Buyer Beware – What You Need to Know About Garage Conversions

By Janet Spencer

Buyer Beware – What You Need to Know About Garage Conversions

By Janet Spencer

Converting a garage into a room can be a great way of adding value to your property and getting extra space for an additional bedroom, living space or study or playroom.

But, before you rush into it here are a few things to take into account.

Planning Permission?

1. Do I need planning permission? As this is an alteration to an existing dwelling, garage conversions generally require a planning permit from your local council. This true if you are planning to add windows and use the space as a bedroom or living room or even nt.just a games room, as the council will deem the room as habitable. Check with your local council on costs and timelines involved. If you go ahead and build without planning and building permits you may have problems when you want to sell your property in the years ahead.

Renovation Work

2. What kind of renovation work is required? This depends on what you want to use the room for and the existing stucture of the garage. If it is going to be fully integrated with the rest of the house you will need to waterproof and insulate the roof, re-floor, put in ceilings, windows, heating and decorate it.  Check the credentials of any contractor you employ and the type of conversions they have done in the past. You want to avoid all risk of poor quality workmanship. Also consider employing an architect to design and manage the project.

Car Parking

3. Where will I park my car(s)? With your garage no longer available you need to happy that may now have to park your car on the street where it is less secure and no longer undercover. If you have a driveway can you park there and build a carport? And, if use your garage for storing tools and bikes and the lawnmower have you worked out where you will store these items in future? Perhaps you can find space for a small garden shed?

Property Value

4. Will it add value to my property? A poorly converted garage will potentially reduce the value of your property in the eyes of potential buyers as not only is there no garage but there is a room that will have to be either converted back into a garage or renovated to be brought up to scratch.  However, a well designed, garage conversion with planning and building permits that integrates well with the existing floor plan of the property and is well constructed and finished will add value. Buyers will appreciate the extra room(s) and a nice renovation.

Move or Stay

5. Is it better to move to a new property or upgrade your current property? If you decide to stay, you will be paying renovation costs and you won’t need to spend money on buying and selling your property. There are real estate agent fees, moving fees, stamp duty and so much more – and you never know what your new next door neighbours will be like, not to mention the rigmarole of updating your address, reconnecting your services etc. However, if you need ‘more’ than just an extra room from the garage and you have some other reasons for moving, it may be time to consider the shift.

What to watch out for

6. What if the garage has already been converted? If you do buy a property and suspect the property has had its garage converted to livable space, you should check whether a building or planning permit has been issued for the conversion from the local authorities. We have heard of incidences where toilets and kitchens have been illegally installed and council requires removal if they become aware of these illegal improvements.

If you would like a professional opinion on what is the best option for you, please contact Janet Spencer at jspencer@buyersolutions.com.au or +61 418 101 146

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