primary dwelling but another option if you’re looking for extra space in your primary dwelling is to link the secondary dwelling by means of a deck or walkway and overhead canopy.

If these elements are freestanding – that is, not directly connected to each other – you may not even need a building consent after August. We'll keep you posted.

Use clever interior design

to make space inside

Because space is limited in a small building, good interior design is important. Although the new building consent exemptions will likely only apply to single-level buildings, adding a mezzanine – in this case for a bed – may be a legal way to gain more liveable space.

Secondary dwelling or holiday home? Why not both?

One final option you may want to consider is a tiny house on wheels. Provided they meet roadworthiness requirements, these can provide a home away from home as well as extra space at home while they’re sited on your property.

Like more small building inspiration?

Check out these articles

Got a BIG IDEA for a Small House?

Entry is easy and there are thousands of dollars worth of prizes. Simply sketch out your ideas and floorplan with a few details and send them to us no later than 5pm on 3rd August.

How does a family of 5 fit into this tiny home?

This couple used to own a 'real' house but chose to sell it and pay off their student loans. They designed their tiny home with a lot of living, including space for the children's pet snakes!

Save thousands on your small space project

Get Ready to Save Thousands

The government has just announced that from August this year they are scrapping the need for building consents for certain small building projects such as granny flats and sleepouts.

Which of these small buildings would add more value to your property?

The key to creating value