When you need more space in your home, there are a few different ways you can go about it. From house extension to basement conversions, it is possible to extend your home upwards, downwards, or outwards. But, what happens when you can’t do any of the above because you have no garden, a flat roof house, and live where the water table is high up? Another option you have is to use a garage conversion company to convert the space you park your car into living accommodation.
Garage Conversion Company : Planning your New Space
The type of conversion you decide for your garage will depend on the space you have. A single garage is generally longer and thinner than an average room. A double garage makes for an excellent space to convert, and can be converted as a whole area or a partial area. As long as you are not planning on altering the structure of your build, you generally won’t need planning permission. There are of course some circumstances where you may need to apply.
If you live in a listed building, even the smallest of conversions will need planning. If you have a new build home, check to see if the conditions of purchase allow for converting the garage. You may need to submit an application to change the use for the space; this is more common for stand-alone garages.
Insurance
When using a garage conversion company to convert your home, insurance will generally be provided by the company. If you are planning a DIY project, then you may need to take out some insurance. This will be in the form of conversion insurance. Public liability should also be covered.
Changing the use of your garage will mean that you need to deliver a building notice to your council. When you use a professional garage company sourced for you by BBN, all this will be taken care of for you. Your garage conversion will need adequate ventilation, be moisture-proofed, insulated, fireproofed, and include an escape route. Replacing the original garage door with a wall is also subject to building regulations. On completion, an inspection will be carried out, and a completion certificate will follow, generally within 28 days.
Your Original garage will not be insulated or damp-proofed. Both of these are necessary when converting to living space. Insulation will also be added to the flat roof of your garage, in between joists. If you are short on ceiling height, a multi-foil laminate may be used to insulate your room instead of traditional insulation between joists.
Damp Proofing
Depending on the age of your home, your garage may not have an integrated damp-proof layer in the concrete floor. Integral garages in recent decades are generally already damp-proofed in this way. Treating the floor where necessary is a job your garage conversion company will carry out for you. If the garage floor is lower down than that of the rest of your home, a layer of insulation with boarding on top can bring it up to the right level.
Windows and Doors
To meet regulations, your garage conversion will need ventilation and an escape route. Your garage conversion must have a window, and the window must have trickle vents. You can choose between UPVC, metal, and traditional wood for your windows. Adding doors and windows to the original walls of your garage may require some reinforcement. Once again, this is an issue that your professional conversion team will deal with accordingly.
Pros and Cons of Garage Conversions
Like with all conversion projects, there are both pros and cons of converting your garage to living space. A garage conversion is a cost-effective way to add space and value to your home. But, to ensure you really add value, your conversion needs to be damp-proofed and insulated correctly. On the flip side, if you wish to re-sell your home, you may find it difficult if you no longer have any off-road parking space.
When you need extra room in your home, ensure that you will not be carrying out a conversion that will have a negative effect on your property. If you have a long driveway, then converting your garage should not be a problem. In fact, a carport could be installed to protect you and your car from the sun and rain.