options for building a garage

Surfer

Hi all
finally getting around to being able to think about planning for a garage to do some (amature) car restoration work in and use as storage. From what i have read you seem to able to build a garage without needing planning permission if it is less than 40 sq m and less than four metres high. Unfortunately I want bigger :-) , so if I put up a timber garage do I need planning permission? Also anyone know is there any reasonable priced companies in Ireland doing these?
will probably go with a brick garage but I want to check out my options

thanks

beanderb4

Surfer,

Basic rule is that if the structure is deemed not to be permanent i.e. it can be moved, then you won't need planning permission. You are also correct in saying that if it is a brick garage you will need planning permission if it is over 250 Sq Ft. You could go for a prefabricated concrete garage which is deemed to be a moveable structure because it is not built on foundations. You simply erect the structure on a slab of concrete but the building is not tied to this slab therefore it is deemed moveable.

I have one such structure and it works very well - no problems after three years. However, a brick garage would be good also and would be worth the small bit of effort to get planning permission.:rolleyes:

8~)

Another consideration might be a timber garage - no condensation with one of these. I considered it but never looked into it too much because block built was just handier. Depending on location timber can be nicer.

ds20prefecture

Any suppliers of these timber/concrete garages? I have the same dilema, except the only place I can put my garage is at the very front of the property. Its in front of the house but behind a hedge, so wouldn't be unsightly to the neighbours.

The concrete one sounds very interesting, although the timber should be cheaper and would definitely look nicer.

beanderb4

Don't be put off by the description of Concrete. These buildings com in various finishes including different pebble dashes, simulated red brick, and others. They are well finished. Check out the golden pages under garages & Sheds. I've checked here online but cannot find the guys I used - they were from out around Donabate in North Co. Dublin. Their name is something like "Fabricast".

beanderb4

Don't be put off by the description of Concrete. These buildings com in various finishes including different pebble dashes, simulated red brick, and others. They are well finished. Check out the golden pages under garages & Sheds. I've checked here online but cannot find the guys I used - they were from out around Donabate in North Co. Dublin. Their name is something like "Fabricast".

custom900

Used Fabricast myself, 24' X 12' building, double glazed windows, proper roofing and gutters, and best of all erected in one day. Fabricast were definitely the best finish and the best value I could find.

ds20prefecture

very interesting - do you mind me asking the ballpark for the 24x12? Also, do they pour the floor for you?

Alfasudcrazy

The guy I bought my Alfasud from in Birmingham had one of these concrete garages and I was really impressed with it. The types of materials used seemed very strong and durable and the garage seemed very condensation resistant.
I did not realise they did not need any planning permission - which might solve a problem i have in another house I have where I wanted to build a garage.

http://www.randoxsectionalbuildings.co.uk/

custom900

The 24x12 cost me 4,700 PUNTS (it was just before the changeover) erected on site. They don't pour the floor but will give you the specs needed. They were very flexible as regards size of building and placement of doors, windows etc. I got 2 doors and 2 double glazed windows for that price. Proper timberframed roof with felt and coated corrugated steel, too.

Surfer

Cool thanks for the responses guys will look into these different options more. If I come across useful details I will post them up here.

ds20prefecture

Fabricast are now instaspace - http://instaspaceni.ie/concretegarages/index.htm

Looks like a very good product. I'm going to compare it with a Storecraft garage (http://www.storecraft.ie/) and I believe Abwood (www.abwood.ie) do timber garages.

custom900

here's the fabricast one:






I got the pebbledash finish, but the bloody stones were sticking in the decking so I plastered over it.

ds20prefecture

Cool - thanks. How is it for condensation? What kind of garage door is on it?

custom900

Hey DS,
no condensation whatsoever. I have the building split into two x 12 x 12ft rooms, and I have integrated the building into my side porch/garage, so I use the front part (which I dry-lined) as a utility room, washing machine etc, and the rear part as a workshop/shed, so I ordered two normal doors instead of a garage door.