Dreaming of a Garage Conversion?

Do you have an underused garage that could be revamped to provide you with some much-needed space? If you require an extra room and don’t use your garage for parking, it is worth considering how you might go about a garage conversion. Depending on your requirements and complexities, they generally cost around £10,000 upwards and if done well they could add value to your property.

Firstly, consider how you would like to use the room – perhaps it could provide additional living space, an extra bedroom or even playroom. Often people opt to convert garages into office space, while others carry out part conversions so there is still an area for storage.

Once you have your dream room in mind, it is important to seek quotes and advice from experts and find out whether you require planning permission or building control. Ideally you will contact tradesmen who have been recommended. You may also need to consider gaining advice from an architect.

You will find that some specialist companies will quote to carry out the entire conversion for you, from planning and building, through to decorating.

It is important to note that garage conversions require building regulations approval through the local council, therefore you will need to fill in a building regulations application.

Once everything is approved and you have appointed a team of experts to carry out your conversion, the building work can begin.

A building control surveyor will visit and inspect the building work as it takes shape and on completion, they will check windows, fireproofing measures and doors before providing you with a certificate of completion.

The government’s dedicated Planning Portal recommends finding a builder through the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Its members are vetted and inspected, work to a code of conduct and can give you a warranty.