The 3 Golden Rules To Make Garage Conversions Easier

If you have a home with a garage doing nothing but gathering dust as a makeshift storage bin, the temptation to convert it into another room or even a studio flat is extremely tempting.

There is a lot of value in garage conversions of all shapes and sizes, whilst an additional flat is another room you could potentially rent out to generate passive income.

It is a very tempting prospect, especially if you already have extensions that have limited the amount of space you have to develop without additional planning permission.

A garage conversion typically does not require any, as it is covered under permitted development rights, which allow for certain kinds of development to be done with the assumption of planning approval.

Whilst this is true, there are three golden rules you should follow to ensure you keep within the letter and the spirit of the law, whilst also lowering costs and maximising quality.

1. Do Not Change The Footprint Of The Garage

Whilst permitted development rights can vary slightly by local planning authority (more on that below), one of the most important rules is to ensure that you do not alter the dimensions of the garage, as this can require more extensive foundation work and potential planning permission.

When designing your garage conversion, we work to maximise the space you already have, which given that your garage typically has to hold a car, is often a lot more than you might expect.

2. Check Your Local Planning Authority

Whilst you do not need to apply for planning permission, it is much better to ask for permission than forgiveness.

Some buildings are either listed structures or lie in conservation areas, which limits the types of building work that can be done without consent.

3. Check Your Title Deed For Restrictive Covenants

A restrictive covenant is a legally binding condition which may stop you from making alterations or changing how a building is used.

Make sure you know what you can and cannot do with a house before you proceed with work, as you may need to reverse it later.