Detached Garage Conversion - Just Starting Out, Any Tips!

[Kevin Lewis]

Hi all,

First post, so please be gentle!!!

Just about to start a detached garage conversion into a one bed annex for an elderly relative.

Had confirmation from the council that full planning isn't required and I've now applied for a Lawful Development Certificate to cover the change of use.

Had a number of builders out to look at the proposal, but to date, only one has come back with a quote (estimate). Is this normal? Are other people experiencing issues with builders seemingly being interested in the job but then not following up?

Looking at the amount of work involved, I'm tempted to have a go myself (qualified sparky although no longer do it for a living and I'm generally pretty handy with most DIY type tasks), is this something anyone else has done?

What are the potential pit falls?

Got someone who can do the ground works for the services but will obviously need a plumber to make the connections for the gas and water at the mains, apart from then meeting building regs, seems pretty straight forward.

Any and all information greatly appreciated

[markc]

Good morning and welcome, trades can pick and choose their work due to demand so quite possible that they are taking a look and then shying away. 
amount of work and complexity depends on what you have now and what you are wanting to achieve.

what is the existing garage like? Double skin? Insulation? Roof build up etc.

[Kevin Lewis]

22 minutes ago, markc said:

Good morning and welcome, trades can pick and choose their work due to demand so quite possible that they are taking a look and then shying away. 
amount of work and complexity depends on what you have now and what you are wanting to achieve.

what is the existing garage like? Double skin? Insulation? Roof build up etc.

 

Hi Mark,

Yeah, was thinking that may be the case.

All of them who have turned up have said it's an easy enough job as the garage is only about 6 years old, complies with buidling regs for the structure (not insulated, but cavity wall, proper roof trusses, pitched & tiled roof etc), even the electrics were inspected and signed off against.

Pretty straight forward as far as I can; bathroom, bedroom and one open plan living space with a kitchenette.
Yes it needs fully insulating and a couple of stud walls putting in, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Will see if any come back in the next couple of weeks (not looking for it to be started this side of Christmas) but if they can't be bothered to come back with quotes when they say they will you start wondering about how they'll be when it comes to the job!

Cheers.

 

[markc]

Sounds like a fun project, crack on with it! Loads of info to be found searching previous threads on here.

[joe90]

2 hours ago, Kevin Lewis said:

Are other people experiencing issues with builders seemingly being interested in the job but then not following up?

Oh yes quote normal  practice, as said above they can pick and choose. Why not crack on yourself? As you said gas / plastering leave to professionals but all else fairly simple (IMO). Lots of advise here on demand, post up your plans and start from there. Remember there is no such thing as a stupid question, stupid is not asking (and we are a tame bunch here 👍)