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Could a garage conversion be the answer?
Friday, July 20, 2018
Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that the percentage of young adults living with their parents in the UK has risen from just over 21% in 1996 to 26% per cent in 2017. With an estimated 3.4m 20-34-year old adults living with their parents, homes with flexibility to accommodate the whole family’s needs are becoming increasingly popular. It’s not always an easy dynamic – different time schedules and priorities can create tension within the household and whilst the offer of rental payments may sweeten the deal, they don’t cover the laundry, housekeeping and need for space that dependents often demand. So what’s the answer?
An annexe can offer the best of both worlds; shared time when you choose yet separate space when you need it. Some houses naturally lend themselves to having an annexe arrangement which can also prove useful for elderly grandparents when children eventually fly the nest.
It may be as “simple” as converting a garage – often not used to house the car anyway - to create a room. This can be a good way to gain extra living space and enhance the value of your home. You’ll need to create storage elsewhere for garden tools, bikes etc and its worth getting a professional in to advise on what is required. Costs vary enormously but could be between £15,000 to £25,000+ depending on the initial structure and your specification. A partial garage conversion would be less, but not significantly as vital services, such as electrics and plumbing, will still need to be installed.
Most garage conversions will be classed as permitted development. However, do check if any of the following apply: • If your property is listed • If the conversion increases your home beyond permitted development rights • If you are converting the space for business use • If your council has restrictions on reducing parking • If you live in a Conservation Area
A conversion is subject to building regulations approval, due to change of use, so you will need to notify your local authority. You can use the council’s building control service or an approved independent inspector, costing around £300. The garage needs to be structurally sound with a damp-proof course; the walls, floor and roof need to be upgraded for energy efficiency, and all electricals will need to be tested to ensure safety, including those in the house. The Party Wall act will also apply if the work affects a structure shared with a neighbouring property.
A good garage conversion will look like a natural part of your home, rather than a converted garage and is important to your home’s future saleability. Consult an architect and commission scaled drawings of the project, indoors and out, before any work starts. There are specialist companies for garage conversions which can streamline the process, but a good builder will equally be able to do the job. They should be able to advise on ventilation, heating, electrics and plumbing to meet your requirements.
Consider the value a conversion will add to your home. If off-road parking is in short supply, homes with garages may be worth more than those without and outweigh the benefits of the conversion project. For advice on how a garage conversion could affect the value of your home, please contact your local Frost office for a free market appraisal of your property.
