Are you building a new garage at your property or are you keen to convert your existing garage for a different use? Then you’ll need to know whether planning permission will be required or not. A garage can be multi-functional.
While it’s ideal for keeping your car out of the elements, many people choose to use their garage for a completely different purpose such as storage, as an entertainment room, music studio, or workshop. Garage’s hold a lot of hidden potential. Some people even convert the space into a bedroom, home gym, or office.
Whether you’re building a garage from scratch or converting your old one, planning permission is a topic that you’ll need to consider. Here, you’ll find all the information you need to set you in the right direction.
Why Build Or Convert A Garage?
A lot of homeowners fail to recognise the full potential of their garages, yet there are many benefits that come with one. Garages can increase a property’s overall value, particularly if it’s been converted. Garages can also be a completely new additional living space for your home – ideal if you have a growing family but can’t afford to move up the property ladder.
Some homeowners decide to convert just part of their garages, leaving some space behind for use for storage. Garage conversions can be quite affordable and will have no effect on how much council tax you have to pay.
Is Planning Permission Needed To Construct A New Garage?
There are a few different factors to keep in mind but in most cases, there’s no need to get any planning permission to construct a garage from scratch. A garage is typically considered to be an outbuilding so no planning permission is necessary. Nevertheless, there are a few exceptions to the rule.
To avoid a requirement to obtain planning permission, you’ll need to make sure that the garage keeps its floor space to under 15 square metres if it’s a freestanding garage, or 30 square metres if it’s attached to the property. It cannot be used as a form of living space and cannot be higher than four metres.
It must also take up under 50% of the property’s footprint and by only a single storey in height. Any garage falling outside these parameters is likely to require planning permission to be obtained before beginning construction.
Is Planning Permission Needed To Convert My Garage?
Whether planning permission is required for a garage conversion will depend on your plans. If you’re only making changes to the inside of the garage and not increasing its size you probably won’t require planning permission. However, if you’re going to extend it, you may need planning permission. Further clarification can be obtained from the local planning authorities.
Will Planning Permission Be Required For A Garage Extension?
Building an extension garage onto your home could be the perfect way to increase your storage space but planning permission for garage extensions can be more complicated that that for conversions. Essentially, the rules are the same as those for building a garage, but your local planning authority can clarify further.
What About If I’m Building My New Garage In The Garden?
Along with greenhouses and sheds, garages are deemed to be outbuildings and these are treated in a different way to other kinds of additions to properties when obtaining planning permission. In general, local planning authorities consider outbuildings to be permitted developments, so there’s no need to obtain planning permission before commencing your project.
Nevertheless, it’s crucial to make sure that the garage won’t be exceeding the existing regulations stating that the garage cannot take up over 50% of the land and cannot be higher than four metres.
Will Planning Permission Be Necessary For Wooden Garages?
If your garage is constructed from a kit or comes ready made, there’s usually no need to get planning permission. Wooden garages are often viewed as temporary structures, which sets them apart from a traditional brick garage.
Who Can Build Or Convert My Garage?
Finding the right tradespeople to build or convert your garage is essential and you should be looking for either a general contractor or builder with the right qualifications and knowledge to complete the project to a high standard. Depending on the scope of your project, it’s possible that you’ll require the services of a plumber and an electrician too.
Before rushing into choosing tradespeople to work with, it’s essential to take some time to do your research well. It’s vital to hire somebody who is experienced, reliable, and trustworthy so you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that all of the work will be done to the appropriate standards.
Reading reviews and checking websites will make sure that you’re selecting a professional that can be trusted. The best thing to do is ask your friends, neighbours, colleagues, or family members if they can recommend any tradespeople that they have had a good experience with, but if this isn’t possible, you could use the HomeOwners Alliance website where you can find a helpful guide to choosing professionals to complete your job.
How Much Will It Cost To Build Or Convert A Garage?
While some homeowners believe that they can reduce their costs by completing their project themselves, this is rarely a good idea. If you lack the necessary experience and knowledge of construction, you should always use professional builders or contractors for your project. Of course, this comes with associated costs, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind of knowing the work is done properly.
On average, you can expect it to cost around £24,000 to build a brand new garage, and around £16,000 to extend a single garage made from brick. If you’re considering converting your existing garage, you can expect the average cost to be around £14,500. Of course, these costs could be lower or higher depending on your needs and location.