Granny flats are going up all over Penrith and Western Sydney, and windows and glass doors are one of the bigger line items in the build. They also affect how comfortable the flat is to live in. Here is what to sort out early so the glazing does not hold up the job.
Start with the BASIX certificate
New dwellings in NSW, including granny flats, need a BASIX certificate. It sets energy and water commitments for the building, and the glazing is part of that. The certificate lists what your windows and doors need to achieve, such as the frame type, glass type and sometimes performance figures like the U-value and SHGC.
Read the glazing section before you order. If the certificate calls for double glazing or Low-E glass on certain elevations, that is a requirement, not an option. Bring the BASIX certificate and window schedule when you ask for a quote so we can price exactly what is needed.
Choosing window styles
- Sliding windows are economical and suit most living areas and bedrooms.
- Awning windows open outward from the bottom and can stay open in light rain, which suits bathrooms and kitchens.
- Fixed windows are good for high light windows where you do not need airflow.
Our guide to sliding vs awning windows goes room by room.
Glass doors to the yard
Most granny flats open to the yard with a sliding glass door. A wider opening makes a small flat feel bigger, but a large door is also the biggest source of heat gain and loss, so it is often where BASIX asks for better glass. Glass in doors must be safety glass, toughened or laminated.
Matching the main house
Many owners want the flat to match the main house. Aluminium frames come in a range of powder coat and anodised colours, and we can usually get close to an existing colour. Our article on aluminium window colours shows the common options.
When to order
Windows and doors are made to order, so they need to be ordered well before the frame stage is finished. The usual sequence is:
- Quote from the plans and BASIX certificate.
- Check measure once the frame is up, so sizes match the real openings.
- Fabrication, with the lead time confirmed on the quote.
- Installation at lock-up.
Ordering from plan sizes without a check measure is the most common cause of windows that do not fit.
Double glazing in a small dwelling
Even where BASIX does not require it, double glazing is worth considering in a granny flat. Small rooms heat up and cool down quickly, and a flat close to the main house or a busy road benefits from the noise reduction. See our double glazed windows page for options.
Get a quote for your granny flat
We supply and install windows and glass doors for granny flats across Penrith, Cranebrook, Werrington and Western Sydney. Send us your plans and BASIX certificate, see the full range on our windows and doors page, or browse recent jobs on the projects page. Call 02 4722 2787.
