Convert a garage

[wowbutter]

It looks as if we need to convert our garage into a self contained annexe for an elderly relative.
The garage already has a boarded roof area, so we can put all our stuff into that and make it the attic of the annexe I guess.
But, where do we start? Garage is built, has electric points and obviously we own it. What do we do now? I'm so clueless!

You say it's going to be self contained. Are you putting in a bathroom and kitchen area. You will need to look at plumbing, electrics, wiring, heating, doors, window, flooring, it's quite a task, would you get a builder in to give you some idea of what needs doing. If you are using the roof space for storage you'll need stairs, ventilation, building regs and a fire check.

Look up homebuilding.co.uk who have a good info site

You need some proper professional advice and give first consideration to insulation and where the drainage links to.

Is it a builder I need?
When you say a professional, is that what I need? I don't need an architect?
God I really am clueless. I just want to ring someone and have them come sort what I want with what can actually be done.

You can find a lot online, portal uk is good, you might find it helpful reading up what you wil need to do.

I'll try portal, thanks, that home building site wasn't great.
So, I need a builder, yes?

If you are completely novice then contact a specialist garage conversion company. May look a little more expensive than doing your own project Management but could save you from awful mistakes and headaches. Go and look at some posh sheltered housing for elderly-friendly ideas like wet rooms and sensor flushing loos.

A good builder will also cover planning etc - for a self contained annexe I believe you need planning permission.
Google building firms that specialise in garage conversions or extensions in your area.

There are sites you can google and companies who specialise in making the most of very small spaces. They have ideas you wouldn't ever have thought of. Obviously an older relative won't want a cabin bed with a desk under, but there are all sorts of ingenious ideas to fit things in where you really wouldn't have thought it possible. Try looking at boats as well as garages for ingenious ideas.