Garage Conversion, What You Need to Know

Home owners often consider a garage conversion when looking for a way to add living space and increase property value, but aren’t sure where to start. Four of the most commonly asked questions about a garage conversion are:

1. Will I need planning permissions?

This is largely dependent on whether or not you seek to increase the external area of the garage. If not, the conversion will typically be covered under ‘permitted development rights’ (PDR).

2. Where do I start?

Once it is clear that the work is allowed under PDR or planning permissions are acquired, then it would be best to consult a building surveyor, architect or structural engineer to help design your conversion plans.

3. Does a garage conversion add property value?

Typically, yes. Anything that improves and creates additional living space to your home will add value. You just need to ensure your project is properly planned, managed and controlled so that the expenditure does not exceed the value added.

4. How much does a garage conversion cost?

This will depend greatly on whether you employ a builder for the work or if you project manage yourself and use individual trades people or do some/all of the work yourself. Depending on what you are having done and by whom, pricing could start around £8,000.