Replace Utility Conservatory with Brick

MichelleUK

We currently have a utility room, built in PVCU panels like a conservatory that houses the washing machine, dryer and freezer.

One wall adjoins the kitchen, one wall the garage and the other two walls are the PVCU window and door panels. It has a clear pent roof.

The thing is an eyesore and mould/moss magnet and we would like to replace it. Ideally, we would like to knock it down and build it in brick with less windows. Can this be built with one brick wall thickness, on the existing base and tiled roof without planning permission? The original did have planning permission.

Will we be required to build it to proper planning regs standards eg. deep foundations, cavity walls etc? This would result in the useable space being so tiny, it would not make sense to build.

Doozergirl

If it has planning permission you should be fine to replace it in brick. Building regualtions are important to ensure that you're investing in a permanent, warm structure.

You will need foundations. That won't affect the size. Depending on the age of the existing house and the building inspector, if it is very small then they may allow you to build with a single skin and internal, solid insulation, saving a little space on cavity construction. We did something quite similar a couple of years ago.

sevenhills

MichelleUK wrote: »

One wall adjoins the kitchen, one wall the garage and the other two walls are the PVCU window and door panels. It has a clear pent roof.

Would it meet building regs with one side of the building being a garage, is that a single wall?

pollypenny

We have a very similar thing. However, we no problem with mould, as we put thick insulation panels to waist height.

I don!!!8217;t know what a 'pent' roof is, but ours is conservatory type, thicker than usual. It had to be ordered.

MichelleUK

Thanks everyone, I will investigate the planning/building regs in detail!

Furts

My intuition is the building costs will be extortionate for the floor area produced. A builder will want to see a decent profit out of the job and that is not a proportional figure to the floor area. More likely to be a fixed sum. Add this to congested working, possible difficult access and lack of continuity and the job is not going to stack up well financially.

Bear in mind new foundations will be required complete with a new slab so think deeply before going ahead.

A replacement conservatory type structure would be a financially sound way to go.