Granny Annexe Build: A Flat Pack Home in the Garden from Start to Finish Time-Lapse

A Time-Lapse video of a Granny Annexe Build in our garden. From preparing the foundations right through to the completed build. After planning permission was granted in late 2014, we started the process of preparing the site in readiness for a January 5th start. Not the ideal time of year, but just 6 weeks later (with hundreds of cups of tea, coffee and biccies consumed) the build was complete! Amazing, considering it was mid winter, though fortunately, not a particularly severe one.
The quality of construction and finish is superb and my mother-in-law was able to move in, (after furnishing) by the spring.
The size of the chalet is 9m x 3.7m, and the approximate cost was Fifty Thousand pounds in 2015.
An iPhone 6plus was used for all the Time-Lapse, (using the 'Lapse it Pro' App) plus some stills, panoramas and video, with Nikon cameras and lenses from 14mm - 300mm for the remainder. Edited in iMovie 10.0.9
All music by my son Gary Harper of Demigods music / demigodsmusic
Amazon Affiliate links - The Gear I use to make my videos
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/ artynutz
www.grannyannexe.com For info and prices!

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks very much Darlene, glad you enjoyed it!

[@darlenehopper2141]

That is just adorable love it I want one

[@notoriouskelly]

Outstanding build and video- really appreciate you sharing this with us!

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it!

[@clarehanson49]

notoriouskelly I am very satisfied with this place I could live here and have all that I need

[@Bobrogers99]

Unlike some other "tiny" houses I've seen on the Internet, this one seems very well laid out and practical for an older person. Granny has her own private space, but she's right close to family. With a few tweaks to the interior I could easily live there. This video covers the complete building process quite nicely!

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks for your comments Bob. Cheers!

[@rebeccaard1]

Because it’s got more space?

[@lillianyoung2129]

That’s the best granny pod/annex I’ve ever seen! Any grandmother would be proud to live in such a wonderful home! You even have that great sit-in bathtub which every older person would love to have! Everything on one level, so beautiful 😍 & liveable! WOW! Lucky grandmother!

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks very much Lillian for your kind comments!

[@Grannyannexehomes]

This is a fantastic video Nigel and thank you very much for putting it together. A lot goes into the build of a granny annexe and you've captured it brilliantly. If anyone wants to see how a granny annexe is put together, we'll be directing them here. Thank you again All the best from the Granny Annexe Team

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

+Granny Annexe Thanks for your kind comments and for a great build too!

[@Grannyannexehomes]

You're welcome Nigel.

[@dee106ful]

Granny Annexe team this is really a visual part of the build it has little or no informative content whatsoever. Bearing in mind there are many tradesmen that don't know what SIPs are. Sorry but this is useless if there's no detail

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

@@dee106ful Hi, I agree with your comments! However, this video was a personal project for myself and family and was not commissioned by Granny Annexe. It's mainly about the fascination of a build from start to finish and for pure entertainment. Thanks Nigel

[@SHAMIM8063]

Thank you

[@johnhampson7]

Simply marvellous you two. A beautiful little home, not too big, not too small. I hope Granny will enjoy many happy years in her own little house near her family.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks for your kind comments! Cheers👍

[@eulapowell1027]

Love the outside chairs 🪑 and table on the porch

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Yes, it's the finishing touch. Cheers!

[@juliehornby7948]

It's so lovely and well planned for a comfortable space to live

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thank you Julie, it certainly turned out very well. Cheers!

[@tammywines9771]

Wow now this is home for mom made with love !!

Fantastic job!

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Many thanks Piotr!

[@NickFoxer]

Fantastic video. Well-produced and the unit looks great.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks very much Nick!

[@cmedance]

Adorably perfect!!

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.

[@rudra7615]

Such a great idea to look after your parents when old, an Annex

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Yes, it certainly is. Cheers!

[@frances6827]

pretty good documentary 👍. Nice seeing the finished interior; very nice.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks very much. Cheers!

[@veronicacricket1121]

Very nice built and presentation,lay out ideal for single senior living or starter home.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Hi Veronica, thanks for your comment. Yes, it is ideal for one person, or as you say, a starter home! Cheers!

[@benjara1]

So beautiful! Awesome job! Congratulations

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks very much!

[@simoncooper8272]

Thanks for sharing, and the info provided.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks Simon, much appreciated. Cheers!

[@lindascott2107]

Beautiful

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks very much Linda. Cheers!

[@stal1ng]

Sweet! I’m no granny but I’d live there.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thank you!

[@judyt.5702]

It is gorgeous I want one.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

It's a very attractive building, thanks!

[@BONKLIFE007]

Great job 👌

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks very much!👍

[@michaelwest7874]

Wouldn’t mind living there myself

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Yes, it's certainly cosy! Cheers!

