Garage conversion

planning_officer

joeo2000 wrote: »

I would reckon ...250 for planning permission

A garage conversion is not 'development' and therefore does not usually require planning permission - unless a condition attached to a previous planning permission restricts the use of the garage for parking only, in which case planning permission would be required to delete the condition.

In relation to the Doozergirl vs Shane42 arguments above, personally I would trust Doozergirl's advice, as her advice is normally excellent. Not saying that Shane's isn't, but his provocative attitude doesn't win him any favours...

shane42

planning_officer wrote: »

A garage conversion is not 'development' and therefore does not usually require planning permission - unless a condition attached to a previous planning permission restricts the use of the garage for parking only, in which case planning permission would be required to delete the condition.

In relation to the Doozergirl vs Shane42 arguments above, personally I would trust Doozergirl's advice, as her advice is normally excellent. Not saying that Shane's isn't, but his provocative attitude doesn't win him any favours...

we all have our opinions , mine is simple use professional for professional work and quality ,do it once do it properly, i see the result of have ago diy'ers and its comical when not dangerous.

Doozergirl

£5000 would be using the right people to do the right jobs. Not employing a 'builer' bringing his subbies on board and paying his wage as well and all the 'contingency' that goes with pricing a job. If you pay someone by the day for the job they actually do, then people can save a fortune. When pricing, tradespeople have to build in 'what ifs' in their pricing. If they can simply rely on being paid the going rate for a day's work and they are an honest worker then everyone's happy.

If it were a good DIYer then I'd expect it to cost much less as it would simply be the cost of materials. I've never suggested that anyone go out there and start converting their own garage. Building Regulations need to be adhered to and if it is a DIYer then the standard of work will and should be checked by a BCO.

So, to conclude. I am not a DIYer by any stretch of the imagination - I co-ordinate what needs doing and employ the right people to do it for me. It saves me an awful lot of money and everything is signed off either by Building Control or someone properly qualified to certifate the work.

As this is a money saving website; it is perfectly possible to do it properly for £5000, without attempting your own electrics, just a bit of co-ordination and research.

Wickedkitten

We are 32 and 31 and wouldn't consider not having a garage. Not for "stuff" but for keeping motorcycles in, although we do seem to be the only people on our street that actually use it for keeping a vehicle in.

Sammy85_2

Wickedkitten wrote: »

We are 32 and 31 and wouldn't consider not having a garage. Not for "stuff" but for keeping motorcycles in, although we do seem to be the only people on our street that actually use it for keeping a vehicle in.

Saw a program recently and a develoiper said that he only put a garage in so that it could be used for storage, he didnt include much storage space inside his new builds so that room sizes were bigger. He said there was no way anything bigger than a saxo would fit in the garage with space for the driver to get out.

saishoyw

I'm currently considering a conversion of garage into kitchen and dining room.

The house is 10 years old and one of only a handful to still ahve a garage in the street. They simply are not wide enough for a car.

I have had a quote to convert including building regs and council stuff for £10k. This includes moving an internal door, window and matched brickwork to replace garage door and to match current window pattern. French windows at the back (it's very long). It also includes all electrics suitable for kitchen, including fuse sockets for white goods, plumbing for sink and dishwasher, gas connection and radiator.

It will basicly leave me with the shell to have kitchen fitted into. The company was extremely professional and £10k is what I was expecting really.

I don't have the skill to even consider doing any of the work myself, though my Dad was a joiner by trade I won't have him do anything as he's not up to it.

The house is a town house so basicaly the entire ground floor is wasted space right now, apart from hall and utility room. As far as I am concerned the best use of the space is kitchen and dinner, it allows better use of the garden and for entertaining is ideal. It also means I can turn the current kitchen into a 4th bedroom. I am lead to believe that I will add value to the house and likely beyond the cost of the conversion.

For me it is a good idea but like others have said, it's all about the local market and personal choice.

shane42

good luck with your project, i hope it all goes smoothly,
how long roughly is the garage, i only ask as i wonder how roomy it will be for a kitchen dinner given its narrow as you say. i know the type of layout you describe your hse as being and in general a conversion works well

smartn

I'm in the process of getting our garage converted. I'm getting it done not to add value to the property but to protect my sanity... I need somewhere for our two growing kids to have friends round. We have off road parking for four cars and live in a cul-de sac so for me it's a good value way of getting extra space.

Milliewilly

LandyAndy wrote: »

:rotfl:

As an older person, 52, I can confirm that.

I wouldn't consider a property without a garage (probably a double).

Neither would I and i'm in my 30's. People always need room for 'stuff' even if they don't put a car in the garage but I am OCD about putting mine in the garage as its a clause in the insurance.

Milliewilly

JQ. wrote: »

Going back to the OP for a brief moment - I would not consider a house without a garage, although I'd never leave my car in it. I'm not too old, I don't think (35) - but we do have an awful lot of stuff - mountain bikes, camping equipment, DIY gear, gardening gear, sports equipment, beer fridge, hardtop for my car - literally £000's of stuff which there's no way I'd leave in a shed and takes up the whole garage.

I do think people accumulate alot more "stuff" these days.

They're just my thought anyway. I'm hoping our next house is going to have a nice big double garage to accommodate the car and the "stuff".

Yep I am not even looking at anything that doesn't have a double garage.