Garage & Sleep-Out Conversion
Hello, my name is Justin Mikkelsen and I’m an architectural designer from Advanced Property Specialists Ltd. I have been associated with Maree Mortimer for two years. I’ve seen her get awesome results for her clients and enjoy working with her high level of motivation. FOR PROPERTY DEVELOPERS AND INVESTORS Firstly, have a really good look before you buy the property. Make sure that you’re fully aware of all the issues involved in the development before you’re committed. Even well seasoned property developers have been caught out recently by some changes in District Plan and Building Codes. In this article I will focus on the conversion of garages and out buildings for additional living areas. 1. Any such conversion will need to meet the current building code requirements for living space under NZS 3604:1999 and meet the Council District plan. 2. A lot of existing garages are on concrete floors that don’t have a moisture barrier and have no insulation in the floor. This will not be easy to spot on your initial visits to the property. You will need to find the original construction plans or make some closer inspection. Most existing garages and out buildings have this problem. There are specific solutions available. 3. Be aware of out buildings that are made of masonry block walls. These will require additional insulation and detailed plans to get council approval for conversion to living space. 4. Measure the height of the internal floor above the surrounding outside ground where it contacts the building. If the ground is uncovered, i.e. just grass or soil, the inside floor needs to be 22.5 cm higher than the outside ground. If the building has a concrete footpath, the internal floor high may be 15 cm higher. If you don’t have enough height difference there are specific solutions 5. If you intend to convert the garage as a sleep out that still relies on the main house for kitchen and washing facilities, then the process is easier. If you intend to create an independent living space with its own kitchen and bathroom you’re changing the existing Resource Consent of the Property and a new Resource Consent will be required. This is often not difficult but you will need to know the processes and costs before you commit to the project. Property Development is great way of life, but you do need access to good advice. For that definitive edge in your development, for your own sake, contact me - Justin Mikkelsen Advanced Property Specialists Ltd Email advancedpropertynz@gmail.com Cell phone 021 904009 NOTE: That any advice offered is general in nature and not specific to any situation. Advanced Property Specialists Ltd will only accept liability where APS Ltd is directly consulting. |
 
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