Garage Conversion - Few questions

craigxt22

craigxt22

craigxt22

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23 Dec 2009
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Hi,

Just an idea at the moment, but I'm hoping to convert my garage into a bedroom. It's 450cm x 250cm.

My friend who is a carpenter that has experience in building houses/ working on building sites is going to do the main work, I trust him basically. I plan on doing the electrics myself as I'm an electrician and have a good understanding on complying with BS7671

I've read about and believe I don't need planning permission as I'm not altering the structure of the building, does this include cutting a window in?

What do I need to do for ventilation, the government site on planing says I only need a window at 1/20th of the overall floor space, is that all?

The floor is going to be suspended timber over the solid concrete with damp proof membrane, is that enough to keep water out?

Would be great if any would could clear things up :)

Thanks
 
You won't need planning permission for a garage conversion. However you will need to make it comply with building regulations and have it all signed off.

You also might want to check your deeds for any covenants regarding 'changing the external appearance of the property'. As although you don't need planning permission, if your deeds have this covenant in them you'll need to contact whoever it mentions to get permission to cut in a new window and remove the old garage door.

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/garageconversion/
 
Is there not something about only allowed to have certain % of the plot as living space? If it's a small plot changing a garage into living space might require permission?

This might be Scotland only but sure I have heard something along those lines when my parents were looking at extensions.
 
It'll only need planning permission if you are extending beyond the current garage. If you are only changing the interior, and bricking up the doorway/adding a window etc. Then it falls under 'Permitted Developments' and is only subject to Building Regulations.

Your council should have a quick search function that'll show if your house has any restrictions on it's Permitted Developments.

Though if you want to cover yourself you can get the plans drawn up then submit them to the Council for a Lawful Development Certificate (be around £75 and 6-8weeks), and you'll get a letter back confirming that you are OK to proceed without planning permission (or not) to do what you are suggesting.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. I forgot to mention, this is just a temporary room, I don't intend on selling the house with it as an extra room, if it ever came to it. I would probably rip it all down if I tried selling the house. I'm also going to leave the garage door as it is, and allow the stud wall to cover it from the inside.

And yeah HeX, I'm only going to change the interior. No extensions from the garage.
 
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there are also sometimes planning restrictions on garage conversions on new build estates where there isn't enough off street parking etc - it's always best to check the ins and outs of your specific address before assuming anything about permitted development...
 
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