Cost of converting a garage?

[Mattk]

We are looking at buying a house where the 3rd bedroom is not big enough and the loft not high enough to support a conversion but there is a garage.

I'm guessing that converting a garage should be cheaper than a loft but has anyone any experience of this?

Thanks.

[boxtops]

I'm not sure whether you need planning permission to turn a garage into a bedroom?

[AlBags]

Maybe Building Regs .. that's about all.
Much cheaper to convert that space than attic space, but do check foundations are same as building, not a lightweight add-on.

[The Builder]

Not usually, Boxy .......... same "Class of Use".
Unless you're in a Conservation Area, Matt.
Definitely Building Control though. Cheapest and easiest way is under a "Building Notice".
Assuming the garage is attached, or integral.
Most likely to be cheaper than the loft option.

[The Builder]

Good point from Al about the foundations. The Building Inspector will want to know.

[AlBags]

Oops! I meant to say 'notice'
The door removal is likely the main issue.

[Mattk]

Thanks guys. Worth pursuing I think.

[Jules001]

Where I live the garages that were built with the houses are actually a very tight fit for modern day cars, so the majority of people around here don't use them for parking their cars and a lot have been converted into habitable rooms. We ourselves did this 2 or 3 years ago. We didn't need planning permission, but did needing Building Regs Approval. Our builders did have to dig deeper foundations than they would have liked in order for it to be passed off.

[bushbaby_de]

Just check whether there is an Article 4 direction on your property, or any previous planning permissions for the house itself or any extensions, as these could have a condition specifying the garage has to be retained for parking vehicles. if not, you won't need planning permission but you will need Building Regulations approval.

[chas2008]

if or when you have plans drawn up ( i had to) i was advised to call it a utility / play room or similiar,the planning people seemed happier with it.Mine was in fact a dining area/office/study.

[chas2008]

also worth seeing if any other houses have done it.

[bushbaby_de]

chas - which is your planning authority? sound like nonsense to me, we wouldn't even ask (in the rare cases where you even need planning permission to convert a garage!)

[The Builder]

Bushbaby ............ I think Chas is maybe confusing Planning with Building Control.
If certain B/Regs requirements can't be met. It's often, as you know, the case that use has to be "restricted".

[jackthehat]

http://www.planningpo...cts/garageconversion/

This will explain your legal obligations.

The cost of it will be down to the extent of works you'll need to complete the conversion.

[chas2008]

all i know is i had to submit plans and the work was checked to make sure footings were adequite etc.. Northants

[jackthehat]

That'll have been the Building Control Department, chas.

[masma]

We turn our garage into a Grandad annex, we were told to dig deeper foundations and put in a cavity wall. It was hard work but turned out well.

[bushbaby_de]

Chas, definitely building control and not planning then.