Garage Conversion Guide - Top ten guidance tips for securing a good workable robust garage conversion

Most house extension designers will have their own ideas and recommendations as a guide to a successful garage conversion. Here are my own top ten tips for a garage conversion guide:-

Garage conversion guide tip 1 - Do your research. Explore what others have done and seek out ideas.

Garage conversion guide tip 2 - Select 3 local house extension designers or architects for interview. Make sure that they have a track record in garage conversions, they are experienced in residential development and not ‘part timers’ simply filling in for another construction field they intend going back to no matter how professionally qualified they may be.

Garage conversion guide tip 3 - Obtain written details of all professional fees and costs required including budget estimated costs of the works on site including a time line of events and milestones for the garage conversion scheme.

Garage conversion guide tip 4 - Select the most proactive and experienced garage conversion designer. Hopefully they will be professional and belong to a body that requires them to have PI insurance.

Garage conversion guide tip 5 - Make you aspirations or wish list known to the designer as a framework of what you would like to achieve but advise them that you are very open to suggestions for improvements or alternative uses or layouts. Express a desire to view a few alternative layouts if there are any.

Garage conversion guide tip 6 - Take time to digest the suggestions and ask questions to explore the alternatives.

Garage conversion guide tip 7 - Once you have settled on a scheme make sure that the design Agent obtains formal Planning Consent for the conversion or confirms legally that the scheme falls under the sites permitted development allowances (obtaining a certificate of lawful development).

Garage conversion guide tip 8 - make sure that your garage conversion designer has prepared detailed constructions drawings and specifications for the Building regulations submission under a ‘full plans’ application and that the details will be suitable for the builders tender and to act as the main contract documents in controlling the final builder during the works on site. Avoid any designer who submits a Building Notice and pretends to have obtained your Building Regulations approval - this is a scam.

Garage conversion guide tip 9 - Make sure you do obtain Building Regulations consent from you garage conversion designer. Make sure you use these construction documents to approach at least 3 local builders experienced in completing garage conversion works.

Garage conversion guide tip 10 - Select the best builder you feel is suitable for the garage conversion works. Do not simply employ the cheapest. Make sure you vet and check his credentials. Agree a method of payment for works completed on site together with a timetable.

Garage conversion guide tip 11 - Extra tip - inform your neighbours of the works including your home insurers as they may require an extra premium to cover accidents during the works.