| ||
| ||
|
Home Improvement Information | |
|
|
Planning Permission Tips UK - Garage Conversions - What Value Do They Add?
Most conversion works to an existing structure is often more expensive than having it knocked down & rebuilt. The main reason for this is the VAT element that is exempt for new dwellings. There have been numerous examples where extensive extension & conversion work has proved more expensive than rebuilding the scheme a-fresh from the ground up. However, where VAT is still applicable even for new build within an existing residential curtilage, the conversion route is often still less expensive. This can also have the added benefit of retaining the sites character & charm where as a complete new build can often stand out like a sore thumb. Garage conversions are a case in point. Converting a domestic garage (normally integral or attached to the main dwelling) is a growing trend that I cannot see declining in the coming years. Peoples desire for additional living space is by far more important than the the requirement to store a motor car or general household storage which is more often the case. WIth the general superior build quality of most modern day cars the need for undercover parking in order that they start in the morning has now diminished. This combined with the relative cheapness of cars makes that valuable garage area look very under used. Off road car parking is till very important but a physical building to store it in overnight in is not. So what are the issues relating to converting an existing garage into habitable room space? Well firstly, most garage conversions do not require the benefit of a separate Planning Approval unless there is a condition on the original Planning Approval restricting the garages use. Always check with your Local Planning Authority first but in most cases specific Planning Approval should not be required (subject to conditions & Planning criteria). If the garage is to become a useful additional to the main dwelling then it should ideally be converted in a way that makes it hard for the 'lay person' to tell that the space was originally a garage. This means that the new room (previous garage) should be preferably accessed off the main hall way, have follow through floor levels (rather than step downs), have similar floor to ceiling levels, have all the meter services relocated to outside meter boxes, be centrally heated, thermally upgraded for the floor walls, & ceilings, & have a quality in-fill construction for the old garage door opening. Most of these items are covered within the Building Regulations for which the conversion must comply also to. As a guide, a good single garage conversion incorporating these element will be in the order of £15 to £20K. Cheaper conversions can be achieved but they will always feel like a 'converted garage' & may not add the full value to a property. If the converted garage can only be accessed off another room such as the living room or kitchen, they can still perform a useful functioning extra room but they may not have the flexibility of use compared to access form a common circulation area. So what are the typical uses for garage conversions? The most common use is for a study area whether it be for the business dealings of the parent working from home or the children having a dedicated place to study homework outside of their bedroom which is not very desirable. Another common use is for a ground floor bedroom for an elderly relative or even a son or daughter unable to purchase a property but now requiring some extra space for a baby for example. Separate dining rooms are now a thing of the past really but if the garage adjoins the usual 3M x 2M developer designed pokey kitchen then by knocking through into the garage area often creates a great full sized family kitchen/eating area that is so much in demand these these days (the Jamie Oliver effect). When should a conversion be avoided? - generally if the garage is detached or some distance away from the main dwelling. Also, if the loss of a car parking space within the garage means that the property is unable to park at least 2 cars unless your have adequate on road parking available right outside the property. Future trends for new build? - Even the Planning policy design guidance is now erring away from dedicated garages for densely populated developments preferring to have the space released for extra habitable rooms. A dedicated off road car paring space or two in the open is now preferred over garages - Planners also realise that most garages are not used for the storage of cars so they are now doing something about it. To emphasis the point further, we have never yet been asked to convert a habitable room into a garage space but we are asked several times a year to complete the opposite. I am sure in London & such places such 'reversionary garage' schemes have been completed but this is certainly not typical when compared to the larger picture of what the current development trends are. Our 'Maximum Build Planning Guide' explains further the issues involved when converting existing structures & what areas can be exploited for developing land, buildings or a site for residential use. Obtain planning permission with our guide. http://www.planning-permission.co.uk
MORE RESOURCES:
