Foundations on a 1950's Garage???

3smees23_2

Hi All,

My offer on a property has been accepted in the last few days. It is ex council, built in the 1950's and has a garage which we where hoping to convert into living space. The garage is constructed of the same type of bricks the house is made from.

I'm just not sure if the garage foundations meet current regs and would suitable to convert? Has anyone had experience with this sort of conversion? What are people's thoughts.

Thanks

Sam

fluffymuffy

Detached garage? No chance. Best knock it down and start again.

3smees23_2

Really? why did you say that? just don't think the foundations will be suitable? It's not a double story extension, just conversion.

No it's attached to the property

Cheers

keystone

If its just a change of use internally then why would you need to worry about the founds?

Cheers

3smees23_2

If the foundations aren't up to current regs then turning something into living accommodation surely wouldn't be allowed?

keystone

The discussion is becoming circular. You have a garage which you would like to convert into a usable room. Garage isn't falling down. You aren't extending it upwards, you aren't increasing the load, you are just changing it internally. So why are you worried about the foundations?

and please don't call me Shirley.

Cheers

3smees23_2

I'm sorry if this sounds like a pointless topic. I will be replacing the roof, adding brickwork and windows.

When my parents did the same thing, the builder made a point of checking the foundations to make sure if they were adequate. They weren't building up so I thought I had better ask ;-)

keystone

I didn't say it was pointless.

Oh I see. You didn't say that before!

Get your builder to check.

Cheers

Avoriaz

Apart from what has been discussed already you should also consider that the three outside walls of the garage that are not between garage and house will probably be single skin walls.

That may give you issues of insulation, damp penetration etc.

I have no idea how that might or might not affect planning etc.

As suggested, get a good builder to advise you.

Davesnave

A 50's council house garage will likely have single skin walls, as there would be no incentive or justification for making them cavity.

I have much the same on my 70s build. If I were planning an extension that way, I'd knock it down and start again, rather than mess around trying to achieve the correct u values with the existing structure and floor.

fluffymuffy

In our area (and all the neighbouring local authorities I work with) Building Control would never pass the conversion of a 1950s garage to living space without updating the foundations, floor, walls and roof. i.e start again. Unless you're planning to convert it illegally - without Building Regulations Approval. Then you can do what you like.