Hi All,
Have found a house to buy which has a rear extension and 2nd storey side extension over the garage. My idea is to convert the garage into another bedroom / other habitable space with ensuite for my mother. The rear and 2nd storey side extension was done in 1997 and goes over a public sewer, and at that time a build over agreement from te water company who owns the sewer was not required so they also kept the manhole to the public sewer in the house underneath in the rear extension. Now though, if I do any further work within 3m of the sewer or that may affect the sewer e.g. to add an external connection to the sewer, then I will have to get approval from water comp and they will not approve unless I move the manhole using a y junction.
1) Will I need to do any further foundation work on the garage or would the 2nd stroey side ext have made sure the foundations were sufficient for converting? How much easier does this make the conversion to habitable space? Woudl the ext have made sure the ceiling is high enough for the garage conversion? I think the walls are damp proofed (but not enough insulation) and the floor is low and will need insulation and damp proofing also.
2) Is adding an ensuite in the garage space possible without needing to create and external connection to the public sewer?
2) By doing the conversion am I likely to be affecting the sewer underneath and therefore need the water company approval? If I have to move the manhole using a y junction - how much would this cost? And how much damage to the rear extension and garden will this cause?
IS it all worth the hassle?
Thanks!!!
Have found a house to buy which has a rear extension and 2nd storey side extension over the garage. My idea is to convert the garage into another bedroom / other habitable space with ensuite for my mother. The rear and 2nd storey side extension was done in 1997 and goes over a public sewer, and at that time a build over agreement from te water company who owns the sewer was not required so they also kept the manhole to the public sewer in the house underneath in the rear extension. Now though, if I do any further work within 3m of the sewer or that may affect the sewer e.g. to add an external connection to the sewer, then I will have to get approval from water comp and they will not approve unless I move the manhole using a y junction.
1) Will I need to do any further foundation work on the garage or would the 2nd stroey side ext have made sure the foundations were sufficient for converting? How much easier does this make the conversion to habitable space? Woudl the ext have made sure the ceiling is high enough for the garage conversion? I think the walls are damp proofed (but not enough insulation) and the floor is low and will need insulation and damp proofing also.
2) Is adding an ensuite in the garage space possible without needing to create and external connection to the public sewer?
2) By doing the conversion am I likely to be affecting the sewer underneath and therefore need the water company approval? If I have to move the manhole using a y junction - how much would this cost? And how much damage to the rear extension and garden will this cause?
IS it all worth the hassle?
Thanks!!!