[@janemubiana4570]

Enjoy this channel. variety of interest.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks very much!

[@aefmiller]

Inspired!

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks Adrian!

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks for your kind comments David Bull. We used Granny Annexe and are happy with the result, but of course, there are others!

[@christinarobleto1786]

Like the fact they have a walk-in tub.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks! Yes that's certainly an option! Cheers!

[@davidbull2183]

Nigel, really enjoyed the video. I am a builder in Cornwall and although we normally traditional build, customers are asking for modular solutions quite often. Do you know who might be the best supplier of these granny annexe kits for us to put together?

[@iestyndavies7287]

Hey Nigel, what sort of planning permission was required for that? It looks fantastic!

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Local council planning was obtained and I think took around 3 months! Thanks very much!

[@coucou729]

Loved the video! Thank you for sharing! We are thinking of building something similar! Can I ask how you connected the toilet to the sewer? I'm just trying to think how we would connect a toilet and shower in ours if it's at the bottom of the garden and the sewer drain is at the front of our property?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

+coucou729 Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed it! Well, that's one for the company you commission to sort out I guess. We have a sewer/drain to the side of our house and a pipe was run about 30 metres down the garden to connect with it. Cheers

[@socileruchaya191]

+Nigel Harper how to contact you

[@brianganster3189]

Socile Ruchaya

[@clarebell4633]

What a fantastic build, would you happen to have plans available, please ?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks Clare! I don't have the plans to hand, but if you go onto their website - @t all the info is there! Cheers!

[@manofqwerty]

What a lovely annexe! Any comments on a rough costing? I'm considering the feasibility 😂

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Six years ago total cost was around £50.000. But I would contact Granny Annexe for costings as size, fittings etc will vary. Cheers!

[@veedavis467]

Love❤ it..how much from start to finish? I know it took 6weeks..Weather permitted.. it beautiful.. Great Job ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thank you. Total time to moving in around 3-4 months!

[@beckybramlett3515]

I think it would look fantastic with a roof over the patio..... then they could set out there in the rain!!

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Hahaha, Well you could I suppose . . .

[@9StarKee]

Hello Nigel, what a great video. A friend of mine sent the link to me, as I am about to embark on my own project building something similar for myself. I just need to find a little bit of land. I live in the UK. Please could you tell me how many square meters it is and whether you needed planning permission? Thank you so very much... Gabriella from Gloucestershire

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks Gabriella! The building measures 9m x 4.7m, so around 42 sq m I think. Yes, you will probably need planning permission, as we certainly did. Good luck!

[@buhransavar5874]

Süper Süper

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks very much. Cheers!

[@Tinamar65]

So you blocked the view to the church steeple!? Very nice tiney house!

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

There is no church steeple in sight of the house!

[@Elizabeth-rq1vi]

A really nice place...I noticed that she doesn't have a cooktop, is that for safety concerns/issues Granny has or eventually have?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thank you Libby. Yes, it was for safety concerns, (it can be specified) but she had a microwave for snacks and dinner with us. Cheers!

[@LeeRestoration1275]

fantastic build , can i ask how you dealt with toilet waste ?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks! Toilet waste was dealt with a septic tank and when it became filled it was pumped/piped underground to join our house drainage pipes! Cheers👍

[@munisharora3190]

Nigel, excellent. What is the name of insulated plyboards used in this video? Where Can I buy them?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Hi, Thanks for your comment. The insulated panels are called SIPS. Try Googling for more info. Cheers!

[@michaelbelfast1]

Excellent! Length by width?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Cheers Michael! The Chalet measures 9m x 4.7m and fine for one person.

[@cheshirelofts7643]

With youngsters, first time buyers this is what should be classed as "affordable" especially for those working outside the M25 corridor... About time the Councils and Govt housing depts started working together to release land for small developments and banks & building societies recognizing that these properties should be available with a traditional mortgage. There should also be rate/community charge relief for homeowners doing this for dependent relatives. As there should be for garage conversions. Whether teenagers upwards staying at home or dependent relatives moving in with loved ones its time to think away from what was the traditional norm as regards housing..

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Hi, Yes, that makes a lot of sense! It's got to be really difficult now for youngsters to get on the housing ladder. Cheers

[@omugz9444]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Great video editing clean and concise. Granny looks happy in the last shot of video. Nice touch. I’m Curious .... why a soak-away? Was it difficult to take underground drainage to private Sewer/ drains?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks very much! Yes, I think it was to prevent the existing drain system from our house becoming overwhelmed with additional water. Cheers!

