Build over garage or loft conversion?

[LadyKooKoo]

Which is likely to be the cheapest? Are there negatives to one over the other?

[TheWookiesWife]

It's more difficult to park your car in the loft - but you can box up your junk and store it in the garage !
Joking aside ... Depends on how much work is involved in loft conversion - some roof styles are easier to convert than others - and you can buy garage kits that are relatively cheap and cheerful and some that are almost like little houses ?! Might be an idea to ask contractors over to quote ?!

[mummaemma]

am no expert but would imagine the loft conversion is cheaper. Are your foundations deep enough to build over the garage?

[LadyKooKoo]

I don't mean converting the garage, I mean an extension over it. You are right about quotes of course but am just wondering if anyone has any ideas/thoughts. If we build over the garage then we will definitely need to go down the architect/planning permission route. I am not sure whether this is the case with a loft conversion.

[LadyKooKoo]

Yes, the previous owner rebuilt the garage so it is 'set up' for an extension above as is the kitchen which runs behind it. I assume the loft is cheaper too but cheaper isn't always better I have found :)

[BikeRunSki]

Would the loft mean you are on three floors then? I think that if you go above two storeys, then storeys three and up (eg loft conversion) need fire escape systems and sprinklers. I don't know how this impacts on overll cost compared to building over garage, espcially if the garage already has suitable foundations.

[SingingSands]

Hmm, going over garage will mean knocking through to main house somewhere. Going into loft will mean installing a staircase. Which would give you more space? Loft conversions round here typically provide one/two bedrooms plus shower room.

[LadyKooKoo]

Had no idea about sprinklers on third floor! Loft would give us more space as long as stairs go where i would want them