Christchurch Garage Conversion (BH23): If you find yourself contemplating strategies to expand the amount of living area that you've got in your house, there are commonly 2 main routes you might think about. Either you can increase the amount of space in the form of an extension or you could adjust the use of some existing space which is not currently being put to its fullest. The first option has various downsides which include the cost (it is inclined to be rather costly), the footprint (it increases the footprint of your property and lessens external space) and the mess (it often results in a lot of disruption and mess). The other solution that could take numerous forms is the recommended route whenever possible.
This objective can primarily be reached through either converting your loft or the remodelling of your garage. The straightforward and cost-effective choice between the two is a garage conversion. This option would naturally come to mind if your garage isn't fulfilling its original function, i.e., parking your car. Should it be used solely for storage, converting it into a functional room with a small investment of just a few thousand pounds could potentially boost your property's market value by up to ten percent.
An experienced garage conversion company will happily give you guidance and advice in relation to just what use you will be able to make of the extra room gained by doing a garage conversion. Perhaps you would like to add a further downstairs bathroom, generate a new bedroom as your family expands, or add a play room or office. Your local Christchurch garage conversion specialist will easily make your dreams come true, whichever of these you choose.
The extra room added by a garage conversion may perhaps render your house more appealing to prospective buyers, should you have the intention to sell it. Although, off-road-parking can be more valuable in certain locations and retaining the garage may be more worthwhile. The advice of a credible garage conversion specialist in Christchurch will be essential in this instance and they might point out that doing a conversion won't improve the value of your property.
To guarantee that your garage is appropriate for conversion, your chosen Christchurch garage conversion expert will retain an architect who'll help with drawing up some working blueprints. As, quite often, garages are constructed differently to residential properties in Christchurch, they have to be modified before the conversion work can start. To comply with the current building regs for residential houses, this may entail upgrading the foundations or re-strengthening the roof for instance.
Being acquainted with all aspects of the latest rules and regulations is the duty of your Christchurch garage conversion specialist, your task is simply to sit back and relax while the project begins to take shape.
Practically any sort of garage is suitable for conversion, while this will of course depend upon what purpose you intend to use it for. Both single and double garages can certainly be converted, however a single garage will only have about 18 m2 of floor space and is just about large enough to fit your car in. It's because single garages have such restricted space that some householders in Christchurch seldom bother to put their vehicles in them. You'll often see their vehicles parked on the road or on the driveway, whilst the inside is filled with tools, lawn mowers, toys and bicycles and various miscellaneous junk. You are going to have a great deal more space to work with when you are altering a double garage, and you'll also have more options with regards to what you are going to use this added space for.
Quite a lot of home garages in Christchurch are currently being utilized as workshops, either so as to carry out a hobby (i.e. shoemaking), or to help with operating a business (i.e. car repairs). If this is the case you might be reluctant to convert your garage and favour keeping it as a workshop. There are a number of ways around this dilemma however, and one could be to disregard your garage and do a conversion on your loft instead. Another would be to do a conversion on your garage after moving your workshop into a suitable shed. If you have space in your garden, there are some top quality garden sheds available which could easily serve as a decent workshop, leaving you free to transform your garage into something more useful to your main house.
Next, you will need to find a top notch Christchurch builder to undertake the work, if you've made a decision to go ahead with a garage conversion. While you can check out a range of building contractors, it's generally safer to pick one who specialises in cellar conversions, garage conversions, loft space conversions and the like. You must always ask to see photographs of garage conversions that they have carried out previously, and read reviews and get references where possible. You should be looking for a building contractor who does tidy work with a good finish.
Beyond the Basics:
To elevate your garage conversion from good to fantastic, consider these additional elements that maximise its functionality and enjoyment:
- Multi-functional furniture: For a truly adaptable and space-conscious converted space, choose furniture that works double duty. Opt for multi-functional items like futons or fold-down beds, allowing the room to seamlessly transition between different functionalities.
- Natural light and ventilation: Maximise natural daylight and ventilation by incorporating roof windows, larger windows or skylights. This fosters a healthy environment, prevents build-ups of moisture, and creates a more comfortable and inviting space.
- Finishing touches and aesthetics: Choose flooring, paint colours, and other design elements that complement the overall style of your property and reflect your personal preferences. Personalising the space will contribute to its overall comfort and enjoyment.
- Soundproofing: Let the quiet reign supreme! Invest in soundproofing materials to minimise noise transfer, especially if the converted space is intended for a bedroom, home office, or entertainment room. This will ensure a peaceful and enjoyable environment.
- Storage solutions: Incorporate built-in storage solutions like cabinets, shelves, or even hidden storage under the stairs to maximise space and maintain a clutter-free environment, especially if the converted space is intended for a bedroom or home office.
