Converting a garage into living space

kidshorsesdogs

Has anyone done this? Or can give any guidance? Is planning permission necessary?

I ask because we seriously need to do this. My elderly mother needs to come to live with us. Currently she is in ill health and lives alone. We cannot afford to move, can't really afford to do this either but have no option as not enough space in the house.

The garage is attached to the house (bungalow) there is a utility room and bathroom behind the garage so the garage needs to be converted into living and sleeping space only. No plumbing will be necessary.

We will need to do this on a very tight budget..

Any ideas?

fluffyb

We did this about 15 years ago. We had quotes for a loft conversion and extending over the garage and converting the garage was the by far the cheapest option.
You don't need planning permission as suh but you do need to involve the building regulations dept. who come along a few times to check the standard of work - ie depth of foundations, roof insulation etc etc and they sign it off if they are happy. A builder should know all about this.

We have been so happy with ours. It makes a good size room and until 2 months ago we used it as a 4th bedroom for our eldest. He has just moved out and we have just redecorated and turned it into a study for my hubby and myself. We are thrilled to bits with it!!

It will also add value to the house :T

jjd

I'm pretty sure that you will need planning permission to convert your garage. People that live near me recently had planning permission refused for garage conversion, the reason being that it could cause danger to other road users as there was now no parking space. New houses being built have to have parking space included so I presume this is where this rule has come from.

Also you will need to check your deeds, depending on where you live there can be restrictions on what you can do to the house, eg some are open plan and you are not allowed to erect a wall or fence, and others say you can't change the house type, meaning that if you removed the garage door and put in windows you may be in breech of the restrictions as you are changing the appearance of the house. Others in you area may have done it without permission but don't risk it without permission in case they make you change it back.

You will also need to contact your council for building control and they will look into fire safety issues etc. If you rang them first they will probably be able to tell you if you actually need planning permission.

Basically the best bet is to contact the council and your planning office, which you can find on planningni.gov.uk and give them a call. A word of advice though, don't do anything until you have it in writing, from past experience they will say yes to anything to get you off the phone, and when you go ahead and make changes nobody claims responsibility!!!!!

Pretani

give them renovation programs a call. It's a noble project for them to take on. Cost you nothing!

RooBee

Contact the Housing Executive to see if you will be eligible for any assitance with this. There is some info. about disabled adaptations on their website: http://www.nihe.gov.uk/index/yh-home/adaptations.htm

planning_officer

The above advice seems to apply to N Ireland - not sure if that's where you are? I'm not too sure on planning regulations there, but in England you probably won't need planning permission - the only exception is if a previous planning permission at your property had a condition attached to it stating that the garage cannot be converted into living accommodation - that's why it's best to check with the council.

slummymummyof3

Do you have a copy of your deeds so that you can check out if there are any restrictive covenants laid down by the builder?

Old_Git

you can get a grant to do this .If this is for disabled it is VAT free.

kidshorsesdogs

Thanks everyone, I am indeed in Northern Ireland, in a small cul-de-sac of bungalows. About 10 years ago the bungalow across from us did this, it was a good job so I am assuming planning dept will allow this. We will still have parking at the house for up to 3 cars so that shouldn't be a problem.

The cost however is hindering us somewhat, we can't afford to do it really, but needs must. As it is not a housing executive property I don't think there would be any grant available, I could be wrong though. My mother is moving from a housing executive first floor flat to come to us.

Thanks

RooBee

kidshorsesdogs wrote: »

Thanks everyone, I am indeed in Northern Ireland, in a small cul-de-sac of bungalows. About 10 years ago the bungalow across from us did this, it was a good job so I am assuming planning dept will allow this. We will still have parking at the house for up to 3 cars so that shouldn't be a problem.

The cost however is hindering us somewhat, we can't afford to do it really, but needs must. As it is not a housing executive property I don't think there would be any grant available, I could be wrong though. My mother is moving from a housing executive first floor flat to come to us.

Thanks

You do not have to be a Housing Executive tenant to be eligible for their grant aid. There is funds available to home owners and private landlords for certain adaptations....it is explained in the link I posted. You have nothing to lose by giving them a call to check your eligibility.

kidshorsesdogs

RooBee, thank you for that, I didn't read it properly the first time, I will give them a shout and see what is available.

thanks