Home-Improvement - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Choosing Window Frames There are three main types of material used to manufacture window frames. These are aluminium, PVC-u and wood. The Art of Gutter Cleaning The gutters on your home are starting to overflow so it's time to clean the gutters on your home. Many homeowners do this project each year to properly maintain their homes. Eclectic Patio Furniture Shows Your Style Your home's interior is exquisitely decorated in your favorite style; why not treat your exterior with patio furniture and accessories that will be comfortable as well as beautiful. Your backyard becomes more functional by adding gas grills, or furnishing options such as casual hammocks or formal wrought iron. What Does It Take To Be An Interior Designer? When trying to decide if Interior Design is right for you, it helps to know what that really means. Interior Design is not simply the profession that "makes rooms and places pretty"; it takes a little bit more than that. Breaking Away from White Wall Paint Paint is one of the most affordable and easiest ways to change a room. But choosing the right paint colors for your home can seem like an overwhelming task. Keeping Stone Floors in Tip Top Condition I had a customer call me to make a complaint about the Limestone floor we had restored and sealed for them. The building is a state of the art facility in the heart of Covent Garden, in London. Imported Tools vs. Brand Name - Are They As Good? So you are looking for hand or power tools on the Internet or in a "brick & Mortar" tool store, and you keep running into tools imported from China, Taiwan, Korea, Germany and various other countries. A lot of these tools seem to be priced well under the comparable "name brand" tools you are used to? are they as good or better, or are they just cheap knockoffs. Maintaining Your Hot Tub Purchasing a hot tub is a big investment and one that should not be taken lightly. Hot tubs cost thousands of dollars and if not maintained properly they can become ineffective within just a few months. Kitchen Cabinets are The Soul of Your Kitchen Kitchen cabinets reflect the heart and soul of the homeowner. The cabinets you have in your kitchen have the greatest impact on a kitchen's look. Things to Consider when Buying a Hot Tub or Jacuzzi Tub We recently purchased a new Hot Tub and Gazebo from Cal Spas in Minnesota. The purchase was not something we planned, just something that caught our eye when visiting the Minnesota State Fair. Tips for Designing with Hardwood Floors Hardwood floor styles come in strips, planks and parquet, and are available with numerous edge treatments such as square, micro, and beveled edges. The state-of-the-art technology and almost limitless choices of today's stains, finishes, styles and designs makes hardwood flooring one of the most practical and versatile floor coverings available. Outdoor Ceiling Fans Complement the House Fans extending from the ceiling have been around for centuries and the modern ceiling fan as we know it today has been used since Victorian times. Savvy homeowners use the ceiling fan in every room imaginable. Which Type of Radiant Floor Heating is Best For Me? If you are looking to warm your floors with a radiant heat system, and have typed "radiant heat system" into a search engine, you might find yourself scratching your head at this point. There are dozens of products available to purchase, and there are even more companies telling you that their product is the best. Quick and Dirty Guide to Wood Flooring If you've always longed for hardwood floors, you're in good company. While soft wooden floors date back to the Colonial era, hardwood floors first burst on the scene in the late 17th century. Interconnects for Your Audio/Video System - Choosing The Proper Cables Research & Development I began designing audio and video interconnect cables in 1988. I was asked to develop custom interconnects for discriminating audio and videophiles, who wanted to see and hear the quality of their components and the source material without added personality from their interconnects. Reuse Works for the Workshop The workshop is a great place for reusing items formally destined for the landfill. Even if you do not have a shop or craft area you can always donate the items mentioned in the following paragraphs to friends, schools, shops, youth centers? The concept of reusing is as limitless as your imagination. Mexico: Who Farted? Do you have embarrassing gas problems? Do you find this problem creeping up on you when you least expect it? I bet not.If you have lived in the United States all your life, I bet you've never seen a gas main or line and have just taken it on faith that it is there pumping gas into your house. How To Find Cat Mailboxes You can add a personal touch to your home or give a personalized gift that will be treasured for years with a handcrafted cat mailbox. Choose from adorable wall mount, house mount, or freestanding mailboxes adorned with your favorite feline in playful, adorable designs. Types of Table Saws A table saw is one of the most popular pieces of machinery used for woodworking. It consists of a circular saw powered by an electric motor that is mounted onto a table. How to Deal With Contractors (So You Wont Go Mad!) BE PREPARED -- Building a house is lots of fun, but it's a huge time investment, too. There's a ton of paperwork and planning, so it's essential to establish a system to stay organized.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
