LInk Detached to Detached??

Ahhh

I was wondering if anyone could advise on whether or not it is possible to make a link detached house detached?

Our house in currently linked with next doors house via our garages (house, garage,garage,house) We are keen to remove our garage and replace it with a smaller porch area. (It would make the entrance easier and the 'flow' of the house a bit better)
It would it theory then become a detached house.
Are we allowed to do this? What planning would we need? We'd be happy to ensure the party wall was 'made good' to keep the neighbours happy.

Can anyone see any fatal errors in our judgement?:eek: (apart from the fact we would no longer have a garage! we do have a carport on the other side of the property so all is not lost! )


Thank you!

G_M

* you would need Planning Permission. Pop in to your localcouncil offices and ask to see a Planner. Take a few photos of the property, and an ordnace survey map. He'll give you an informal opinion. (some councils you need an appointment).

* you'll need Buildings Regulations certificate to confirm work is done to standard

* you'll need a Party Wall Agreement, as you'll be working on a shared wall.

*you'll (probobly) be reducing the value of your property.

But I doubt if there is any reason this cannot be done.

Thrugelmir

Is the garage wall a party one? i.e. shared.

Furts

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Is the garage wall a party one? i.e. shared.

The neighbour's garage has to be reinstated after demolotion of OP garage. And there is a risk of damage during the works.

Thrugelmir

Furts wrote: »

The neighbour's garage has to be reinstated after demolotion of OP garage. And there is a risk of damage during the works.

Expensive exercise!

Ahhh

could it be done without demolishing neighbours garage? The party wall is the garage wall.

anselld

Ahhh wrote: »

could it be done without demolishing neighbours garage? The party wall is the garage wall.

Yes if the party wall remains in its current position.

I think the point being made is that drawing up a party wall agreement adds to the expense. Expense which will result in a reduction in value of the property. You may as well apply stone-cladding while you are at it!

Furts

Ahhh wrote: »

could it be done without demolishing neighbours garage? The party wall is the garage wall.

Have a think - the party wall is probably a blockwork wall that will look awful if left in place - so will need cladding, or render or.. .you need your neighbour's permission to work on this. Plus your costs.

Then there is the roof - it will need tiles, verge, bargeboards, soffits etc. again, cost and permission

Then consider the structure - I have seen garages where the party wall does not go tight to the roof, and where the roof timbers run through the party wall. If so, this would need sorting.

Finally, if it alters the street scene/ symmetry/ architecture you may not get planning permission. (or if your neighbour objects!)

princeofpounds

Removing linked garages can add value sometimes actually. Particularly if they are pokey and block any sensible access to the garden.

BertieUK

Our last property was just as you describe, well almost, and we thought about doing similar to what you suggest but when we contacted our local builder he said that the cost of doing the work far outweighed the advantages, he said that being of breeze block construction between the properties would be extremely costly.

Plus he said that the outside design would not be as pleasing, so we shelved the idea, just as well because the MIL began to suffer from first signs of dementia which got progressively worse quite rapidly and we had to move on.