9. "We want more space for the children". At relatively little cost an integral garage can be transformed into habitable accommodation with new garage space in another location. If the garage is kept away from a boundary it may be possible to avoid the need for a planning application. Check with your local Planning Authority and refer to Chapter Ten on planning permissions. The illustration shows how an existing integral garage was converted to meet the needs of a teenage daughter. The garage space was turned into bedroom accommodation and the room above converted into a small bathroom.

The childrens’ wing. This barn conversion makes use of the central void to sub-divide a parent’s master suite and childrens’ bedrooms. Teenage children need large rooms and plenty of fitted storage space.

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