GARAGE CONVERSIONS
As an Architectural Technician for
many years and surveyed 100’s of garages all over Scotland…. we have found a common theme
regarding garages and that is……NO ONE KEEPS A CAR IN A GARAGE.
Why convert your garage?
A garage conversion is one of the most cost-effective home improvements you can do to your home. A garage conversion can not only provide you with additional living space but also add considerable value to your home which reduces the disruption to the homeowners.
A garage conversion does not typically require planning permission, however, will require a building warrant at a minimum. Popular uses for a garage conversion at present are for home offices, however, can be utilised for extra bedroom, home gym/cinema or just some extra space for relaxing.
The great thing about a garage conversion is that the works are not weather dependent as most conversions are a matter of laying some insulation on the existing garage floor and insulation to walls (I’m sure a builder won’t say it’s that easy, but what do I know……I can’t even put a shelf up).
How much does it cost to convert your garage?
A typical garage conversion is £7000-9000; however, this can vary for a few reasons such as; location, size of garage, the type of finish (redwood or oak), storage required and also the type of insulation required such as rigid insulation (Kingspan etc) or wool insulation can be used (Knauf).
The architect will specify the type and thickness of insulation required to meet the U Value requirements. As a client, make sure that the Architects/Architectural technicians have considered the cheapest options to achieve the same outcome as this can save you £100’s just on insulation costs.
Normally the new window will be the same width as the previous garage door, with the lintel remaining in place, which means there is no structural alterations. Also, if there is not an existing door between the house/garage then one would normally be required. The architect can specify the lintels required for this if in a load-bearing wall, however this is typically limited to a maximum opening of 1800mm wide.
How long does it take to convert your garage?
We have worked with numerous contractors all over Scotland which typically convert a garage from start to finish within 7-10 days.
The longest part of a garage conversion is the permissions as these can take 4-8 weeks before any works can start.
What happens if you have already converted your garage without permission?
If you have already converted your garage without permissions, then this is illegal, and you won’t be able to sell your home, or your home insurance may be invalid.
To rectify this, your architect can obtain an ‘completion certificate where no warrant obtained’. Due to the Local Authority wanting people to obtain permissions first and do things legally, they charge a 300% fee for this, which can be a considerable amount (see table below), eg £7000 project would cost £226 x 3 = £678 (to be paid to council before you even pay an architect).
