Garage Conversion

Garage conversion into habitable space is a fantastic option to achieve extra space. This conversion is one of the simplest methods to increase space on a budget. The advantage of this type of garage conversion is that more area of the existing structure can be used, it causes less disruption than other methods, it is typically cheaper and less time consuming than other conversions such as dormers or extensions.

Your garage conversion can be combined into the existing floor plan to get a more customised look of your house. Large, full wall openings can also be achieved to provide access to the garage conversion.

Usually, the cost of this kind of conversion ranges from £9000 to £25000 depending on the specifications and space of the garage conversion.

Generally, any type of conversion in the property where more usable/habitable space is achieved can add value to your house.

Usually Planning permission for garage conversions aren’t required as in most cases this type of work will be under Permitted development rights.

It is recommended to appoint a professional design company such as Lead Structural Ltd. to take care of the checks with your local authority and advise on the suitability of the existing structure first before any decision is made.

Is planning permission required

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Planning permission is usually not required as the scope of this kind of conversion falls under permitted development. Planning and Listed Building Consent may be required depending on whether the property is a listed building, is in a conservation area or significant works to the external structure are to be carried out.

In Scotland, a pre-planning enquiry can be made once the plans have been drafted to ascertain in writing if the garage conversion is exempt from planning permission.

In England, it is recommended that a Lawful development certificate is applied for especially for sale and mortgaging purpose.

If in the case a separate garage is to be converted which is not connected to the property, then a change of use permission must be applied for

How Much Does a Garage Conversion Cost

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A couple of variables need to be considered which can add or remove the cost of the works. These variables include fees for structural engineer, architect, builder, contractor etc, planning application, reinforcement of foundations, new foundations if the walls, floors and roof can be retained or need to be replaced, does the ceiling height need to be raised etc. The cost ranges from £9000 to £25000 depending on the types of work. You can request a fixed fee quote from us for your design fees and then shop around for your builder’s quotes or work with us to a recommendation for a contractor skilled in this type of conversion.

Is a professional designer required

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It is recommended that a professional is appointed to help you in achieving the required permissions, documentation, design input and ideas.

Architect or Architectural Designer

Appointing an architect is useful when more meaningful design input and ideas are required. An architect can create 2d, 3d models to fit your vision. They can also deal with building control and address all points and help in achieving the required permissions quickly.

Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer is vital to ensure your design is safe and can be built safely. The engineer also will look at all the structural elements and check them for changes in the loads and any opening up works requiring beams and structural elements. You may also need SER certification to ensure compliance with the building regulations.

Builder

Once your plans are approved and you have Building Warrant, which is permission to start building, Builders can then work to your ideas and make your conversion happen to the design drawings.

Garage Conversion Specialists

Lead Structural Ltd. has all these professionals and has a lot of experience as we do this on a regular basis, we are aware of ideas which may cause problems with building control and can mitigate and provide ideas which may be more practical and add more value to your project in addition to handling all your consents and design.

Does a Garage Conversion Need Building Regulations Approval?

In all cases, approval of building regulations is required. Any professional or yourself will need to work in accordance with the building regulations when doing any kind of conversion works.

Building regulations include guidance and requirements for thermal performance, sound and acoustics, ventilation and fire safety. Also ensuring your garage conversion structure is safe and fit for purpose.

For England and Wales local authority building control website can be used to gain more information.

For Scotland gov.scot website can be used to download technical handbooks for more information.

For a building warrant application, you would require drawings, calculations associated SER certification in Scotland and building notice etc. and submit them as a part of the application process.

From there your local authority will check your application, carry out inspections, provide comments and finally on completion Issue the final completion certificate.

Assessing Foundations for Garage Conversion

Garage conversions will usually require either blocking up existing openings and creating new openings to provide access. This could be achieved by infilling the existing openings which depend on the method of infilling done.

If timber infills are used to block the opening then the foundations may be sufficient, in case a brick wall is required to infill the openings then this would depend on the floor slab, if this is slab is 200mm or more then typically this is adequate to accommodate the new brickwork.

Trial pits can be carried out to determine your foundation and ground floor makeup and the bearing capacity of the soils along with desktop studies.

In regards to new openings lintels can be added dependant on the existing foundations or a steel frame can be added to make a full-size opening.

If the Garage Foundations are Inadequate on the investigation

If the foundations are inadequate or absent then either new foundations can be added or concrete can be infilled under the existing foundations or concrete lintels can be provided for bearing then the infill wall can be built on top.

In either case, your engineer will be able to advise you on the best possible outcome and method for the garage conversion foundations.

Ways to Insulate a Garage Conversion

Depending on your house build adding extra insulation is not usually required as the same insulation used throughout the building structure will be present in the external walls. In case more insulation is required this causes a problem with the external wall thickness. This problem can be overcome by providing extra insulation internally or using materials such as insulated plasterboard which is fixed to timber battens.

Insulating the Roof

Roof insulation may or may not be required depending on if there was habitable space above the garage. Different kinds of insulation materials and fixings can be used for different types of roofs.

Once your designer is appointed, they will guide you through the whole process of insulating your garage conversion.

Insulating the Floor

It is a good idea to add extra insulation to the garage floor as usually floor insulation is absent in garages. In most cases the floor levels of the existing house and the garage is different. This difference can be overcome by adding screed, battens, suspended floors (large height differences), insulation all of these can increase the thermal efficiency of the building, underfloor heating can also be added.