A Garden Studio Or Garage Conversion
Designed by The Architects Of London
Our Architects in London can take that under used garden space or garage and change it into something amazing that can be enjoyed with friends and family for many years to come. Whether you want to create something simple like a nice secluded seating area away from the house or maybe a cinema and bar, fitness studio and pool or even an underground showroom for your cars, whatever you can conjure up we are pretty sure we have done it before.
Here at The Architects Of London our team of London Architects love these sorts of projects. They make us stretch the realm of possibility. Its like our clients let loose when they think of garden studios and garage conversions, like there is no limit. Its their chance at creating something completely new and separate from the home with ‘no holes barred’. It gives us a chance to get really imaginative creating some of the most exciting and unusual buildings found in London.
Not only do we produce several plan options using the latest 3D Technology, we get you planning permission and give you estimated build costs for each one to ensure our designs fall within your budget. We’re also on hand at every turn to ensure your construction project goes smoothly. With varying levels of flexibility, our architectural services can be tailored to suit your needs. We can even build it for you if you want a complete risk free one stop shop.
Here at The Architects Of London our Architects and Designers have created everything from Kitchens to cinemas, to hidden basements concealing car lifts that magically bring up the cars to the driveway surface and everything in between.
For more than 13 years we have created some amazing new homes throughout London from our offices in Hampstead, Kensington, Chiswick. The Architects Of London is now one of the leading garden studio and garage conversion designers in London.
Hill Crescent
Manor Gate Lane
Find out how you can create your ideal room
Arrange your design consultation now by clicking on the Arrange my Consultation Button below and we will send round one of our in-house experts to your home and show you exactly how we can create an amazing new home for you and your family.
Dukes Orchard
Hill Crescent
Garden Studios, Garage Conversions and Annexes FAQs
Home developments can be extremely exciting, especially when working with talented luxury home architects. Whether you’re looking at a garden studio, a garage conversion or an annexe, you’re sure to have many questions. So here are some FAQs answered.
There are many reasons why homeowners choose to extend their living area or create a more functional space. Garden studios, for example, are perfect for beauty therapists, artists, musicians or academics who require a getaway close to their main property. Garages can also be converted into gyms, offices or even a small guest bedroom complete with bathroom and kitchenette. Annexes are great if you want to create a living space for an elderly relative or a room to rent, hence the name ‘granny flat.’ They’re typically standalone living spaces within a larger property, equipped with all the essential amenities including a kitchen, bathroom and a bedroom. As architects and luxury designers in London, we can make your dreams a reality.
Our expert team will be able to talk you through any planning permission regulations connected to your project. But, in general, garden studios are typically classed as outbuildings and therefore don’t require planning permission. However, this only applies if you have permitted rights at your home or the area you live in. As for garage conversions, planning permission is not usually required so long as the exterior surface of the property is not being tampered with.
With regards to annexes, creating a new dwelling, independent of the main house, to rent or sell will require planning permission. If you wish to build an extension or outbuilding, you may need to obtain planning permission.
When valuing a property, floor space is always considered. So it makes sense that a garden studio can add 5-10% to the value of your home. Similarly, a separate granny annexe can add 20-30% to the value of your property depending on its size and how many amenities it has. Garage conversions are also a worthwhile investment, adding around 10% to the value of a property. This is largely down to the fact that many people look for additional living space or extras such as a functional gym and are happy to park their cars on the driveway. That said, the lack of garage space might deter some buyers.
Garage conversions and annexes within a property tend to be cheaper than a full-blown extension as you’re working with an existing structure. Out buildings will need to be created from scratch and will prove a more expensive option depending on the design and layout of your project.
Contact Architects of London today for your garage conversions, annexe and garden studio enquiries.
Planning permission is not typically required for garage conversions, provided the work is internal and does not affect the exterior of the building. If the conversion requires an extension or changes to the exterior such as the addition of windows, you will need to seek advice from your local authority.
If you live in a Conservation Area or National Park, or your home is listed, different rules apply and you will need to apply for planning permission.
If you’re converting your garage into a livable space, you will need to inform the local council, as Building Regulations approval is necessary. You as the homeowner, or your contractor, will need to submit a building notice or full plans application to your local authority. An inspector will visit at various stages of the project to ensure it meets the requirements.
To comply with Building Regulations, the garage conversion must be structurally sound, have safe electrics, be sufficiently insulated, have a damp proof course and good ventilation, and have fire escape routes and fireproofing.
There are all sorts of reasons that people choose to convert their garages. Most people do so in order to enjoy extra living space. If your garage is attached to your house, you can knock down an internal wall to create a larger kitchen/dining area for example. Other uses include an extra bedroom, a home office or gym, or a new space for your hobby.
An architect or surveyor will be able to tell you whether your garage is suitable for conversion. In order to qualify for conversion it should be structurally sound, particularly when it comes to the walls, roof and foundations. The interior will need to be insulated and the footings will require inspection too.
If your garage conversion requires planning permission, you will need an architect to submit drawings so you can get approval. However, even if your intended work falls under permitted development, it’s a good idea to have an architect on board. With drawings you can ensure your specifications are met and that the contractors have something to work from.
At The Architects of London we offer a two-stage process, meaning we can supply the drawings and - if required - provide a schedule of works from our construction team. We can manage the whole process from start to finish and use our trusted contractors to complete the job.