Does our detached garage conversion need building regulations?

Joined
24 Mar 2021
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Country
United Kingdom
Hi all,

As the title suggests, we're looking to have some work done on our 17m2 garage. It's detached, at the end of our garden, and currently just stone inside with three windows, a side door, a garage door, and an asbestos roof.

We've got someone lined up to safely remove and replace the roof, and then plasterboard and insulate the interior of the garage. They'll also brick over the main garage door, and replace the side door and three windows with a PVC door and windows. We're also going to have electrics run down to the house for a socket and lights, and the floor will be levelled (and timber put down) too.

Will this require building regulations? We've been quoted £8,000, but supposedly this will be much higher if building regulations are required. Is the builder having us on, or is this genuine? Ideally, if we can avoid higher costs, we would rather not go down the building regulations route - but we don't want the room to be unsafe or illegal.

We plan to use the room for storage, perhaps as a gym for some yoga, and occasionally as a temporary office/hobbies room.

I also contacted our local council about this, and they seemed to suggest it wouldn't need building regulations if the change of use was something like a home gym. But I'm worried it might, and it could affect the sale of our property in the future, which we might do in a few years.

What do people think? Any advice appreciated! Alternatively, can we do the work now and retroactively get building regulations in future if required?
 
Sponsored Links
Yes, if you're making it into a habitual room.
 
Yes, if you're making it into a habitual room.
If the garage is an exempt building that is it is under 30 sqm, single storey, substantially non combustible or 1m from the boundary, does not contain sleeping accommodation and it still satisfies this criteria after the alterations, B Regs will not be required even if its used for a gym/hobbies/office.
 

DIYnot Local

Staff member

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.


Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

 
Sponsored Links
Back
Top