Credit: Kylie Fitts from Unsplash
In the design process, converting a garage can significantly increase the value of a home.
In London, describing properties as “a premium on every square inch” is absolutely accurate.
Every space needs to be designed and utilized efficiently. For families with existing outdoor parking spaces who wish to add more bedrooms, transforming the garage into a bedroom or a study/office is a wise choice. In our recent residential renovation project, we successfully converted a garage into a bedroom for our client and smoothly obtained planning permission from the council.
Case Description:
In this garage-to-bedroom conversion project, the aim was to create a space suitable for elderly occupants, also known as an "elderly room." Considering the convenience of nighttime bathroom access for the elderly, we designed an en-suite bathroom within the bedroom specifically for their use. Although the garage space itself was not large, our designer skillfully optimized the layout so that this small bedroom is fully functional, complete with a toilet and a wet and dry separation shower area. (Friendly reminder: If you want to learn more about bathroom conversions, you can read our blog titled “The Little Secret of Converting Under-Stair Spaces” regarding adding a bathroom under stairs.)
Additionally, considering that the garage leads to a room that requires a door, we created a new doorway in the entrance corridor to improve accessibility. We insulated and moisture-proofed the original garage door and worked with a well-regarded window manufacturer to design a beautiful, energy-efficient double-glazed window that offers excellent light transmission and insulation. Waking up to a beautiful external view and warm sunlight streaming into your bedroom is truly a wonderful way to start the day. Here, we advise that window conversions should comply with local council regulations. In some areas, especially within conservation zones, it is necessary to use council-approved window designs that match the style and color scheme of surrounding buildings.
Credit: JustaQuote
Design Thinking & Recommendations
If you are considering converting your garage and are concerned about the planning permission application, we hope the following advice will provide you with professional guidance and inspiration for your garage conversion project.。
Examples of the plans used for the planning application
Tip 1: Hire a Professional Designer
In addition to providing professional drawings, an experienced design team will handle the professional communication with the local council on your behalf. This greatly increases the likelihood of your garage renovation project being approved. This is particularly useful for clients who have no prior renovation experience.
Tip 2: Submit the Relevant Planning Application Documents
What documents do I need to submit? This is a question we often get from clients. In reality, planning permission applications are not as complicated or daunting as they might seem. The goal is to clearly present the details of your proposed renovation to the council. However, it's essential to ensure that the application complies with local building design regulations.
The basic materials required are as follows:
Location: Block plan and site location plan of the project site.
Cover Letter: Introduction to the approval project.
Drawings: Existing and proposed floor plans, elevations, and sections with scale to show the changes you are making.
Depending on the specifics of each project and the different regulations in various areas, for example, in our recently approved garage project, which involved structural modifications and additional doors and windows, we also included structural drawings and calculations to clearly convey the renovation details to the local council.
Credit: Henry & Co from Unsplash
Tip 3: Contact a Building Control Inspector
After obtaining approval from the local council, you must contact a building control inspector. The inspector can be private or appointed by the local authority. For our current project, we chose a private inspector. The drawback is that their fees are higher than those of the council, but the advantage is their greater flexibility when visiting the site.
Tip 4: Construction Team
It's crucial to hire a construction team experienced in garage conversions and familiar with local building regulations! They will be adept at handling any issues that arise during the renovation and will ensure professional management of moisture control, insulation, and treatment of walls and floors as needed.
Tip 5: Timeframe
After submitting all relevant drawings to the council, you will need to patiently wait for 1-2 months to receive approval. The approval time varies depending on the processing cycle of different councils. This requires the designer to allocate time and coordinate with the construction team to plan the construction schedule in advance.
These are some tips for converting a garage into a livable space. We hope these tips will make your garage renovation easier! Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! If you find this information helpful, why not share this blog with your friends and family? Remember to follow and like us on Facebook for updates on new interior design tips.
Are you considering converting your garage into a living space? At T Interiors LTD | Tianrun Yishi, we have a professional design team with the expertise and experience to help you with your garage renovation. If you’d like to discuss your project with us, feel free to get in touch!
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