I'm thinking of moving (or more likely demolishing and rebuilding) my current detached garage so it could be linked to the house through a small rear extension. But the space available means that the new garage could only be a maximum of 2.25m wide externally: too small, surely, to house a car with any practicality. However, I don't use the existing garage for a car, and wouldn't use the new one for that either. The current garage is insulated and lined and used as a workshop and I would do the same with the new one. Though I don't need access for a car it would be handy to have a largish door from the drive to the new garage for moving sizeable items in an out - the current garage still has its double doors, with removable lining panels inside. If I just build a single front door say 1.5m wide, will the building still be regarded as a garage? The floor will be well below the house floor level, there will be a fire-resistant internal connecting door and so on, but would the garage be classed as habitable and part of the extension? And would it actually make all that much difference if it was? Is there actually a statutary requirement to have a garage? I've looked for the answer to this online and not turned up anything that seems relevant. But if it is out there somewhere I'd appreciate a pointer in the right direction. Many thanks.

Buy a motorbike. Plenty big enough for one of those. A scrapper bought for a few quid would give the ability to demonstate the "continued" use as a garage to house a motor vehicle. (Should you need to prove the point). Al.

When is a garage not?

Jul 16, 2013 62 Replies

Rate this thread:

John Rumm 13 years ago

Yup, if its going to be heated with the rest of the house, then it needs to be insulated to new house levels. (hence why conservatories should not have the door between the house and them removed to comply with building regs)

Vote

Bert Coules 13 years ago

Well that should be fairly easily achievable. Thanks.

Vote

Hugo Nebula 12 years ago

There used to be a threshold of 25 W/m^2 for buildings with a low level of heating up to 2006. Since then the criteria is a bit muddier; you have to refer to a EU directive which ICBA doing.

It doesn't make it habitable; it means you have to insulate it (not the same thing).

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required