Developing and building a dual occupancy home can be quite exciting and there may be many little details and features you have in mind for your perfect home during the planning process. Building a beautiful dual occupancy home for yourself or tenants opens up a lot of possibilities and some features are worthy of consideration:
Entrances & Garage Doors
Since dual occupancy homes are separate dwellings on separate properties, they should have separate entrances – even if both properties are physically attached. Separate entrances help to ensure privacy for all tenants whilst also providing security. Make sure that both doors are fitted with standards-compliant locks, such as mortice locks or sash locks for added security.
If your properties also have garages for parked vehicles, consider whether both properties will share the same garage or if each will have its own garage. Similar tips apply, but in the case of shared garage space ensure that there is sufficient space for 2+ parked vehicles so that each tenant has fair, allocated space.
Open Concept Layouts
Dual occupancy homes tend to generally be smaller than old-fashioned homes from the builder generation and space is at a premium. For this reason, open space concepts help enormously to free up precious space and to create the illusion of grander spaces rather than constricting.
Certain rooms like the bathroom and bedroom(s) obviously need to be separate, but other rooms can be multi-purpose such as the kitchen adjacent to a lounging area or living room, for example.
Soundproofing
For dual occupancy homes that are physically attached, the last thing you want is to have paper-thin walls reminiscent of Soviet-era tenement blocks where you could hear your neighbour snoring at night. Soundproofing is essential for keeping the peace in these cases.
Even if homes are physically separated from one another, soundproofing is still a good idea since both properties will most likely be quite close to one another anyway.
Communal Spaces & Garden Delineation
Green garden space should certainly be an important consideration for owners of dual occupancy homes, whether for their private use or the enjoyment of their tenants.
In either case, consider whether or not you want to open up the precious green space around the structures to a shared garden area or if you insist on having them separate. If separate, consider installing a fence or shrubs to delineate the properties. If shared, you could allow tenants to grow their vegetables in a communal garden, for example, or place garden furniture a little koi pond or other landscaping features if you desire a beautiful and appealing green space.
Accessibility & Future-Proofing
Investors should have their eyes on the long-term potential of their investment, and dual occupancy homes should therefore remain appealing and practical for many years to come.
While impossible to fully predict the future, some future-proofing tips can keep your property appealing many years in the future. This could include installing solar panels for renewable energy generation, leaving lots of unused electrical fixtures that can be converted into outlets at a later date, and having wheelchair-accessible ramps and layouts to keep the property appealing for ageing tenants or new tenants with mobility constraints.
For Melbourne residents seeking top-tier craftsmanship, Trevor Homes offers trusted builders in Carrum Downs who are dedicated to delivering personalized service. Our team also includes experienced builders in Cheltenham who excel in creating homes that reflect your style. From modern designs to timeless aesthetics, our skilled builders in Clayton ensure quality in every detail.
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