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Building control for garage conversion
Hi everyone,
We’re planning to finally convert our garage into a proper habitable space – a bedroom with an ensuite.
I’ve done a bit of homework and checked with the council. Good news is that we don’t need full planning permission, but we do need to get Building Regulations approval. The application fee for that is around £550 with bedford council.
This is our first time doing something like this, so I’m a bit unsure of the process. I’d really appreciate some advice from anyone who’s been through this:
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Do we need to hire an agent/architect to handle the Building Regs application, or is it something that’s relatively straightforward to manage ourselves?
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What are the next steps after submitting the application?
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Does anyone have any experiences (good or bad!) or tips they can share?
Any ideas, recommendations from someone who understand the regs, or just general words of warning would be massively appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
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7 Replies
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Hi just done mine with Hertfordshire,
I didn’t need an architect but you will need to detail what it will look like inside as a plan and elevation. Submit yourself through planning portal building control will the come and look at it just to confirm the level of insulation and that you have suitable materials and gaps .generally will then visit twice after ie after insulation and when final fixes have been done. If you need any more info just message me or if you want to see before and after photos
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I’m in the same boat, just different council. I’ve just been on the council website, filled in the building notice form, really pretty simple questions. They’ve sent me a link to take payment, £504 in my case. Detailed plans not required unless you doing a full plan application.
My first time dealing with this sort of thing too. My understanding is that you need to give at least 2 days notice before work begins. The building inspector will come round for a look at tell you at what stages they want to come back for a look.
I’ve got the electrician coming round for a look, apparently today. Got a rough estimate from a brick layer.
I’m in no rush and going to DIY some of the work and get help from a family member, and use their trade discount for materials where I can
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At the risk of ending my own industry…Chat GTP is the tool for you. It can provide U-value calcs and specify which insulation brand and product you will require for walls, floor and ceilings. It can provide a list of the sections of regs you will need to adhere to and how to deal with each one. Take it step by step and ask for pdf sheets for each element. Super useful for a self build project.
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Easiest thing to do is get a pre site visit from building control cost around £80 which then comes off the fee. You can then chat and speak with the inspector and they will advise you on any questions you have for example things to think about, foundation, roof vents, insulation, vapour barrier, drainage. You need to check your water suppliers drainage map for waste to check if yours is public or private or if you can tap into your current one. Phone up your council building control and arrange a visit they will take the payment over the phone.
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We’ve just had ours done and used a company recommended by our builder and it cost £1000, just to give you an idea.
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There are a couple of options for regarding Build Control sign off.
You can do under what’s known as Full Plan Submission, where as you would need a full set of Building Regulation drawings.
Or you can do what know had Building Notice, you will need a competent contractor for this option though but don’t require drawings for approval, inspections etc. are still needed at key points and sign of on completion is still the same.
Feel free to DM us if we can hopefully try help further
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Hi we are a Bedfordshire based limited company, we have an extensive catalogue of garage conversations .
We also deal with planning, building control and the build all under one roof .
Call me any time too discuss
https://www.jrgeneralbuilding.com
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