Converting a garage

pmlindyloo

We are going to convert the back part of our garage (adjoined to the house) by knocking through from the dining area to create a larger space.

We have found out that we do not need planning permission but need building regulations.

Has anyone used the online application for this? (submitaplan)

Do you have to give a detailed plan of the conversion?

What would needed to be included?

Would be grateful to hear from people who have done this online.

Thank you.

danemi1

did you ever get anywhere this or find anything out - if our planned extension doesnt go ahead as it looks like we may have to dig over 3metres down costing near 5k in concrete - we may look at going down this route - and was only wondering this morning if we would need planning - thanks

dizzzy

We converted our garage about 8 years ago and we didn't need planning permission. We couldn't put in a bay window though as this would have brought the building line forward and that would have needed planning.

Obviously we needed building regs. For us it was one of the best things we've done to our house. We've now decided though that we might want to extend behind it and are just looking into the cost of doing that.

danemi1

dizzzy wrote: »

We converted our garage about 8 years ago and we didn't need planning permission. We couldn't put in a bay window though as this would have brought the building line forward and that would have needed planning.

Obviously we needed building regs. For us it was one of the best things we've done to our house. We've now decided though that we might want to extend behind it and are just looking into the cost of doing that.

Thanks for your reply - what did you use the room for - was it easy to do - costly?? any advice if we go down this route

Thanks and good luck with your extension!

dizzzy

danemi1 wrote: »

Thanks for your reply - what did you use the room for - was it easy to do - costly?? any advice if we go down this route

Thanks and good luck with your extension!

We did the room for a playroom which has been very well used.

My other half converted it, he isn't a builder but is very good at diy and was a pipefitter by trade at the time. It took several months to do but that's because it was only done at w/ends and evenings. We did get someone in to do the plastering though. If I remember right the thing he found hardest to do was work out the calculations for the insulation as this was needed for building regs.

It cost us just over £4000 and that including having to buy some tools which he needed to do the job.

I wouldn't hesitate in doing again and our neighbours have also done the same.

As for our extension its very early days. One advantage we might have is that apparently we've already got foundations for an extension, they were put down when the house was built but the extension was never done. We have to find out if they are adequate though, fingers crossed it'll save us some money. Or knowing my luck it'll end up costing more because it will all have to dug up and re-done.

danemi1

thank you so much - we are hoping to do an extension to the side of our bungalow which would be for a kitchen - but they aer talking about us possibly having to dig down over 3 metres which will add huge amount to the cost so fingers crossed - we are doing a test dig tomorrow and the building inspector is coming out on Monday to have a look

dizzzy

Hope your test dig goes well.

My dh today is digging down the side of our foundations which had already laid for an extension years ago. We have been told by our neighbours that they were done for a double height extension but we've only got their word to go on. There are definately foundations there just we don't know if there adequate. So fingers crossed for us and you

danemi1

absolutely good luck - they are part way down doing the dig at the mo - builder says he is no soil expert but thinks the soil looks good - there is some clay and some bits of limestone but basically fine. says the existing ..oh spoke too soon - labourer has just knacked at the door - it appears to be more clay like as he gets further down!

pmlindyloo

Just an update.

Not started yet! Getting dates from our builder is proving to be a nightmare. He has been round to see what needs to be done and given us a 'off the top of head' quote of £3000. Since he is also a friend it is difficult to pin him down - always full of excuses!

We are getting to the stage where we might need to say that we are employing another builder but am loathe to do this as we know he is good at his job and finding another builder will, I expect, be very difficult.

We have waited weeks for quotes and dates to get someone to refit the bathroom. We are beginning to think all those who can't find work should be taking a plumbing course as there seems to be plenty of work about and no one able to do it!

The £3000 quote seems very low to me so am expecting more.

Have decided to go for a Building Notice as regards building regulations. This saves time as we don't need to submit plans. Have telephoned our local council and they do issue a certificate if we use this route, which is a 'must have' in our opinion. Not all councils will offer certificates if you use a Building Notice though.

We will be very glad to get started - this side of Christmas would be a plus!

leedom

My builder told me around 6-7K to convert a garage (including heating and decorated) but check out whatprice for some prices around the country - it will not only give you a price indication but also some companies too.

danemi1

we have found out today that we are allowed to dig to 1.3m - so an extra 1k for that to be done plus we have to remove coniders so to do that and supply/fit fence - £800 so hopefully we will be doing the extension. The ensuite wet room may have to wait - but that is going to be in the garage - we have been told it will be 3k - thats for a room about 5 ft by 6 ft and includes tiling (obviously I have to buy the tiles)