Let’s face it, a major challenge for baby boomers today is how to balance aging parents’ need for greater care with the desire to preserve their independence. For a variety of reasons, it is not always possible to move parents into a growing family’s home and assisted living facilities are very pricey. Why not take a page from the UK and consider Granny Flats?

Sometimes referred to as a relocatable home, this living option is basically a pre-fabricated small cottage or cabin that will easily fit in many backyards. The “Willow” is a single bedroom cottage that can sleep as many as four. It has a kitchen with cook top and oven, a bathroom and comfortably sized living and dining areas.

A slightly larger option is also available with the same size bathroom and bedroom as the “Willow” but featuring a more roomy living area and balcony/deck. The “Willow” starts at $49K and its slightly larger sister is about $56K.

Some people may want to actually build their own and you will have no problem for choices to do so. These Granny Flats are a little more expensive, but they are much larger and will create a more comfortable environment for anyone living in them. If someone has special needs, this can also be accommodated with these special kits.

For your money, you will be getting a completely ready to move in unit. Windows, kitchen and bathroom will be completely ready to go. While the upfront cost may seem like a bit much, you have to consider that once the home is in place, it is ready with little else to do except move in your own furniture and put some food in the fridge.

While they hold the name “Granny Flats”, these little creations can be used for much more than just giving your elderly mother a place to live. You can give your just turned 18 year old a little privacy or create a guest cottage for future visitors. Not only that, but you may decide to plop one down on that piece of land that you own out by the lake. After all, it will cost you a lot less that having someone build you a home from scratch.

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