Garage conversions can be completed in Christchurch and also in: Walkford, Burton, Winkton, Wick, Somerford, Hurn, Southbourne, Highcliffe, Tuckton, Mudeford, Stanpit, Sopley, Purewell, Boscombe, Iford, Pokesdown, Jumpers Common, and in these postcodes BH23 1FA, BH23 1QS, BH23 1NB, BH23 1NR, BH23 1LE, BH23 1NL, BH23 1FG, BH23 1EF, BH23 1BX, and BH23 1LN. Local Christchurch garage conversion contractors will most likely have the telephone code 01202 and the postcode BH23. Checking this should guarantee that you access locally based providers of garage makeovers. Property owners in the Christchurch area can utilise these and countless other garage related services. Click on the "Quote" banner to get garage conversion quotations.
Garage Extensions Christchurch
It's come to my notice recently that quite a few of our visitors from Google found us by typing in "garage extensions" or words to that effect. Therefore, you may well have ended up on this page while looking for "garage extensions Christchurch" or "garage extension Christchurch", as opposed to garage conversions. Naturally, the difference is that if you're looking for information on a garage extension, then this article would be irrelevant because you presumably don't have a garage on your property and will therefore not need garage conversion!
It isn't my intention right now, to cover garage extensions, but at some point in the future we may well look into adding a post on garage extensions, so please feel free to call back. Having said that, if you're interested in getting some price quotes you can CLICK HERE FOR GARAGE EXTENSIONS CHRISTCHURCH.
Garage Conversions Christchurch - The Building Regulations
Converting your garage into liveable space is an excellent way to increase the value of your house in Christchurch whilst adding an extra room. If you're not extending the size of the garage and are simply investigating ways to convert the existing space, you will probably not require planning permission as long as you observe the necessary building regulations.
Such aspects as electrical installations, insulation, drainage, ventilation and fire safety will be covered by the building regulations pertaining to garage conversions. For advice on regulations you should contact your local building control office for the checklist of items you must adhere to for your particular garage conversion in Christchurch.
A professional builder in Christchurch will assist you with the building regulations process and notify you if you need to submit a Full Plan Submission or a simpler Building Notice to your local council offices. As is indicated by the name, a Full Plan Submission involves sending in a copy of the planned building works to be approved, while a Building Notice allows for work to be begun swiftly and is commonly used for smaller projects.
Half-Garage Conversions Christchurch
When looking into a garage conversion in Christchurch, there could possibly be some circumstances where the local council will reject an application for "change of use". This is comparatively uncommon but may crop up if you live in a conservation area, on a new housing development, in a listed building or in an area of special interest.
The one you're more likely to run across is if your home is part of a newer housing development. Local councils quite often prefer that all the garage spaces remain, or wish to maintain the uniform appearance of these areas, and this is the most common basis for refusal.
Providing you don't modify your garage entrance, this should not be too much of an issue, because it's more the outside look of the garage that's important. What you could do is go with a "half-garage" conversion, whereby you leave the entrance and a part of the garage as it is, and convert the end half of it into a workshop, utility room or home office, and you can still create some practical extra living space, without changing the external appearance of your property.
An additional benefit of this solution is that it will be a good deal cheaper than a whole garage conversion, therefore if you're working to a limited budget, this may be a possibility.
Garage Conversion for Granny Annexe
If you have an elderly family member or perhaps a young adult needing their own private living space, transforming your currently underused garage into a granny annexe could be the perfect, low-cost solution for this situation.
If your garage is of an adequate size and doesn't need extending upwards or outwards, then planning permission won't normally be required for an interior conversion. This sort of work falls under the Permitted Development (PD) scheme, and providing that the work complies with the relevant Building Regulations it's no problem. Nonetheless, you may require planning permission if you are intending to transform your garage into a wholly separate living space independent of the main home, regardless of who is going to occupy it. As always in such situations, you should contact your local control office for specific guidelines in the Christchurch area.
If you happen to be on the lookout for a financial motivation to convert your garage in Christchurch for the use of a relative, give some thought to the fact that 3 tax cuts were announced in 2020 for home improvements that help support extended families. This includes the ending of the double taxation council tax policy on annexes. (Tags: Convert Garage to Granny Annexe Christchurch, Granny Annexe Conversions Christchurch, Granny Annexes Christchurch).
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Garage Conversion?
Although planning permission is often a prerequisite for garage conversions in the UK, a substantial number of garage conversions fall under the umbrella of "permitted development rights," permitting them to proceed without formal planning approval, contingent upon the fulfillment of specific criteria. These criteria include:
- The dwelling should not accommodate more than 4 bedrooms post-conversion.
- The converted space should be used for purposes that are compatible with residential living, such as adding a sleeping area, setting up a work area, or expanding the living space.
- The building's physical extent should remain confined to its original limits.
- The property's exterior should remain largely unchanged to preserve its distinctive features.
It's important to note that local planning authorities may have their own restrictions and guidelines, so it's advisable to consult with them or seek professional advice to ensure compliance. If the conversion doesn't meet the permitted development criteria, you'll need to apply for planning permission, which can involve a more extensive process and potential fees. Always check the latest regulations and consult with local authorities for specific guidance.
