Extending concrete garage

firsttimebuyer15

I have a concrete garage made from interlocking pebbledash panels and was wondering if it's possible to have it made bigger whilst re-using the current panels and buying some extra panels? The panels are 60cm, Are these a kind of standard or will it be a case of having a whole new garage?

Mr.Generous

The garage company "Compton" (or something similar) used to be able to extend garages they sold.

https://www.comptonspares.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgdnbs9m3-AIVSLvVCh0zvAPfEAAYAiAAEgKBtPD_BwE

There is an online chat too that might be able to help.

Section62

firsttimebuyer15 said:

I have a concrete garage made from interlocking pebbledash panels and was wondering if it's possible to have it made bigger whilst re-using the current panels and buying some extra panels? The panels are 60cm, Are these a kind of standard or will it be a case of having a whole new garage?

The panels vary by make and model.  If you could find someone selling an identical garage then you could use their panels to extend yours.  But otherwise it is unlikely another garage's panels will be compatible with yours.

I've converted a single garage into a storage space which is approximately equivalent to a double garage, but I wouldn't reccomend it as a DIY project.  The panels are heavy and dismantling them and reassembling them with a different layout poses a significant risk of serious injury.

Given the hassle and risks involved with repurposing an old prefab garage, you are almost certainly better off getting a new garage built from scratch.

Mr.Generous

Just checked and on the Compton site they do quote to extend a garage. They are a big supplier have a look see if your garage could be a Compton.

firsttimebuyer15

Mr.Generous said:

Just checked and on the Compton site they do quote to extend a garage. They are a big supplier have a look see if your garage could be a Compton.

Thanks for the help. I will see if I can find out if my garage is a Compton -Hopefully there is some branding or something on it I can find.

Section62 said:

firsttimebuyer15 said:

I have a concrete garage made from interlocking pebbledash panels and was wondering if it's possible to have it made bigger whilst re-using the current panels and buying some extra panels? The panels are 60cm, Are these a kind of standard or will it be a case of having a whole new garage?

The panels vary by make and model.  If you could find someone selling an identical garage then you could use their panels to extend yours.  But otherwise it is unlikely another garage's panels will be compatible with yours.

I've converted a single garage into a storage space which is approximately equivalent to a double garage, but I wouldn't reccomend it as a DIY project.  The panels are heavy and dismantling them and reassembling them with a different layout poses a significant risk of serious injury.

Given the hassle and risks involved with repurposing an old prefab garage, you are almost certainly better off getting a new garage built from scratch.

Yes I agree that it's too much for a DIY job so I would be getting a builder do to carry out the work. The labour costs might mean just getting a new garage is the way to go. Just seems a shame to not re-use the panels as they look to be in good condition.

Section62

firsttimebuyer15 said:

Yes I agree that it's too much for a DIY job so I would be getting a builder do to carry out the work. The labour costs might mean just getting a new garage is the way to go. Just seems a shame to not re-use the panels as they look to be in good condition.

The main issue is the proprietary nature of pre-fab garages.  The components are made to work together in accordance with a specific design.  For example, the roof structure will typically be designed to span a particular width, with fixing points on the end of the trusses which bolt into holes in the wall panels.  If you make the garage wider then you either need a new truss fabricated, or put on a completely new roof.  Even basic tasks, like fitting a wall plate to take a new wooden truss roof, are complicated by the need to attach to the wall panels where the manufacturer has created fixing points.  It isn't practical to start drilling new holes in the panel unless you have the right kit and know where the reinforcing will be.

There are specialist companies (e.g. as Mr.Generous has identified) who will do conversions and modifications, but you always have to bear in mind these structures were not designed to be modified and therefore the complexity and cost of the job can be disproportionate to the end result.

If the roof is an asbestos-containing material then you need to deal with that as well.

Mr.Generous

I was assuming length was required rather than width. Now then! Stop it ladies - were talking garages.

Bendy_House

How are these panels joined together? Are they easy to separate?

Norman_Castle

Does the extension need to be concrete? Would a wood or brick extension work?

Section62

Bendy_House said:

How are these panels joined together? Are they easy to separate?

Usually bolted through preformed holes in the sides of the panels horizontally, and if split into two vertically sometimes just by their weight via a tongue and groove type arrangement.  Typically there will be corner posts, and sometimes intermediate wall posts, which again just bolt together with the panels.

In principle they are easy to separate, you undo the the bolts.  In practice you not only have to undo the bolt, you have to support a large and heavy concrete panel which is free to fall on you and anything else nearby the moment the bolt is removed. I wouldn't attempt the job without at least 3 strong people.  One other complication is if the bottoms of the panels have been concreted in to stop rainwater running under them.

Section62

Mr.Generous said:

I was assuming length was required rather than width.

Either way is effectively the same.  You either need to extend the span of the trusses/purlins, or make 'x' additional ones - depending on the way the roof is pitched.