Garage to flat conversion?

Trebor

We are interested in turning our garage into a flat and renting it out. would there be much involved in this with the likes of planning permission and would we have to offer a lease or can we just charge rent with no contract?

p.pete

I'm sure there will be people who will be able to give you more detailed information but there shouldn't be hassle with planning permission. You won't be changing the front elevation of your house unless you also actually want to enlarge the garage, which I pressume you won't.

You may have in mind to change it from a garage door to a window ( and door?) but I think this is ok.

But, as I say, there will be people here more qualified to inform you.

Trebor

no don't want to make it taller, maybe a bit longer.

it is at the end of a drive so it is not attached to the house which means it is totally seperate which i think would be a selling point.

also want to know if anyone could give a rough estimate as to what it would add to the value of the house?

Mailman

Would be interested to know if it qualifies for the rent a room scheme - which might just make it economic to convert.

Victor

Hmmm, sounds a bit small for a "flat" (there are guidelines for one bed apartments to be a minimum size of about 35m2 - you don't have the option of calling it a bed-sit as it will need to be self-contained). It would probably be a better option, if it were an attached garage you wanted to convert,.

If the garage is at the front / side you will need planning permission, if to the rear, you can build to a certain size (extra 40m2? single storey?) without planning permission, assuming a certain quantity of garden / yard is retained (20m2?). Talk to your local council planning department as to their guidelines on such developments.

Studios / playrooms and the like are popular these days as an alternative to extensions (less disruption). Of course, one person’s studio is another's garden shed. It will add value, but it is hard to say how much.

To avail of the €6,000 tax-free rent-a-Room scheme, the “flat” would need to be attached to your main house.

Would your site (together with a neighbour) be big enough to build another house?

Trebor

Originally posted by Victor

Would your site (together with a neighbour) be big enough to build another house?

depend how you define "house"

we have room in our back garden to build another 3 bed room house leaving very little garden if we wanted to, and if we could get planning permission

if you mean one of those things that they built in ballymun then we could fit one in, but would not be willing to do it as a joint venture with the neighbour's as they are not interested.

we are thinking more along the lines of student accommodation, as in one large room that has a single bed, space for a sofa, small kitchen area and a tolet with a shower in it. (obviously in a seperate room )

Victor

Originally posted by Trebor
we are thinking more along the lines of student accommodation, as in one large room that has a single bed, space for a sofa, small kitchen area and a tolet with a shower in it. (obviously in a seperate room )

You will probably need to build around the 35m2 mark.

Have you considered one of the www.shomera.ie chalets?

Trebor

Originally posted by Victor
You will probably need to build around the 35m2 mark.

Have you considered one of the www.shomera.ie chalets?

thanks

looks good, will have to have a good luck at them and see if it will be what we are looking for.