Garage Conversions - The Costs
One of the wonderful benefits of converting your garage to achieve further space in your house is that it's unquestionably the cheaper solution. A bog standard garage conversion will cost around £1,200 per square metre, meaning that you should be able to do the entire conversion for under £8-10,000 (subject to the area of your garage). This compares to something in the region of £35,000-40,000 for a brick extension or a loft conversion. Of course the created space is somewhat limited although it is by no means inconsequential. it could easily be used for an extra bedroom, a spare sitting room, a kitchen or a kid's play room. Just how much a garage conversion costs is dependent upon not only the area of your garage but the amount of work that has to be undertaken to get it done. This is going to include considerations such as the cost of design and planning fees, whether or not a structural engineer is required, whether the ceiling needs to be raised, whether or not the roof, floor and walls are stable and whether the foundations need strengthening.
Flooring for Garage Conversions
The garage flooring is definitely one of the most important considerations when you are converting a garage. Nearly all garages have concrete flooring and the likelihood is you will not want to have this material as your finished surface in a new room. Generally garage floors slope slightly toward the doors, so they need to be levelled off when doing conversion work. Floors are typically 4 inches lower than those of the house when the garage is built into the main structure. This makes them a good option for a floating floor, with plenty of room for a timber floor surface, pipes, underfloor heating and insulation. The floor surface can then be finished off using vinyl flooring, wood, carpet, tiles or laminate flooring.
Bespoke Garage Conversion Christchurch
In recent times, the trend of converting garages into bespoke, functional, and personalised areas has seen a significant surge in popularity, offering homeowners in Christchurch a distinctive opportunity to transform an underused space to suit their individual preferences and needs. What makes bespoke conversions so special is the fact that they can be adapted to cater to specific requirements. Whether you are thinking about a cutting-edge gym, a comfortable home office, a luxurious guest suite or a multipurpose entertainment room, the options are boundless. Skilled professionals engage in close collaboration with you, aiming to understand your vision completely, ensuring that each detail, ranging from layout to finishes, aligns perfectly with your desired aesthetic and practical requirements.
The efficient use of space is one of the principal benefits of a bespoke garage conversion. Experienced designers and contractors can optimise the available area, incorporating thoughtful layouts, ingenious storage solutions and well-placed lighting to create a seamless and functional environment. Furthermore, these conversions often involve enhancing ventilation, heating systems and insulation, transforming the once-utilitarian space into a comfortable and welcoming retreat.
Don't just think about extra living space - a well-executed bespoke garage conversion can be a real asset, adding significant value to your property in Christchurch. Through the addition of precious living space and the highlighting of your individual style, you not only create a space that augments your everyday life but also enhance the appeal of your home to potential buyers in the future. With its top-quality craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, a bespoke conversion proves to be an investment that pays dividends in both enjoyment and resale value. (18304 - Bespoke Garage Conversions Christchurch)
What Christchurch Garage Conversion Specialists Can Do For You
Christchurch garage conversion specialists can generally help with converting a garage into a utility room, garage conversions for a home study, granny annexes in Christchurch, garage alterations, demolition, garage extension designs in Christchurch, garage facelifts in Christchurch, garage makeovers, flooring for garage conversion, garage repairs in Christchurch, brickwork, space planning, bedsit garage conversion, garage designs, site measurement in Christchurch, converting a garage into a playroom, conversion floors, garage improvements, garage conversion for a kitchen, garage plumbing, garage renovation, garage conversion consultation & project assessment, domestic conversions in Christchurch, knock-through structural openings in Christchurch, converting a garage into a bathroom, structural calculations, construction drawings, attached garage conversion, garage regulations, floor plans and other garage related stuff in Christchurch. These are just a small portion of the activities that are conducted by those specialising in garage conversion. Christchurch providers will let you know their whole range of remodelling services.
Garage Conversion Near Christchurch
Also find: Hurn garage conversion, Stanpit garage conversion, Boscombe garage conversion, Sopley garage conversion, Walkford garage conversion, Highcliffe garage conversion, Iford garage conversion, Wick garage conversion, Mudeford garage conversion, Jumpers Common garage conversion, Purewell garage conversion, Pokesdown garage conversion, Winkton garage conversion, Burton garage conversion, Southbourne garage conversion, Tuckton garage conversion, Somerford garage conversion and more. These and other places are served by building companies and associated tradespeople. With a wealth of expertise and know-how, these seasoned specialists are well-equipped to transform your garage into a welcoming and functional living space. Converting your garage is an efficient procedure for boosting the living space in your property, thus increasing both its value and functionality. To obtain estimates for garage conversion, local residents can click here.
TOP - Garage Conversions in Christchurch
Garage Restorations Christchurch - Garage Remodelling Christchurch - Garage Facelifts Christchurch - Garage Extension Christchurch - Garage Transformations Christchurch - Garage Conversion Near Me - Garage Renovations Christchurch - Garage Conversion Christchurch - Garage Alterations Christchurch