[@smartmoneyhousesinvestor7177]

What hearing and cooling system are you using? And total price of the build?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Hi, Heating is by 2 electric convector heaters, (very efficient) cooling not needed. It's thermally very efficient! Total price around £50.000. Cheers!

[@smartmoneyhousesinvestor7177]

Nigel Harper thank you

[@lmnjellyhead]

We had a granny annex built , still waiting after 2 years for them to finish the job.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

By the same company? What's the issue?

[@lmnjellyhead]

The company is called Granny annex . They never returned to finish the job. Snagging list is quite long.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

@@lmnjellyhead I'm sorry to hear that! As you can see we had a good job done, but this was 6 years ago, so no idea what's happened to the company since? Anyway, hope you get it sorted!

[@lmnjellyhead]

Many thanks, I am going to finish the work myself. Only the electrical work will have to be done by an electrician. Carpentry and painting left to do.

[@fernlin-healy2174]

Does this have medical safety features like cameras to monitor them and alarm buttons?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Yes, it can have those installed!

[@marlajowens]

One question! What about insulation? Was there any insulation put into this home? If not, Granny is going to get cold.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Hi Marla, There is insulation in the floor, walls, it's sandwiched between the panels and ceiling, known as SIPS. So it's thermally efficient and only requires a couple of small electric heaters for Winter. Cheers!

[@stealthblackt4]

Hi Nigel, what were the dimensions of the annexe?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

It measures 9m x 3.7m, which is OK for one person. Cheers

[@stevetarabear1]

Hi Nigel, can you tell me the sizeof the Annexe please?We are looking to convert a garage thats 8 meters x meters Thanks Steve

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Hi Steve, The size is 9m x 3.7m. Cheers!

[@homestead44]

lovely ! how much did it cost ?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thank you. Cost was around £50.000. cheers

[@davidmoore220]

@@NigelHarperPhoto Hi great video we are planning the same for my wifes parents, do you mind me asking was the £50k for builders to come in and do it? or did you manage some of the build your self? Thanks

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

The size of the Annex is 9mx3.7m

[@kathleenquinn6053]

Very nice, how big is it??

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

It's 9m x 3.7m. Cheers!

[@posturebalanceandfitness8429]

How are things going now? Is she enjoying the small space or going stir-crazy? We are considering a build for my father in the backyard

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Sadly Kim, she passed away a few months after moving in. But we think she enjoyed her time there? Cheers!

[@posturebalanceandfitness8429]

@@NigelHarperPhoto oh no ! I am so sorry for your loss! Praying for you and your family...

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

@@posturebalanceandfitness8429 Thanks for your kind words Kim!

[@Neilos_FPL]

@@NigelHarperPhoto sorry for your loss Nigel. This video is amazing. Glad she got to spend some time enjoying it.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

@@Neilos_FPL Thanks for your kind comment. Cheers!

[@markwelson5066]

Can you tell us the total cost without appliances? How much money spent on that home to built? I wanna built here one in London.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Hi Mark, Approx cost was around £45.000. Obviously contact 'Granny Annexe' for a quote. Cheers

[@markwelson5066]

Thanks @@NigelHarperPhoto

[@bilalshah4349]

Is this tecnology available in pakistan? so nice idea.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Hi, I've no idea if they are available in Pakistan? Try Googling! Cheers

[@bilalshah4349]

What called this technology.i mean construction material.

[@samgould9930]

SIPS (structurely insulated panels) are like a wood sandwich around the insulation they come from the factory like this & you slot them together

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

@@bilalshah4349 As Sam Gould as said it's called SIPS. Cheers!

[@gwilko6452]

Intending to do the same in my garden early next year. Could you give me a idea of how much it cost fully finished please ?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks for your comment. All information is in the text below, but it was around £50,000 in 2015. However check with Granny Annexe. Cheers!

[@gwilko6452]

@@NigelHarperPhoto many thanks Nigel. I had a figure of around 50 k in my head. However i am in the building trade so might be able to save a penny here or there. Thanks for letting me know. Very impressed.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

@@gwilko6452 Your'e welcome! Hope the building trade is picking up now? Cheers!

[@susanbickersteth3028]

Where is this being built?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

It was built in Buckinghamshire January 2015 and completed in March. Thanks

[@Karaninana1]

How much does a Granny Pod costs?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Depends on size, fittings and location, checkout www.grannyannexe.com - cheers!

[@larrytowe6672]

This was absolutely beautiful. What was the cost for this build?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks very much Larry. The total cost of this build was around £50.000. Cheers!

[@lindafeezor1309]

what is the square footage?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Hi Linda, The square footage is approximately 378' Cheers

[@vsgP7117]

I didt see any insulation in between the inside wall and the outside wall, that'll be freezing in winter! As well as the roofing no insulation installed at all!

