Are you a gym bunny, or someone looking for a serious kick in the fitness bum? If so, you might be considering installing your very own home gym.
Having your own gym on site can have many benefits. Not only does it save you from forking out fifty quid every month, it also makes it that much easier to get exercise into your daily routine. And with regular exercise helping to lower cholesterol, help bone and muscle strength, plus reduce your chances of heart disease, you might see this investment seriously paying off in the long run.
So if you’re ready to break a sweat (but not the bank) here’s everything you need to know about converting your garage into a home gym.
Do I need planning permission?
If you’re converting your garage into a home gym, there should be no need for you to obtain planning permission. This will almost certainly be the case if you choose to leave the original garage doors in place, as the structure of the building will remain unchanged. Most properties also benefit from Permitted Development Rights, which allows small extensions, such as a garage conversion, to take place without seeking approval from your local authority.
That being said, if you plan on converting a garage that sits apart from the main building, you’ll need to apply for a change of use, as this building will need to be considered for its suitability for habitation.
And if your home is a listed property, or sits within a conservation area, then any conversion will need planning permission. Likewise, if you’re looking to alter a garage attached to a ground-floor flat or maisonette, as these aren’t covered by permitted development rights.
Finally, if your looking to add a gym to your new build, you’ll need to check that there’s no condition attached to the property which states your garage must remain as parking. If this is the case, you’ll need to apply for this condition to be removed.