Anyone built a Garage?

[speed_EM]

I'm planning on building a garage in the back garden capable of storing 5 cars in a humidity controlled environment. I've been thinking about timber build to a certain height (avoiding planning permission) but also going the full hog with a 2 level brick construction which would require planning (cars on ground level only).

Has anyone ever gone down this route and could give any advice?

thanks
andy

[GreigM]

I've just finished building a large double garage and went the route of getting planning permission - which isn't as complicated as people would have you believe and my local planning dept was very helpful answering email questions before the application went in. I did the drawings myself (with the aid of photoshop and visio and it was surprisingly straighforward - unless the building is going to be an obvious eyesore from the road or to your neighbours then you would most likely get permission granted.

[Wacky Racer]

I've just (self) built a large 28 ft (single) garage out of stone next to my existing double.....

I applied for planning permission, but building regs were not required as it was just under the limit....30 sq m.....

[Mosi]

Andy, PM redfive (Steve Dunn) through PureGT - he owns an Architects Practice and is a good 'forum contact'. He sorted my garage rebuild etc, he knows his onions

[SAB888]

You'd be lucky to avoid Planning Permission. Many factors can come into it, including area of original house, height of building, volume, distance from highway, materials etc.

There are also other qualifications in relation to Building Regulations apart from the 30m² limit, (boundary, height, materials).

You should talk to your local Council. I'd be surprised if you didn't need both.

[jonny5]

Mosi said:

Andy, PM redfive (Steve Dunn) through PureGT - he owns an Architects Practice and is a good 'forum contact'. He sorted my garage rebuild etc, he knows his onions

100% agree, got some great advice from Steve

[London GT3]

From the experience I had building mine, you may want to consider:

Powerfloat floor with sealant
Eco Tile floor finsih
Central Heating
Position of Sink/Hot Water
Daylight from windows/skylights
Position and number of lights
Position and number of switch socket outlets
The widest and tallest possible automatic door (Hormann are good)
Good ceiling height. (Car on axle stands with the bonnet up can be quite high)
Dimensions: Sounds obvious, but make sure it is big enough to open all car doors etc.
Do you need to get a car and trailer in, all loaded and connected, ready to drive out easily?
Alarm
Plastered/painted walls
TV point and a seating area
Position and number of workbenches and tool chests

Winching point on the ceiling (although I didn't bother in mine)

Good luck.

[POORCARDEALER]

London GT3 said:

From the experience I had building mine, you may want to consider:

Powerfloat floor with sealant
Eco Tile floor finsih
Central Heating
Position of Sink/Hot Water
Daylight from windows/skylights
Position and number of lights
Position and number of switch socket outlets
The widest and tallest possible automatic door (Hormann are good)
Good ceiling height. (Car on axle stands with the bonnet up can be quite high)
Dimensions: Sounds obvious, but make sure it is big enough to open all car doors etc.
Do you need to get a car and trailer in, all loaded and connected, ready to drive out easily?
Alarm
Plastered/painted walls
TV point and a seating area
Position and number of workbenches and tool chests

Winching point on the ceiling (although I didn't bother in mine)

Good luck.

You forgot the positioning of the bar

[dealmaker]

speed_EM said:

I'm planning on building a garage in the back garden capable of storing 5 cars in a humidity controlled environment. I've been thinking about timber build to a certain height (avoiding planning permission) but also going the full hog with a 2 level brick construction which would require planning (cars on ground level only).

Has anyone ever gone down this route and could give any advice?

thanks
andy

Have a look at something called "permitted development" - google it

Basically if you build a garage out of timber and the height of the pitch is below a certain height (4m), and it only takes up a certain percentage of your garden then you DON'T need planning permission!

I am using this to good effect to build a timber garage block in my garden for my Tractors, Quads, Kids stuff, trailers etc (thus freeing up space in my garage for MORE cars!) -

Quick Summary I found on net:-


New buildings

'Incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling' (eg can be a shed, greenhouse, garage, swimming pool, stable, aviary, etc.

Does not include a satellite dish (see category 5)

No nearer a road than the original house or 20m whichever is the lesser.

No higher than 4m if a pitched roof or 3m if a flat roof.

At least 5m away from the house (otherwise it is classed as an extension and comes under category 1).

Including the area of any outbuildings is not greater than 50% of the size of garden.

[graeme36s]

Also depending on the age of your toys, ventilation.
The old 1970 Z28 when driven can leave a petrol fume for quite a while.

[speed_EM]

Thanks for the advice all. Very useful.

I definitely think I'll get an architect involved - and start thinking about all the detail involved.

Never thought I'd get excited about a garage!

[flow99]

speed_EM said:

Thanks for the advice all. Very useful.

I definitely think I'll get an architect involved - and start thinking about all the detail involved.

Never thought I'd get excited about a garage!

For the type of garage you are considering, I would definately suggest contacting an architect, find one through the RIBA www.riba.org, and search through the registered practices.

Not just to resolve planning but also building regulations and the actual construction involved. It may be the old bit of blarney, but you may even save more in build costs than the architect's fees!

Also, whilst you may be able to build under 'permitted development', make sure you get some confirmation (in writing) from the local planning office; alwyas handy to stick up the nose of the enforcemnt officer when he/she visits to check on the building!