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

On the contrary, the building is of course insulated through the floor walls and roof using highly efficient SIPS technology. The building requires only 2 small electric heaters on the coldest days. Look again at the construction and you will see the dense foam insulation between the panels. Cheers!

[@vsgP7117]

its just that i saw neighbour's builders putting insulations in between inside and outside walls.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

The insulation has already been placed inside the walls during manufacture, so the building is thermally fine. Thanks for your interest!

[@bilalshah4349]

I want setup in pakistan. please give me information about .

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Hi here's the company URL www.grannyannexe.com

[@susanbickersteth3028]

OH, not in the US.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

No, in the good ole UK, but I know there are similar builds in the US. So check them out! Cheers

[@elonislopezcurra9962]

Y tendrá el anexo tambien?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

The building is free standing and not connected to the house as most annexes are, or can be Thanks!

[@Barnadownire]

How much did it cost if you don’t mind me asking? I’m thinking of doing the same for my father in law

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

The total cost in 2015 was around £50.000. Cheers!

[@Barnadownire]

Nigel Harper thanks Nigel, just moving house here and we are thinking of building an annex for the father-in-law

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

@@Barnadownire You're welcome!

[@jeansamuels6407]

How much would a Granny Annex like this cost please.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Hi, Six years ago it was around £50.000. Now, possibly more! Check out the info in the description below! Cheers👍

[@judyt.5702]

Is the home fireproof?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Hi Judy, Yes to a degree it is. But I guess no house is totally fireproof. Cheers!

[@pinkpeachlake]

I didn't see a stove in the kitchen. If there isn't one, please say why.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

It's because the lady didn't want one, but had a microwave and ate main meals with us. Anything can be specified when ordering the kitchen fittings!

[@pinkpeachlake]

@@NigelHarperPhoto Thanks!

[@DiffDaff]

How much does something like this cost?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Hi, At the time was around £50.000 all in! But this was nine years ago, so check with Granny Annex. Cheers

[@jeepsanddragons]

Ok USA translation Cladding = siding Lorry = flatbed Skip = dumptruck . Still waiting to find out what a hob is bench is probably counter How did english shift so damn much?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Hahaha! Yes, I know you guys have different words for many things and us Brits know most of them due to the movies! Cheers!

[@clarkclarke]

@@NigelHarperPhoto right ...LOL!!!

[@jacqdanieles]

Hob = counter-mounted cooktop (no oven)

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

@@jacqdanieles No oven was needed, but can be specified of course!

[@franciscrimmins4680]

How much do you think the cost was?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

The cost in 2015 was around £50,000. Cheers!

[@TJ-eq6dl]

May I ask the price of the build ?

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Hi, The price in 2015 was around £50.000. Cheers!

[@lynnpalmer5509]

well you did me in, can't have any cedarwood whatsoever, highly allergic to it

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Hi Lynn, Sorry to hear that! You don't have to have cedar wood cladding, there are other options. Cheers!

[@barrierouse]

Wha was the total cost..

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Around £50.000, but that was over 5 years ago. Cheers! Info is is in the description below.

[@Handsonkits]

A gran-nexe building

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Hahaha!

[@shaynanguyen6376]

how much

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Total cost around £50.000, thanks.

[@cheryl8280]

This is another building on your property. Are you being charged extra taxes for this? I know where I live a homeowner is allowed an extra 100'square feet (10' x 10' shed) before the Grim Reaper gets more tax money. Anything larger it's added taxes. Now for a home or in your case, a Granny Annex, if you're hooked up to the main house for water and electricity, here your taxes would nearly double because you'd have two residences on one lot. Beautiful job. Just the thing I'd love, but neither of my daughters say they don't have property big enough. Yes they do!!! LOLOL

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

No, there's no extra charge as the property does not have its own separate access. So, it's treated as an extension to our house. Thanks Cheryl.

[@ianstewart1838]

Hiw much did this cost I'm looking to do this for my mum and what are your measurements to the width and length please.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

@@ianstewart1838 Hi, the cost 9 years ago was £50.000 all in and the size is 9m x 3.7m! Cheers!

[@justme5694]

Needs more windows.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Actually it doesn't, although that can be specified! It's very light inside and privacy has to be considered too. Cheers!

[@pnadk]

A house for granny should not have steps up to the entrance if you expect her to stay there for long.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Quite right! You can have a ramp of course!

[@hnycreek]

I hate to be critical but the railing is too traditional for the modern house build.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Yes, I suppose it is! Their maybe other options now? Cheers!

[@belindaadams3109]

Very draggy. Wanted to see it built not site prep. 2 minutes in and I'm done.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

What a shame, I think you missed the point of the video! You could have fast forwarded past the preps to see the finished result!