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Home Extension Costs
Since our launch in February 2010 ExtensionsSupermarket have become the fastest growing Price Comparison sites for any kind of UK Home Extensions, Kitchen Extensions, Loft Conversion, Garage Conversions, Basement Conversions & Conservatories.
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Why Go For A Garage Conversion?
Be honest - when did you last park in the garage? Almost imperceptibly over the last ten years cars have got bigger, and garages have seemed to get smaller.
And although a garage is still a selling point for family homes, the average resident of a modern house may only just be able to squeeze their MPV into the garage. And if they can get it in, they won't necessarily be able to open the doors.
So most of us don't use our garage for the purpose for which it was created, and it becomes a graveyard for old tins of paint, unused rowing machines, and broken toys. And while our garages stand empty-ish, our houses are bursting at the seams.
For many, extending their home to gain more living space is simply not an option. With housebuilders shoehorning properties into small plots to maximise land use, new home dwellers can find that there is simply nowhere to extend into - except perhaps a garage conversion.
What Do People Use Their Garage Conversion For?
According to the experts, the most common reason for a garage conversion is to gain a second reception room.
Although on paper many houses offer everything a family could need, when your children become teenagers you may not want to squeeze up on the sofa with your son and five of his spotty mates, and an additional reception room for them to colonise becomes attractive.
Other common reasons for a garage conversion include making a bedroom for an elderly relative, a home office for teleworking, or a larger family kitchen diner.
What Type of Garage Conversion is Suitable
Any type of garage, whether a double integral, or a flat-roofed standalone can make a garage conversion. In fact, a non-integral garage is often a particularly good option for a home office as it is slightly removed from the distractions of family life.
The usual options are:
- Single garage
- Double garage - you can choose to convert the whole area, or just use the side nearest the house
- Tandem garage - again, just converting the back could leave you with the best of both worlds
- Standalone garage - fine, but you may need to apply for permission for change of use.
Garage Conversion Planning Permission
You should always phone your local planning department before starting to plan any building work.
Councils' interpretation of the regulations in regard to garage conversion will vary, so it's important to get the precise lowdown on what type of permission you need for your project.
Often you won't actually need planning permission, but you will still have to comply with Buildings Regulations, particularly in regard to how you insulate.
Most councils will allow you to simply add insulation to the existing building, but a few may insist that you dig up the floor and add insulation as if it were a new build.
Occasionally garage conversion is turned down by a local planning department. This is particularly common in some London boroughs where there is pressure on parking.
Councils can also object to a garage conversion if they feel that it may add to local drainage problems. So if you plan to pave over your front garden to make up for the lost garage space, opt for materials that allow rainwater to soak away.
And, as usual, if your home is listed, you should be prepared for a battle.
Garage Conversion & The House Front
Sometimes it's not a planning department, but a clause in the deeds of your house that could prevent you from changing the use of your garage.
Developers can put a restriction into a sale agreement preventing the outside of a house from being altered to protect the look of an estate while they are selling the properties.
The good news is that once the estate is sold they will usually, for a fee, give you permission.
If, however, your developer, or the local planning department, decide they love the look of your garage doors, you could be stuck with them.
Many people get around this by making the first section of the garage into a storage area, with the useable living space tucked behind.
Garage Conversion Build Quality
We've all seen a badly done garage conversion, with mismatched brickwork and mock Tudor-style UPVC windows within the original square frame of the doors.
It is vital to discuss the details of how your garage conversion will look with your builder:
Make sure your bricks are keyed in so it looks original. And the window that replaces the garage door has to be in sympathy with the rest of the house. Make sure it looks like it has always been there.
And, if your garage has a flat roof, beware. You will need to upgrade it. If your builder assures you it's fine, get a surveyor in for a second opinion. There's no point in making the investment in the rest of the room if the flat roof isn't up to the job.
Garage Conversion Costs
The cost of a garage conversion depends on where you live and who you use to do the job. A small local builder is usually the cheapest option, but a specialist company may have more expertise and will offer you a guarantee.
Expect charges between £10-15,000 for a single garage, and £15-20,000 for a double. For comparison a single-garage sized extension could cost anything from £17,000 to £35,000.
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Home Extensions Price Comparison Site for:
Home Extensions - House Extension Costs - Kitchen Extensions
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