Fake garage door - why?
Discussion
We are thinking of moving and yesterday went to view this bungalow, which has a number of attractions to us.
The white garage doors to the left still appear to open but behind has been converted into a somewhat ramshackle workshop. However, it is the flat roofed extension at the other end that concerns me.
This contains what is described as a third bedroom, curiously the only one in the house with an en-suite - bath/shower, toilet and handbasin. At the back of the extension is a utility room, which could easily made into a kitchen, and has its own door to the exterior via the back garden. (The kitchen also has its own back door.) Pretty obviously the extension was built as a self contained annexe.
But why have the vendors hidden this behind a fake garage door? My cynical mind tells me that it is to hide the extension from the council, and the whole thing might not be a permitted development. Why would anyone do this if not to hide it?
Should we ask to see proof of the legality of the extension before making an offer, or should we walk away now. Some advice would be greatly appreciated.
The white garage doors to the left still appear to open but behind has been converted into a somewhat ramshackle workshop. However, it is the flat roofed extension at the other end that concerns me.
This contains what is described as a third bedroom, curiously the only one in the house with an en-suite - bath/shower, toilet and handbasin. At the back of the extension is a utility room, which could easily made into a kitchen, and has its own door to the exterior via the back garden. (The kitchen also has its own back door.) Pretty obviously the extension was built as a self contained annexe.
But why have the vendors hidden this behind a fake garage door? My cynical mind tells me that it is to hide the extension from the council, and the whole thing might not be a permitted development. Why would anyone do this if not to hide it?
Should we ask to see proof of the legality of the extension before making an offer, or should we walk away now. Some advice would be greatly appreciated.
Absolutely loads of these near us, it was incredibly frustrating when looking a few years back.
Usually, garage has been 'converted' to be used as a bedroom/store/gym/whatever, but as you said is not done properly, dubious legality/regulatory compliance, Estate Agents are often very sneaky about this and very deliberate with the words they choose to describe the space as it may not be technically habitable.
Common also to have a block/stud wall thrown up 2/rds down the length of the garage, to make the above 'games room' etc. But then the vendor and EA list the house as still having a 'garage'.
Usually, garage has been 'converted' to be used as a bedroom/store/gym/whatever, but as you said is not done properly, dubious legality/regulatory compliance, Estate Agents are often very sneaky about this and very deliberate with the words they choose to describe the space as it may not be technically habitable.
Common also to have a block/stud wall thrown up 2/rds down the length of the garage, to make the above 'games room' etc. But then the vendor and EA list the house as still having a 'garage'.
I think you have answered your own questions
Yes, need proof of planning and building regs…which probably won’t exist. I think that after a period of 10yrs it is just allowed but I am not sure and maybe retrospective planning might be needed.
Some mortgage lenders don’t like properties with two kitchens or where it is obvious that it could be sub let.
I would want a surveyor to check the build quality as it may not have insulation etc.
I think I would buy it on the basis that it would be properly rebuilt.
Yes, need proof of planning and building regs…which probably won’t exist. I think that after a period of 10yrs it is just allowed but I am not sure and maybe retrospective planning might be needed.
Some mortgage lenders don’t like properties with two kitchens or where it is obvious that it could be sub let.
I would want a surveyor to check the build quality as it may not have insulation etc.
I think I would buy it on the basis that it would be properly rebuilt.
That's out Hanningfield way I think.
If so, I know that some of the residents in the more outlying areas there can be very precious and protective on any form of development or change. My guess is that a previous owner didn't bother applying for permission that he knew would be objected to or wouldn't be given so just converted the garage. Sounds like a facility for someone disabled or infirm.
As above, do some asking but looks a nice property in a nice spot.
Some nice pubs out that way too!
If so, I know that some of the residents in the more outlying areas there can be very precious and protective on any form of development or change. My guess is that a previous owner didn't bother applying for permission that he knew would be objected to or wouldn't be given so just converted the garage. Sounds like a facility for someone disabled or infirm.
As above, do some asking but looks a nice property in a nice spot.
Some nice pubs out that way too!
StevieBee said:
That's out Hanningfield way I think.
If so, I know that some of the residents in the more outlying areas there can be very precious and protective on any form of development or change. My guess is that a previous owner didn't bother applying for permission that he knew would be objected to or wouldn't be given so just converted the garage. Sounds like a facility for someone disabled or infirm.
As above, do some asking but looks a nice property in a nice spot.
Some nice pubs out that way too!
You must be a champ at Geoguesser! Yes, it’s the end of West Hanningfield Road. If so, I know that some of the residents in the more outlying areas there can be very precious and protective on any form of development or change. My guess is that a previous owner didn't bother applying for permission that he knew would be objected to or wouldn't be given so just converted the garage. Sounds like a facility for someone disabled or infirm.
As above, do some asking but looks a nice property in a nice spot.
Some nice pubs out that way too!
Thanks for your replies everybody. It all confirms my suspicions. Now for the hard part, breaking it to my wife!
Caddyshack said:
I think you have answered your own questions
I think that after a period of 10yrs it is just allowed but I am not sure and maybe retrospective planning might be needed.
Lawful development certificate could be applied for after 10? years. But the garage door could count as "deliberate concealment", which means there's no time limit on planning enforcement. I think that after a period of 10yrs it is just allowed but I am not sure and maybe retrospective planning might be needed.
This house came up on my searches some time ago. Lounge must be drafty...
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/105550418
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/105550418
illmonkey said:
This house came up on my searches some time ago. Lounge must be drafty...
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/105550418
"Garage/Sitting Room" https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/105550418
silentbrown said:
illmonkey said:
This house came up on my searches some time ago. Lounge must be drafty...
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/105550418
"Garage/Sitting Room" https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/105550418
Drove past this the other day (it's local) and saw it was for sale, one I always had an eye on in case a for sale board appeared. Had no idea it was like this inside! Mrs geeks is keen, I think its trouble, lots and lots of trouble!
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/162704855#/...
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/162704855#/...
NiceCupOfTea said:
silentbrown said:
illmonkey said:
This house came up on my searches some time ago. Lounge must be drafty...
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/105550418
"Garage/Sitting Room" https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/105550418
I guess if you'd never told anyone, then the authorities won't know, but selling late FILs place recently the buyer's solicitor was very pedantic about checking planning and building control stuff. Even if not notified a surveyor would pick it up.
Sheepshanks said:
Even without planning, don't these things still need building control authorisation? They'd surely freak out if it's still usable as a garage due to lack of fire resistant doors.
I guess if you'd never told anyone, then the authorities won't know, but selling late FILs place recently the buyer's solicitor was very pedantic about checking planning and building control stuff. Even if not notified a surveyor would pick it up.
Well, I don’t think I could go ahead with this knowing that the solicitor I have to pay for has to spend time checking out something that looks so obviously dodgy. I think it is reasonable to ask the vendor to provide the evidence that all is in order with the extension.I guess if you'd never told anyone, then the authorities won't know, but selling late FILs place recently the buyer's solicitor was very pedantic about checking planning and building control stuff. Even if not notified a surveyor would pick it up.
Sheepshanks said:
NiceCupOfTea said:
silentbrown said:
illmonkey said:
This house came up on my searches some time ago. Lounge must be drafty...
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/105550418
"Garage/Sitting Room" https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/105550418
I guess if you'd never told anyone, then the authorities won't know, but selling late FILs place recently the buyer's solicitor was very pedantic about checking planning and building control stuff. Even if not notified a surveyor would pick it up.
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