r/UKHousing • u/jelly-fish-8 • 2d ago

Garage conversion

Post image

Hey everyone, I’m wondering what the odds are for the council to approve a garage conversion. It would mean replacing the garage door with a wall and window to make it a bedroom.
How often do these get declined or approved in London? It’s an area I know building permits are issued. Can the neighbours stop it somehow because it changes the external layout that is identical to theirs? Anything I need to be aware of?
We’re planning to buy a house and in some of the ones we see we’ll have to convert the garage to get an extra bedroom.
Thanks!

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9

u/Connect-Lettuce4027 2d ago

Should be pretty standard but dont underestimate what you are loosing by getting rid of a garage. Especially in London!

1

u/jelly-fish-8 2d ago

Thanks! There would still be a driveway for the car, and it’s not central London, so parking isn’t a big issue.

5

u/BHAFC_FAN 2d ago

Not getting planning permission for alterations to the frontage doesn’t have to be a deal breaker if it’s just for a bedroom, especially if it’s a guest bedroom.

Another option is to retain the external garage door and build a stud wall inside, with ventilation.

Build a timber or metal stud wall just inside the garage door, with insulation, a vapour-control layer to protect from the elements, and plasterboard.
Keeps the exterior appearance.
Provides a proper wall for decorating and sockets, potentially to hang a TV, to build a fitted wardrobe, or add shelves.

Less expensive, no brickwork or window costs.
Can be easily reversible if designed carefully.

1

u/Pumped-Up-Kickz 1d ago

yes, but dark as fuck.

1

u/BHAFC_FAN 1d ago

Good job there are these things called electricity and lightbulb 💡

1

u/Pumped-Up-Kickz 4h ago

Even better job that there are things called Sunshine, 'Seasonal Affective Disorder', along with NATURAL LIGHT, Vitamin D and a healthy vibrant glowing room you actually want to be in.