Converting a garage into an apartment

Converting a garage into an apartment

Author
Discussion

Thankyou4calling

Original Poster:

10,607 posts

174 months

Thursday 30th January 2014
quotequote all
I'm fortunate to have a detached garage which I use to store/collect the usual rubbish. It's about 600 sq.ft, brick built, with normal height roof. Has anyone converted such a garage into a dwelling, it has power, no water but all could be done. Off the back of an envelope I'd think for £25k I'd have a nice 1 bed with kitchen, lounge, shower room etc that I could rent long term. What issues might planning authorities have?

jdw1234

6,021 posts

216 months

Friday 31st January 2014
quotequote all
I want to do the same thing, but use it for a staff/guest/doddery old parents cottage.

When my garage was originally built, a stipulation of the planning was that its use must be tied to the house. Check you don't have similar restrictions.

I am also outside the designated village boundary so you are not usually allowed to create additional dwellings in this area.

You will also need to pay separate council tax.


TA14

12,722 posts

259 months

Friday 31st January 2014
quotequote all
They can also be used to store cars.

jdw1234

6,021 posts

216 months

Friday 31st January 2014
quotequote all
TA14 said:
They can also be used to store cars.
Haha good point.

I would have one of those triple oak jobbies made to go alongside. Otherwise where would all the crap go?!!




Fishtigua

9,786 posts

196 months

Friday 31st January 2014
quotequote all
I used live in one.

A mate converted it and I rented it off him. The damp was just awful, winters were freezing cold and I could hear all their noise, kids playing. I left as soon as I could without hurting his feelings.

Garages are built to house cars, not humans. Make sure all the basics are there for damp courses, ventilation, insulation, etc.

Andehh

7,112 posts

207 months

Friday 31st January 2014
quotequote all
Fishtigua said:
I used live in one.

A mate converted it and I rented it off him. The damp was just awful, winters were freezing cold and I could hear all their noise, kids playing. I left as soon as I could without hurting his feelings.

Garages are built to house cars, not humans. Make sure all the basics are there for damp courses, ventilation, insulation, etc.
This X 10. Lived in one for short stint, hated it, complained when I left and it was never rented again. Do it properly or not at all.

Thankyou4calling

Original Poster:

10,607 posts

174 months

Friday 31st January 2014
quotequote all
Andehh said:
This X 10. Lived in one for short stint, hated it, complained when I left and it was never rented again. Do it properly or not at all.
Good point.

I'd do it properly. Council tax, yes.

paulwirral

3,154 posts

136 months

Friday 31st January 2014
quotequote all
I would be more concerned about building control than planning dept.

paulwirral

3,154 posts

136 months

Friday 31st January 2014
quotequote all
I would be more concerned about building control than planning dept.

barryrs

4,392 posts

224 months

Friday 31st January 2014
quotequote all
I believe the options are.

1. Granny annexe does not normally require planning unless your permitted development rights have been removed.

2. Holiday let; will require planning and can be rented out (normally conditioned with a max 30 day rental agreement) but cannot be sold as a separate dwelling. I know of people that rent holiday lets long term by asking the tenant to sign a years worth of post dated rental agreements up front. Not sure much hot water thsi could land you in though?

3. Conversion into a separate dwelling will require planning permission and if you go down this route you may as well knock the garage down as a conversion isnt VAT exempt IIRC.