Garage Conversation/Extension... Advise please!

darren_5

Hi all,

Me and my Partner have a garage where the damp proof seems to have failed (some areas of floor becomes wet in heavy rain) and also the roof isn't great.  We are starting to look into the possibility of doing a garage conversation but have no idea where to start.  

Who would we need to speak to first to get an idea of what can be done, costs etc?

I'm guessing we need to have an idea of costs before even approaching the bank to see its viability?

All and any help appreciated!

Thanks,
Darren

FreeBear

If the roof is leaking, then it will be a foregone conclusion that the floor will have wet patches. Not all garage floors will have a DPM (mine certainly doesn't).

How much of the work you are prepared to do yourself will affect the total budget considerably. If you are going to pay someone to manage the project from start to finish, it is going to cost way more. How much, I wouldn't like to say.

darren_5

FreeBear said:

If the roof is leaking, then it will be a foregone conclusion that the floor will have wet patches. Not all garage floors will have a DPM (mine certainly doesn't).

How much of the work you are prepared to do yourself will affect the total budget considerably. If you are going to pay someone to manage the project from start to finish, it is going to cost way more. How much, I wouldn't like to say.

Thanks for the response, the roof leaks in places where the underlay has gone, but I do think generally the timers etc would need replacing as well.  Floor is often wet days after rain, and definately seems to seep upwards.

darren_5

Timbers** not timers! 

Section62

darren_5 said:

Me and my Partner have a garage where the damp proof seems to have failed (some areas of floor becomes wet in heavy rain) and also the roof isn't great.  We are starting to look into the possibility of doing a garage conversation but have no idea where to start.  

Who would we need to speak to first to get an idea of what can be done, costs etc?

You probably need to start with an architect to assess the overall condition of the garage and what the options are.

You shouldn't exclude the option of demolishing the garage and starting with new foundations and a proper extension. Although adapting what you've got already might feel like the cheapest option, it isn't always the case, and a proper extension may add more value to your home than a badly executed conversion.  If you are borrowing from a bank by increasing your mortgage or a home improvement loan then they are also likely to want to know the project is being done properly.

You also ought to check to se whether there are any planning conditions/restrictions or covenants on the property which prevent you converting the garage.  This bit you could do yourself before paying for an architect's time.

FreeBear

Section62 said: You also ought to check to see whether there are any planning conditions/restrictions or covenants on the property which prevent you converting the garage.

And when (if) you decide to go ahead with the conversion, for .... sake, involve Building Control from the beginning. Get the project signed off, and you will find there is a lot less hassle when you come to sell the property.

All too often, you see over on the house buying/selling forum, tales of woe because someone failed to get a completion certificate.