Can I Build on Top of My Garage?

Yes, you can build on top of the garage attached to your house, but there are a few things you need to consider. First, you need to check with your local planning authority to see if you need planning permission. In most cases, you will need planning permission if the extension is over a certain size or if it will have a significant impact on the appearance of your property or the surrounding area.

Planning permission

In the UK, you will need to apply for planning permission from your local authority before you can build on top of your garage. The planning application will need to include details of the proposed extension, such as its size, height, and appearance. Your local authority will consider a number of factors when deciding whether to grant planning permission, including:

• The impact of the extension on the character and appearance of the area
• The impact of the extension on the privacy of your neighbors
• The impact of the extension on the amount of light and air that reaches your neighbors’ properties

Building regulations

Once you have obtained planning permission, you will need to follow the building regulations. The building regulations are a set of rules that set out the minimum standards for the construction of buildings. They are designed to ensure that buildings are safe, healthy, and sustainable.

The following are some of the key things you need to consider when building on top of your garage:

• The foundations: The foundations of your existing garage need to be strong enough to support the weight of the new structure.
• The walls: The walls of your extension need to be built to the same standards as the walls of your existing property.
• The roof: The roof of your extension needs to be designed to withstand the weather conditions in your area.
• The insulation: The insulation in your extension needs to be sufficient to keep the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer.
• The windows and doors: The windows and doors in your extension need to be energy efficient.
• The fire safety: The fire safety of your extension needs to be compliant with the building regulations.

Getting help with planning and building regulations

If you are not sure whether you need planning permission or how to comply with the Building Regulations, you can get help from a planning consultant or experienced building contractor such as R&B Building Services. They can help you to understand the planning process and to prepare a planning application. A building surveyor can help you to ensure that your extension complies with the Building Regulations.

Here are some additional tips for building on top of your garage:

• Choose a design that is in keeping with the style of your existing property.
• Use materials that are durable and low-maintenance.
• Consider the impact of your extension on the surrounding area.
• Get planning permission and building regulations approval before you start work.
• Hire a qualified builder like R&B Building Services to carry out the work.
• Be prepared for the costs involved in building an extension.

Conclusion

Building on top of a garage attached to your house can be a great way to add extra space to your home. However, it is important to be aware of the planning and building regulation requirements before you start work. By following the advice in this blog post, you can ensure that your extension is compliant and that you do not have any problems with your local authority.