Conversion of Garage

PhilCCFC

Hi,

I'm guessing that some of you have been through the process of changing the function of your garage in to another living room, if so can you please point me in the direction of where I should start? Do I need planning permission etc.?

Thanks

mike_the_bike_2

Bad move if you subsequently try to sell the house..Where I live at the moment two houses have had to convert back as they couldn't sell as converted..At best suggest make whatever you do easy to convert back to garage..You might also find that the deeds to your house have restrictive covenants limiting what you can do in this area anyway

PhilCCFC

Interesting point, we're planning on staying in this house but still a good point raised.

Ted_Hutchinson

Providing you get planning permission and the walls/floor/roof are properly insulated, it can be done though. I stayed at a property last year where the double garage/scullery had been converted to a separate flat.
My holiday cottage was previously a garage and coal store but not everyone would be wanting to do this much. Simply changing the garage to extra living space shouldn't be a problem providing there is still space on your property to park the car.

IJJoseph

You will need planning permission.

Counting_Pennies_2

You don't necessarily need planning permission.

We are currently going through the process, and just at the quotation stage at the moment.

I spoke with my planning officer at the council and had very detailed discussions with him. He said to me that as long as the garage door stays on the front to give the illusion of a garage, and any windows I put in are down the side passage way to the house (and not in view of the road) then I will only need buildings regs approval when it is finished.

I intend writing a letter confirming our conversation at the point of agreeing the best builders quote, but it might be worth your while checking first instead of going down a costly route for nothing.

Ted_Hutchinson

Counting_Pennies wrote:

You don't necessarily need planning permission.

Quite right. Sorry if I misled you, ours was more extensive and it's a listed building so planning permission was needed. sets out the criteria for extensions/garage conversions and planning permission exemption

Helen_from_yorkshire

A friend converted their garage to another reception room and, as part of the planning permission, was obliged to alter the front garden to provide more parking spaces off road. I guess the LA assumed that people with garages use them for cars!!!

As part of altering the front to provide more parking space, he had to also get some kerbs dropped at a cost of £1,000 so they clobbered him for that too!

PhilCCFC

Helen_from_yorkshire wrote:

A friend converted their garage to another reception room and, as part of the planning permission, was obliged to alter the front garden to provide more parking spaces off road. I guess the LA assumed that people with garages use them for cars!!!

As part of altering the front to provide more parking space, he had to also get some kerbs dropped at a cost of £1,000 so they clobbered him for that too!

We're lucky in that our kerbs are low anyway and we're already thinking of making the driveway a bit wider (it's currently a bit too narrow for 2 cars but can hold 2 cars behind each other).

Counting_Pennies wrote:

We are currently going through the process, and just at the quotation stage at the moment.

Would you be willing to PM me with the average cost that you get?

Counting_Pennies_2

PhilCCFC wrote:

Would you be willing to PM me with the average cost that you get?

We are currently looking at £8,000. Although trying to find a cheaper quote.

gardnt1

Hi, converted our garage a few years back now.
It was a new house and garages these days are hardly wide enough to keep a decent sized car in so converted it to a study/extension of kitchen.

Planning permission and building regs were needed aswell as permission from original house builder (being in covenant). Cost was approx £1500 as I pulled down internal wall - non load bearing, and the cost was only for a new window and bricking up where door was plus internal plastering. Mate did electrics. Did need a brick match as part of planning though.