Has anyone converted the garage to a lounge?

[Dealingwithatrexrightnow]

We are buying a new build. Huge garage alongside the house. Single skin. We want to put power, heating, water in and have a kind of utility - just a sink (Belfast), taps, kettle, sofa, tv and chest freezer and tumble dryer. The garage is alongside the house and garden so we could put patio doors in the side over looking the garden. We want to insulate it. Partner wants it to be light so he can paint in there. A large sofa so the teenagers can relax in there or maybe us!

Has anyone converted the garage to a liveable space. We have the money to do it I think 🤔. But both of us practical but never done anything like this.

For heating a friend converting an old basement into a self contained flat and out infra red heaters on the ceiling and new tenants love it and say it is cosy. But could go air source heat pump as well.

If it is a new build there is likely to be a covenant preventing this at least for a few years after moving in. I think it is usually done to keep the houses looking similar and maybe to make sure there is enough parking.

Lots of our neighbours have (townhouses). I think so long as you leave good storage space (eg the front section perhaps) it's a great idea. My DF is the only person I know who keeps his car in his garage.

Agree - if it's new build it's likely that the planning permission will prevent garage conversions without applying for planning permission.

Our next door neighbours did, and then complained about the noise from people going up the stairs in our house, the staircase adjoining the garage which they'd converted...

What pps said about covenants preventing this in newbuilds.

We’re currently converting a double garage into a granny annexe. We didn’t have to submit a building application but building regulations apply with visits from the inspector. I’m worried about losing my garage and devaluing the house but needs must.

How many cars do you have and where do/will you park them? Is there any chance your children could end up living with you for several years as working adults and need cars as well?

We have a huge driveway enough for at least 3 cars. We can buy permission and they can’t withhold it unreasonably and asking to making a utility room / general room is not unreasonable. Precedent has been set already. I’m hoping it will be like £250 for permission. We will be putting in a door but it’s not overlooked or overlooking anyone else. So fingers crossed should be ok.

Planning permission is separate to restrictions on the deeds. You need to check with the Council.

At our last house, the (single) garage had already been converted. It was one of the things that most attracted us to the house as I needed a room for music teaching. The previous owners had used it as a family room. It was a great space, but was a cold room. I believe this is a common problem with converted garages. Our present house had a double garage. Again, I needed a music room - two upright pianos as well other assorted instruments. Our builder designed the perfect room. The front parts, where the garage doors still are, have been made into a utility room and a storage area. As the facade is still the same with the garage doors in place, we had not changed the look of the house so did not require planning permission. The music room itself is beautiful. It has a wooden floor and so much space. It has large, wall-mounted radiators, so is beautifully warm. It doubles as a library with bookcases and a small Cosy Corner for reading. It is often obvious that a garage has been converted in many cases, but our music studio looks as if it has always been there. OP, if you are in a position to convert your garage, go for it, but make sure you get a good design and good insulation.

I have a relative that did this - their house was built in 2004, they purchased it in 2007 (second owner) and converted garage to create a larger kitchen / diner. They had to get planning permission but that was easy and they got it approved relatively quickly.

The convenant will depend on the developer I guess.