Garage Conversions
07 February 2025
Alongside loft conversions, another popular request at Bruach is whether a client can convert their garage to create additional living space. We have seen garages turned into additional sitting rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, home offices or even home gyms. We thought it would be useful to put together a brief information post about things you should consider if you are thinking about converting your garage.
Firstly, a garage conversion does not typically require a Planning Application to be made however, many new housing developments have the garage protected as a parking space and conversions will require specific Planning Permission. It is worth checking your title deeds for confirmation as this is where the continuing requirement from the original Planning Permission should be noted. Alternatively, you can contact your local planning authority to ask if they can advise if there are any planning conditions associated with your property and specifically the garage. It is also worth noting that if your house is situated within a Conservation Area or the building is Listed then Planning Permission will be required regardless.
Regardless of whether Planning Permission is required or not, a garage conversion requires a Building Warrant from your local authority. As part of the warrant application process, you will need to show compliance with the Building Standards in terms of the structural alterations and energy requirements.
The key things that normally affect whether a garage conversion is possible are as follows:
Access: Do you have a location where you can create a new access through to the garage from within your hall or another room in the house?
Floor Level: Is there a change in level from the house into the garage? There needs to be sufficient space to allow insulation to be installed on top of the garage floor slab to allow the garage to become a habitable room.
Structure: If there are any new openings required for example to form a new doorway into the converted garage, we would need to seek advice from a structural engineer.
Insulation: As the garage is being converted into a new habitable room it will require new insulation to meet the current Building Standards and this can often take away from the useable space as the head height will be reduced to allow space for the insulation to be installed on top of the existing garage floor. You will require a minimum of 2m clear headroom between the new floor level and the ceiling.
Services: Are there any existing services in your garage such as electrical meters or perhaps this is where your boiler is located? These may require to be relocated as part of the works.
It is worth noting that the above list is not exhaustive and that every project needs to be considered individually, however we have found these to be the key factors in determining whether a garage conversion is possible. We hope it is a useful starting point if you are considering this type of alteration to your home.
Get in touch if you would like to find out more about the possibility of converting your garage. We can help you to obtain the approvals necessary to turn your unused garage into a new room!
Photos | Completed garage conversion in West Dunbartonshire by Bruach Architects
