Hi All,
I am investigating whether converting a carport which is under the main house roof into a bedroom and ensuite, thus turning a 3×1 into a 4×2 is a feasible strategy. I am in Perth and had an over-the-phone quote from Granny flats WA of $60-65k. I also rang a carpenter who advertised specialising in additions and extensions and he quoted $20k.
If I go with the carpenter, I assume I would need to get an owner-builder licence as I would also be looking at spending $20k to renovate the rest of the house? I don't want to go down this path. Does anyone have any recommendations for a builder in Perth for a small project such as this?
From my research, I understand that the carport concrete floor would have to be ripped up, and a waterproof barrier and termite barrier installed, concrete slab with reinforced steel poured, construction of cavity walls, plumbing and electrical. I can't see how this would cost $60k? Unless the builder adds a premium for warranty and insurance?
Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can get firm numbers for the deal prior to putting in an offer? I'm thinking I need to get plans of the house to show a builder, or can a builder have a rough idea on the costs if I do a quick measure up and a photo of the house?
thanks
Amanda
by the sounds of it, there won’t so much be a carport conversion but a rebuild.
You will need to get council approval ie plans & engineering drawings for the slab. You may not need cavity brick you could use lightweight construction. Distance from boundaries & setbacks may be an issue also.
we converted our garage into another room (not council approved) as we need more room for our daughter and all her toys and to keep the lounge room clear of all her toys. it would of cost us about the 5 – 7k mark to do this ourselves. we got a couple of quotes from some builders and the wanted about 16-20k to cut 2 holes in the wall and put 2 walls up one brick and one timber and supply and fit one window a sliding glass door and an internal sliding door and relocate a hot water system. so if you are getting quotes of 50-60k isn't to far from the cost.
It is of course unlikely that this could be (legally) done without municipal approval, so talk to your council first. It will obviously raise issues with car parking. Generally speaking, council will not be too pleased with a proposal that will increase the use (3br to 4br) whilst decreasing the off street parking.
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