Converting your garage

Just one of the ways to rework your spaces

We now need classrooms, playrooms, offices and gyms as well as all the normal stuff our homes provide: relaxing family space, sleeping space, dining space and entertaining space. An easy and relatively cheap solution is to convert your garage.

Clear the clutter
When was the last time your garage saw a car?! Probably never or at least not since you started filling it with bikes, sledges, sailing kit, canoes, old paint pots and jars of random screws or left-over bits from DIY projects.

Our homes are having to work harder than ever since lock down and it makes sense to be smart about how you utilise your space. Converting a garage is far easier and cheaper than extending, going into your loft space or tanking the basement.

All you have to do first is clear the clutter. Putting it in local self-storage with Woodpecker means you can get access to it whenever you want, and the flexible contracts mean you can rent the container for as long or as short a period as you like.

Permitted Development Rights
First things first: check with your local authority whether you can convert under Permitted Development Rights. This means you can carry out the work without having to get planning permission.

These rights were subject to new regulations in May 2019 so it’s best to check before you start work, it will save you time and money in the long run. Also, any space added to the property by past owners counts towards your allocation and if you’re in a designated area (Area of Outstanding National Beauty, Conservation Area or National Park) or your property is listed, your rights may be restricted.

Check the national Planning Portal for more information.

If the conversion does fall within your Permitted Development Rights, you need to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate. They’re not compulsory but it’s likely you’ll need one to re-mortgage or sell the property. Apply for one here.

Building Regulations
Whether you need planning permission or not, you will definitely need Building Regulation approval. You can choose whether to apply via your council or through a private approved inspector. Your builder will probably advise you. If not, you can find further information here. If you’re applying through your local council, you can start your application here.

The regulations apply to various aspects of the build including:

• thermal performance
• acoustics
• fire safety
• ventilation.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, once a Building Notice Application is lodged, work can commence on site within 48 hours. However, work can’t proceed beyond inspection stages without the inspector’s approval. Those stages are:

• Excavations for foundations
• Foundation concrete
• Oversite
• Damp-proof course
• Foul water drains trenches open
• Surface water drains trenches open
• Occupation prior to completion (second fix)
• Completion

Once the inspector is satisfied that the building is complete in line with the regulations, they will issue a completion certificate. This needs to be kept safe for when you sell the property.

Costs
These vary depending on your local authority, but the things you will need to think about are:

• Whether the foundations need reinforcing
• The condition of the walls, floors and roof
• Whether the ceiling height needs to be raised (you need around 2.2-2.4m of headroom once the floor has been raised to 15cm above the external ground level)
• Builders fees
• Design fees
• Planning applications, certificates and building regulations
• Whether you need a structural engineer

So, what are you waiting for? Expand your home, reimagine your space and give yourself flexibility. Get that clutter out from the garage and in to a Woodpecker Self Storage unit.

With easily manageable contracts to suit you, local, easily accessible and secure sites, we are committed to supporting you in making your home the best it can be. Get in touch on 0808 281 3333 to discuss your needs.

Woodpecker has over 25 years’ experience in container hire. We supply high quality self-storage containers in five sizes to meet any need including storage of stock, house contents, bikes or small boats. Containers can be modified to include work benches, bike racks, dehumidifying sticks, lighting electric sockets and car chargers.  We have sites nationwide – contact us now for your quick and simple self-storage solutions.