Do I need building regulations approval for my garage conversion?

Assuming you've checked to make sure there are no conditions (like covenants) on your property preventing the conversion of your garage and that you've checked with your local planning authority that you don't need planning permission or listed building consent, the next step is to submit a building regulations application.

Why? This is because your new habitable room will have to meet all the current building regulations for a habitable room.

What is a habitable room?

To be considered habitable the new room will have to meet all the current building regulations for a habitable room so will need proper damp proofing, foundations below new walls, insulation, ventilation and windows that meet current standards.

You may need new plumbing and drainage as well as electrical work.

The definition of a habitable room differs slightly according to each of the following Approved Documents:

• Part B: A room used, or intended to be used, for dwellinghouse purposes (including for the purposes of Part B, a kitchen but not a bathroom).
• Part F: A room used for dwelling purposes but which is not solely a kitchen, utility room, bathroom, cellar or sanitary accommodation.
• Part M: a room used, or intended to be used, for dwelling purposes including a kitchen but not a bathroom or utility room.

You will lose parking or storage space though, which is worth considering.

Do I need to submit a Full Plans application for a garage conversion?

You can submit a Building Notice, where plans are not required, if your builder is well versed in all the legal and technical requirements. If you’d rather have detailed plans to work from with everything agreed in advance you can make a Full Plans submission.

The new room will have to meet all the current building regulations for a habitable space so will need proper damp proofing, foundations below new walls, insulation, ventilation and windows that meet current standards. You may need new plumbing and drainage as well as electrical work.