Building Codes in NSW
In New South Wales, granny flats are subject to local planning regulations and building codes. The Australian Standard AS 4852-2010, “Residential dwellings – Design and construction”, provides guidelines for the design and construction of granny flats.
Required Design Features
The following design features are typically required in NSW granny flats:
- A minimum floor area of 25 square meters (approximately 270 square feet)
- A minimum ceiling height of 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) in a living area
- Insulation and soundproofing measures to minimize noise transmission
- Emergency egress windows that meet the requirements of AS 4852-2010
Materials Used
The following materials are commonly used in NSW granny flats:
- Insulated panels or foam insulation for walls and ceiling
- Double-glazed windows for energy efficiency
- Durable, low-maintenance flooring such as laminate or engineered wood
- Fire-resistant roofing materials