Building above garage

Bellalolo

Family growing up fast so needing more space.

Instead of moving we have thought of building on top of attached garage making a large bedroom and converting existing garage to family room.

First hurdle would be existing foundations and if they are sufficient, what would these need to be?

If addition foundations required how is this done and is it expensive?

Garage is single skin so have to build cavity to support extra floor or steel beam, what would be best option?

Would not have a massive budget so would like to keep simple no grand designs just usable space.

I know it is how long is a piece of string but any rough idea of cost, garage internals 5.3m x 2.8m.

Any help, advice or idea's would be appreciated as really keen to go ahead if possible rather than move.

Sorry meant to post in In my home forum.

RAS

Has anyone else in your area done what you want to do?

If so go down to the Planning Office, pay a few quid for a copy of the detailed plans that will give you some ideas.

Also remember that unlike Grand Designs, you could fund this in stages. So major works done by contractor. Then pay for the first fit when you can afford it. At that point you may well be able to start doing some things yourselves.

And look out for things like free kitchen fitting on freegle/freecycle.

Have a look at the recent £100k house series which is about small extensions etc.

Bellalolo

Thanks for reply.

Unfortunately I have not seen any others on the estate that have done this, except for those originally built with room above garage.

I would have to contact house builder as in covenants, maybe that is why no one else has done it? Not allowed, estate is 14 years old.

They are going to be basic bedroom and playroom so apart from electrics do not need to install anything else.

If possible would like all done in one hit to be able to use fully, otherwise I would run the risk of dragging on.

phill99

You have too many questions that can't be answered. It may be that its more cost effective to take the garage down and start again. The depth of foundations depends on load, soil type and structure etc.

Slinky

We had to have the garage knocked down to start again as the footings weren't deep enough. We knew this through other people having had to do the same.

Don't forget you'll lose quite a lot of internal space as a cavity wall is much thicker than a single skin, plus the floor will also need insulating so that may need to be dug out and relaid depending on the level compared to your existing floor in the house.

MadelinesMum

I was just looking at a property that's had this done:

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-48138392.html

I would prefer to have a garage but if you don't want to move and are happy extending then find out if it is possible to do it, within your price range.

ToasterScheme

As others have said you'll need to get the situation assessed properly.

But I would be pretty sure that there is no way the foundations originally put in for a single-skin garage are going to be good enough to meet modern regs for a two-storey building. The garage is going to have to come down I feel.

ellie27

We are interested in a property that has done this, built above garage and turned garage into lounge.

Unfortunately the noticeable thing is the lounge is very narrow at 2.6m wide - I dont think my sofa will get in it as it would be behind the door and the door wouldnt open fully! Guess I could turn the door swing round!