Blacksheep

A well-thought out garage conversion can add as much as 10 per cent to the value of your home, and is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your property’s resale value. An additional benefit is increased living space without incurring the costs and inconveniences of moving house. The internal space of most garages is longer and thinner than most people prefer their rooms. To achieve a more natural shape for the conversion, consider using stud or block walling to convert the garage into two rooms. The additional room is often used as a toilet or shower. A storeroom suits others better. Consider the use you plan to put the rooms to and either make some drawings yourself or get some made. Planning permission is unnecessary if you don’t plan to alter the structure of the building so a garage conversion is permitted in most circumstances. If you live in a Listed building or a Conservation Area, planning permission may be required for even minor modifications. Homes in newly built estates sometimes require planning permission. Standalone garages are more likely to require ‘change of use’ planning permission when converted to habitable rooms. The change of use from a garage to a habitable room will mean compliance with building regulations, including delivery of a building notice to your council. Building regulations apply to ventilation, moisture proofing, insulation, fireproofing, escape routes, and structural soundness.