Converting a garage, particularly where it's already attached or built into the house can be relatively straightforward. But it's not as simple as replacing the garage door with a window - there are building regulations to be considered regarding insulation, electrics and fire hazard (particularly where you're only converting part of the garage).
That's why it's important to call in a professional conversion company that gets good recommendation rather than any old builder.
What you will be left with at the end of the work is an additional spare room that can be everything from a dining area 'attached' to the kitchen to a play den, home gym, snug or even form the basis for a 'granny annexe'.
Being downstairs, access isn't a problem and plumbing for en-suites can also be incorporated much easier than you'd think.
Have the work done properly by a reputable conversion company and you're likely to increase the value of your home when it comes to finally selling and moving on, but what's that against the infinite use and options available to you whilst you still live there?
Here are just some of the key construction points often associated with having a typical attached garage conversion.
Insulation - the floor will probably need to be re-laid to incorporate the latest building regulations regarding floor construction for homes. Walls will also need to be insulated (if they're not already) before any plastering work begins. Same goes for the ceiling.
Heating, water and electrics - think carefully about the positioning of wall sockets and light switches. if you're including the new room/s into your homes central heating system, aside from radiator placement, you may need to check that your present system is capable of powering additional radiators.
Windows and doors - Try to match any new windows and doors with the rest of your home. This will lessen the visual impact on neighbours (planning) as well as make the conversion seem more like it's always been there. Essential if you're considering selling the property in the future.
Decoration and flooring - Again, try and match the decor with the rest of the house to help your new garage conversion blend in.
Hiring a professional garage conversion company is a very good idea as the whole project will be managed by the one company rather than you having to liase yourself with lots of different professionals. One recent example of this is a neighbour of mine who was selling his property. When it came to the solicitors, he didn't have a certificate for the wiring as the building company he'd employed for the conversion had used an independent electrician for the wiring work.
There followed a lengthy game of chase to track down the original electrician and secure a conformity certificate for the work that had been done.
A small inconvenience to be sure but one that could have jeopardised the sale and been avoided simply by using a professional conversion company for the whole project.
If your garage is collecting nothing more than spiders and boxes of 'junk', then now's the time to think about making more of the available space you could use that's already present within your home.
Even if your garage is separate to the house, all is not lost. However, depending on the construction of the garage, conversion costs may be higher due to the additional insulating work required. For example, a relatively modern detached garage will probably only have a single brick thickness wall. This will require suitable insulating on the inside to pass current building regulations.
Flat roofs on garages will usually have to be swapped for pitched roofs to allow space for the required levels of insulation and ventilation. Your local garage conversion specialists will be able to tell you more.
Getting an estimate is always a good place to start before you think seriously about calling in the builders. Garage Conversion Quoter can help in two important ways.
Firstly - It can give you an online price based on your own measurements and details - an idea of cost without ever having to let a salesman inside your home.
Secondly - we can take your location and project details, match them against our database of registered home improvement companies and show you who the top 3 local conversion companies are. You'll get their contact details and more importantly, the chance to read first hand reviews and feedback from other homeowners who've recently used them.
You'll also be able to see at a glance their star rating (overall performance as decided by past customers) and if they've got any special offers or discounts running, then you'll be able to see details of those too. All designed to help you make the best decision for you and your home and all a completely FREE service to you.
Start planning your own garage conversion today by clicking here and getting that instant online garage conversion quote. Genuine online quotes there and then, based on current UK prices where you live.
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