Garage conversion to utility - full or partial?

sad2k

Hi all

We're thinking of converting the garage (or part of) to an utility room in the house we're buying (integrated garage 4.75 x 2.54). This would host the washing machine, wardrobe, dog/cat stuff etc.
Looking at what other people do they typically split it into half (or 1:2) and convert the back part.

Is it possible though to convert the whole garage  to utility while still retaining the garage door? (This should be somewhat more flexible spacewise)

What would be the problems with this approach - garage door insulation? (Is it doable?) Something in building regulations?

Any other reason people typically don't do that?

Section62

sad2k said:

What would be the problems with this approach - garage door insulation? (Is it doable?) Something in building regulations?

Any other reason people typically don't do that?

Building regs for garages are different to those for habitable rooms - the person doing the conversion needs to understand the differences, and follow the process to get signoff, otherwise it can cause problems when selling.

You also need to check the situation with planning.  Often a garage space is required to meet the parking standards for a development, and sometimes the planning consent is conditioned to require the space to be available for parking rather than converted. Again, this can cause problems when selling.

What's the parking situation in the area like?  If there is parking 'stress' then a property with off-street parking is likely to be more valuable than one without - especially with the switch to EV's and the need to park somewhere the vehicle can be charged.

If all the 'converted' space will contain is the washing machine and space to store stuff, then why go to the trouble and expense of a conversion?  Washing machines work just as well in a garage as in a utility room, and most 'stuff' can be stored in a garage without problems - so long as it is protected from damp and/or vermin.  Buying some vermin-proof storage boxes to keep the cat/dog food in is a lot cheaper than building work, especially in the current climate.

sad2k

There are 2 off street parking spaces so this shouldn't be an issue.

Re the space, we'd like to have a more 'civilised' room there where we could have wardrobe, ironing stuff etc etc

sad2k

Basically the main question I have is why do people typically split the garage in 2 when converting rather than converting the whole thing..

alleycat`

sad2k said:

Basically the main question I have is why do people typically split the garage in 2 when converting rather than converting the whole thing..

Most people have things that they don't want to drag through the house.

By this i mean, lawn mowers, bikes, and the usual detritus of life that make a mess going across your lovely carpets, wood floors, etc. (or just won't go through the integral door).

Section62

sad2k said:

Basically the main question I have is why do people typically split the garage in 2 when converting rather than converting the whole thing..

A lot of them do that because they believe (wrongly) that pretending they still have a garage by keeping the front part looking the same from outside means they can 'get away' without planning and BC.  It actually makes no difference legally.

The sensible thing to do is to decide how you want to use the space (e.g. do you need storage for 'mucky' stuff as per alleycat's post) and then come up with a plan accordingly - either convert the whole space properly, or partition off according to need.  A good building project should be driven by needs, not what other people do, or the 'can I get away with it' philosophy. The latter usually results in an inferior outcome.

LMJ10

Hi there we are looking to convert the back part of our garage to a toilet - and then space for washing machine, fridge freezer, coats. 

We want to keep the front part for storage. 

Have you had any quotes or roundabout cost for yours?