What Building Regulations Relate To Garage Conversions in Building Work?
Planning Permission - Garage Conversions
With regards to planning permission relating to garage conversions you should always contact building control or your local planning office as some properties may have had permitted development rights removed.
However, the good news is that since April 2008 generally speaking garage conversions are deemed to be not subject to planning permission as long as the work carried out is all internal and you are not increasing the size of the building (house) or your garage.
This relates ONLY to houses, and NOT flats or commercial property types.
Always remember that if you live in a listed building or conservation area (you should already know whether you do), you should always check with building control or the local planning office before undertaking any home improvement work whatsoever as listed buildings and properties within conservation areas are subject to much more stringent planning permissions with regards to home improvement projects.
Building Regulations And Garage Conversions
Converting a garage will normally be subject to certain building regulations compliance.
The regulations relating to garage conversions can largely be categorized accordingly:
- Floor Areas - Floor needs to be of a suitable concrete substance with adequate moisture levels to act as an interior part of a domestic property.
- External Walls - A suitable cavity needs to be provided. Often garages are originally single cavity and therefore a double cavity external wall is required.
- Internal Walls - An openings to internal walls need to be suitably structurally secured and levels of insulation need to be adequate.
- Ventilation - Suitable levels of ventilation to the garage conversion must be met.
- Electrics - Electrical works must be carried out in accordance with current electrical legislation and carried out by either a qualified electrician or a competent person (depending on the kind of electrical work being undertaken).
- Drainage - Drainage must be adequate to take water and bathroom plumbing waste away from the property.
- Roof - Roof must be constructed with the suitable pitch and not extend beyond the permitted boundaries and be constructed with materials that are in fitting with the main building
If In Doubt - Check It Out
For the sake of a phonecall or even an online enquiry it really is not worth holdups and trouble further down the line.
It is always important to ensure that any home improvement work is carried out in accordance with current building legislation and has the appropriate planning permission if required.
Building regulations are constantly changing so it is important to check out whether your latest project requires any kind of permission or certification before proceeding.
A good local builder or building contractor will have a good idea of the current legislation regarding building works, however it is best to speak to an impartial source for advice when seriously considering home improvement.
