To DIY or to get an Architect for Garage Conversion? Re-generate an old or tired space and give it a fresh breath of life. Click here for answers, information and tips

[Benaal]

Hi,

I'm new to the forums and new to the whole idea of conversions.

I have a large detached garage, roughly 10x4m, and I am looking to convert about 7 or 8 metres to a living space.

I have the choice of going with an Architect, but I think it may fall within permitted development rights (basically conversion to an en-suite bedroom, not a seperate dwelling space).

I am a capable project manager, and have some friends who are brickies and chippies. Sparkies and plumbers will have to be brought in seperately but I am happy with doing that if I have to. The big thing I would look at an Architect for is to get drawings/ideas and do the bit with the Planning Permission and Building Regs. I'm not familiar with that side of it at all.

Do you think I should fork out the extra and get in an Architect, or is it something I could easily pick up?

Thanks in advance.

Martin

[welsh brickie]

you can have the work inspected by the building control officer without the need for plans