Things To Know About Garage Consersions  

When a lot of people think about garage conversions they think about turning the garage into an extra room such as a new dining room. However what about building on top of an existing garage? In this article we will explain what needs to be considered.

The first thing that comes to mind when you think about building is planning permission and the building regulations that go with it. If you were just going to change the existing garage by turning it into a proper room then it is doubtful you would need planning permission although there are some aspects that may. You will need planning permission for adding roof insulation or adding a wall and window where the door was.

There are also other areas which can fall under building regulations depending on the particular circumstances such as wall thickness, electrics, floor insulation and structural work. It is always best to check if you are unsure before the work begins. You builder should be able to advise you on building regulations.

If you are looking to add an extra floor to an existing garage then you will not be alone. It is becoming an increasingly popular trend as people realise how expensive it is to move home. It is easier to build more space than to buy it.

Now technically it is an extension rather than a conversion but can be called either. This type of project will definitely require planning permission and building regulation approval as major changes will be made. For a start there is a good chance that the existing garage will need to be pulled down and new foundations put in as the original ones may only be able to hold a one story building.

If you do need to remove your garage to add new stronger foundations then you could put it back as a different room rather than building it back as a garage. That would give you two rooms on two floors in replacement of the old garage. It should also be mentioned that all efforts should be made to do the build with bricks that match the colour of the bricks used in the main house. There is nothing worse than bricks that do not match resulting in a clear difference. It is also important to get the windows matching whether you are using uPVC double glazing or not. Match the bricks and windows and people will find it hard to know it is an extension.

In conclusion if you are thinking of converting your garage or destroying it to replace it with an extension you should make sure it is planned properly with accurate costings and if you are unsure you should assume it will need planning permission. Only then can you feel comfortable that you are doing it right. After that just remember to enjoy the experience and learn what you can as you never know when you will do it again.

Rob Stone writes many articles on Home Improvement from Interior Design to DIY Construction such as the uPVC Conservatory.