Garage Conversion FAQ

How long does a garage conversion take?

Generally a single garage conversion will be completed within 3 weeks with a double garage conversion taking slightly longer.

When would you be able to start?

We work on a strictly ‘first come, first served’ basis. We are normally booked 2-3 jobs ahead so a start date of 6 weeks or so is normally offered upon acceptance of our written fixed priced quotations.

Will I need planning permission?

Normally not depending on the exact works.

For clarity you should request written consent from your local authority concerning the works.

Notes:

• If you call them and ask for information they will only give you generic advice
• For a formal response some Council’s have a form called ‘do I need planning permission’ - this is normally chargable as well (should be in the region of £50)
• Some Council’s are kind enough to give a formal response for free if you send an email to their Planning Department

You may choose to check the deeds of your property if you have access to them – a couple of phrases to keep an eye out for are… PD (permitted development) removed, or the ‘garage to be used as a garage for domestic purposes only’ If you see either of these Planning Permission is probably needed.

What about Building Regulations?

Building Regs always apply and is a separate issue to Planning Permission – in a nutshell...

• Planning Permission (sometimes required) means permission from the Council for the work to be carried out
• Building Regs (always required) means the technical specification of how the works are carried out and what materials are used

What is the Building Regs procedure?

Worry not we take care of this for you!

There are different methods available but we always carry out our conversions under what is known as a ‘Building Notice’. The relevant paperwork is prepared and submitted to the Council, we then arrange for the building inspector to visit at various stages throughout the garage conversion.

On completion of your garage conversion you will be issued with a 'completion certificate'. It proves the garage conversion has been completed to current building control requirements. If you decide to sell your property in the future you will require this certificate otherwise you will only ever be able to call your new room a garage… no matter what you have had done to it and how much it has cost!