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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Building Questions >> Converting a garage that is linked next door https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1587674273 Message started by Or1k on Apr 23^rd, 2020, 9:37pm

Title: Converting a garage that is linked next door
Post by Or1k on Apr 23^rd, 2020, 9:37pm

Hi,

We 're in the process of buying a house and one of the selling points (for me at least) was the fact that it had a detached garage that I want to convert into a gym/games room for my son and I.

The garage is situated behind and to the side of our property with the garage door opening to the rear.

In the picture below our garage is (1) and the adjoining garage is (2).

[gallery]Or1k/1587673744.jpg[/gallery]

It turns out that our garage is linked to the neighbours by, presumably, a single skin wall.

The roof is also 'shared' and looks to be the old cement based asbestos.

My questions are as follows:

- Is converting the garage still an option?
- If so, how do I go about changing the roof if it's 'shared'? I was thinking of a pitched roof to give more internal room but I suspect that may not now be possible.
- I was going to remove the garage door, brick it up and double skin everything. Is there anything special I would need to do to the linked wall?
- What sort of planning, etc. do I require? I don't believe I need planning permission but obviously I must adhere to building regs. Do I also need a party wall agreement?

Sorry for all the questions.

Kind regards,

Chris

Title: Re: Converting a garage that is linked next door
Post by woodsmith on Apr 24^th, 2020, 3:42pm

I think the roof is the big problem and would need cooperation from your neighbour to do anything about it. If it is asbestos they may be keen to replace it but I wouldn't imagine they would want to go to the expense of a pitched roof which you would need building consent for. Internal changes to a garage, that is not going to be an habitable room, would normally fall outside the need for planning or building consent.

Bricking up the garage door may need consent, but instead I'd be tempted to leave the door and just build an internal stud wall, which you can then insulate.

Title: Re: Converting a garage that is linked next door
Post by Or1k on May 1^st, 2020, 12:30pm

Hi,

Many thanks for the reply.

We've just had the survey done and the issue of the roof came up (amongst other things).

I think a pitched roof is out of the question so a sloping roof will be the solution (short side to short side) but I'd have to do the neighbours at the same time I assume as cutting the roof is a no-no given the construction material.

If the neighbour decides not to co-operate, where does that leave me?

I doubt a builder would want to touch the garage with a barge pole without replacing the roof and I certainly wouldn't be happy spending time in the garage with that roof above me.

Are there any legal requirements to replace the roof that I could fall back on to 'force' my neighbour to co-operate? It would be a last resort as that's probably not the best way to start in a new house and I suspect I'd need to foot the bill for the entire roof if the neighbour was not initially co-operative.

Cheers.

Title: Re: Converting a garage that is linked next door
Post by woodsmith on May 2^nd, 2020, 8:51am

First thing I would do is contact the neighbour's, perhaps drop them a card detailing briefly what you would like to do and asking them to contact you to discuss your plans. If they aren't amenable or don't contact you then I'd walk away if converting the space is important to you.