Garage conversions
Garage conversions.
If the garage is just full of boxes, it could be a bedroom, an office or a playroom instead. An extra room, without building an extension.
- For
- Extra room without extending
- Planning
- Not usually needed
- Building regs
- Normally required
- Time
- Usually 2 to 4 weeks
How it works.
- Checks. Planning isn't usually needed if the work is internal and doesn't enlarge the building, but rights have sometimes been removed, especially on newer estates. Check with the council first.
- Building regulations application. Wigan Council lists garage conversions as minor work suited to a building notice, and says a full plans application is more cost effective.
- Prepare the building. Walls and roof are checked and any structural issues fixed.
- The floor. It needs a damp proof membrane and insulation, and raising the level to match the house may be worthwhile.
- Fill in the garage door. The new wall needs a suitable foundation, because the existing threshold is unlikely to have been designed to carry one.
- Insulation, doors and windows. Walls, floor and roof are insulated and the new window goes in.
- Heating, electrics and plaster. In Wigan, building control needs at least 2 working days' notice before anything is covered up.
- Sign-off. A final inspection, then your completion certificate.
More detail in garages: planning and building regs.
Questions we get asked.
Do I need building regulations for a garage conversion?
Yes, normally. The Planning Portal says converting a garage, or part of one, into habitable space will normally require approval.
Do I need planning permission?
Usually not, providing the work is internal and doesn't enlarge the building. Permission may be needed if it becomes a separate house.
How do I find out if my rights have been removed?
Check with your local planning authority first. In Wigan, the council also offers a lawful development certificate if you're unsure.
Does the garage floor need replacing?
Not always. It needs a damp proof membrane and insulation, and the simplest option is often to upgrade the existing concrete floor.
Does filling in the door need foundations?
A new foundation may be needed. Foundations must reach undisturbed ground.
My garage has an old cement roof. Is that a problem?
It might be. HSE lists asbestos cement roof sheeting as a material to be aware of. Get it checked before it's disturbed.
How long does a garage conversion take?
Ours usually take 2 to 4 weeks. Checkatrade gives the same figure for a standard single garage, not counting approvals, and 6 to 8 weeks if you're splitting it or adding an ensuite.
Sources
- Planning Portal, Garage conversion: building regulations
- Planning Portal, Garage conversion: planning permission
- Planning Portal, Garage conversion: flooring
- Planning Portal, In-fill garage door
- Wigan Council, Apply for building regulations
- Wigan Council, About the process
- Approved Document L Volume 1 (2021, with 2023 amendments)
- HSE, Locations of asbestos
- Checkatrade, How long does a garage conversion take?