Detatch Garage conversion to link to the house

[Mumaru]

Hi,

We are buying a detatch 3 bed house which has detatch garage. Since the property only has 3 bedroom we want to convert the detach garage to a room with en suite and then plan to do double extension at the back of the property later down the years and single side extension next year.

My question is;

• do we need to hire architect for this? Can a builder do the work for us?
• how much does Architect normally charge?
• do we need to plan the whole layout and can do work slowly as we need to do garage conversion as soon as and rest to follow later?
• how much would it roughly costs?
• do we need the planning permission for garage conversion?

Thanks,

You need professional advice imho. What you want to do to the detached garage could be viewed as creating a separate dwelling even if you only intend to turn it into a usable room. It might be better to get planning permission for an extension including an extra bedroom and bathroom and demolish the garage before starting work. Otherwise you could end up with a hotch potch of extensions added at different times and a weird layout.

If you have a very clear idea of what you want, then you do not need an architect. You can use a technician or a designer for plans for planning permission and building regs. There is lots of info online and from the building mags and self build forums and people do save money this way.

However you do need to have a clear vision. Some people know what they want and an architect brings nothing extra to the table, whereas most probably do need the direction and skill of good architect.

Decide which camp you fall into.

Thank you for your replies.

As it's our first time doing extension and conversion. So will probably be worth getting professional advise esp when I just had a little one. I guess I want someone to project manage it.