The best garage conversions are a cost-effective way to add space to your home without the need for building work or planning permission. If you live in a conservation area, or a listed property, then planning will be required. But, your garage was not built as habitable space, and there are many considerations to think about when converting your space. You will need to submit your plans to your local authority. On completion you will be issued with a certificate with a change of use for your garage. But, in order to be issued this certificate, your conversion needs to be fireproof, damp-proof, and have adequate windows and doors. In this article we will concentrate on three main areas of your garage conversion; the floor, the windows, and walls.
Best Garage Conversions : Walls
The external walls of your garage conversion are covered by Building Regulations. This means that they must meet requirements in terms of insulation and moisture-proofing. If you have a modern home, or the garage is integral to your home, the walls will most likely already meet the required standards. If your garage is separate from your home, or built on to the side, you will need to add additional walls. This could be a stud wall or a block wall inside the existing wall and structure.
When this is the case, power lines, additional water lines, and insulations can be put in between these two walls. This will however decrease the interior dimensions of the space you have left. Interior walls will need to meet regulations for fire-proofing. This can be in the form of plasterboard on stud walls. If you have block walls, then this stage is not necessary.
Windows and Doors
To meet with Building Regulations, you will need an escape route from your garage is you are adding a second room. You will also need a window that it is at least 1/20th of the floor area of the room. The window must also have trickle vents. Metal frame, UPVC, and wood windows can all be used for your garage conversion. Often wood-effect windows are used so that they can easily accommodate double-glazed panels. Doors must also meet the same U value standards as your windows. Your professional garage conversion team will know what windows can be used and which are the best for you style and budget.
Flooring
The type of floor there is in your garage will depend on many factors such as the age of your build and whether or not your garage is an integral part of your house. Modern homes will have already-insulated and damp-proofed garage flooring. For older homes, you will need to add protective paint and insulation before laying down the flooring of your choice. This stage will also allow you to bring the floor level of your older garage up to that of your main home.
The best garage conversions are a cheaper option for adding space to your home than an extension or perhaps a loft conversion. But in order to add not just space but value to your home and additional registered and legal living space, your garage conversion is a job for the experts.