Garage conversion

[QuotetheRaven]

The Mrs and I would like to do a garage part conversion if we can afford it, for a room for the kids.

We have a single garage as part of two singles with a brick partition, the other owned by the neighbour. It's a 2018 new build, has electric already, and fire proof ceiling, above which is the pointy tiled roof over both garages.

All I want to do is make it a useable space for working, playing and so insulate, add a door, couple of windows for light, and a partition behind the garage door so the front of the garage remains for storage.

Garage is roughly 10m x 6m.

Do I need to raise the floor or ensure a 2.4m ceiling clearance for this?

Could it be done for less than 10k?

Any builders about to advise - would appreciate some guidance so we know ball park if it's possible. Thanks.

Location - Basingstoke.

My parents converted their garage into an office space and utility room 7yrs ago. South East. It cost them around £18k.

Why would you need to raise the floor? Isn’t the ceiling clearance more a minimum? (Genuine question as I don’t understand this stuff but would also consider converting our garage so interested).

I’d get 3 quotes from local builders. They will vary hugely. We had quotes for a conservatory in about 2010 and they were £28k, £18k and £10k - we went with £10k and it was great as it was that or no conservatory and we needed the space.

We're in the south east and had our existing single garage half converted a couple of years ago. It came in at about 8.5K in total. We needed planning permission as there was a restriction on the property around parking spaces, but was relatively straightforward. Ours was a basic brick shell so we had a proper floor put in (which did raise it slightly), insulated walls and ceiling with lights and new sockets, radiator etc, and then a door through to the other half of the garage. We also added a window and have a full glass door for light.

We are hoping to do a half conversion. Garage is attached to house. Just been quoted 5k just to put a very small toilet in it. Currently looking at getting quotes for toilet with also small office so following. We are in the NW

£17-£25k probably... main reason being complying to fire regulations which you need for any 'habitable room' (which is pretty much any room bar a closed plan kitchen or bathroom, storage space and maybe a utility room basically 'habitable' anywhere you sit or sleep for long periods).

Living rooms, offices, playrooms, gaming rooms, bedrooms etc... all have to comply to escape route laws etc...

You'll need to comply with building regulations - and get confirmation from local council to prove that you have done so.

Just for instance (there is much more online to help): www.fmb.org.uk/find-a-builder/ultimate-guides-to-home-renovation/garage-conversions-the-ultimate-guide.html

Thanks for the responses.
It won't be plumbed which I'm hoping keeps costs down as it's then only adding windows, a door and insulation. Where the best way to get quotes? Checkatrade? Mybuilder.com?

Thanks

Sounds as though you'd need planning permission, so best to check your local planning department website for information on that first.

For building quotes I'd ask local friends if they know of a decent builder. Has anyone you know locally had work done in the last few years and would recommend their builder?

If you go ahead, make sure you get the conversion properly checked by Building Regs and get the final certificate.