Why not turn your unused garage into a room you’ll use
Such a large number of us consistently whine that our home is too little, yet can have a room we never utilise. What do you utilise your garage for? A place to keep the car or a dumping ground? Instead of attempting to live easily or genuinely considering moving, wouldn’t it be smarter to better use the space you already have?
The truth of the matter is that a well thoroughly considered garage conversion can add as much as 10% to the estimation of your home. What’s more, since it costs a lot less than a new extension or or moving to a much bigger home (not to mention the cost, stress and bother of moving), it’s extraordinary incentive for cash.
When converting a garage, what considerations do you need to take into account?
Planning & building controls
Unless you are additionally considering expanding the garage’s impression, you won’t need planning permission if the structure of the building will stay unaltered.
Be that as it may, you may require planning permission if your home is a listed building, conservation area or you live in a newly built estate.
If you have a standalone garage compared to a garage attached to your home then you may need to do a little investigation work. In some cases there may be need of a ‘change of use’ planning permission to enable you to convert your garage into a habitable room. Just call your local planning department to check.
Changing your garage into a liveable room means that it will be be compliant with all building regulations. This means taking into account a few factors when it comes to designing the layout of your garage for example ventilation, fireproofing, insulation, escape routes, moisture proofing and structural soundness.
You will also need a builder inspector to inspect windows, doors, fireproofing and foundations before you can receive your certification of completion.
Designing and utilising your space
Keep in mind that the measurements of a garage have a tendency to be longer but narrower than most “typical” rooms. Along these lines, it is sensible to utilise stud walling to make two rooms – one room could be a reception room, office or playroom and the other could be a storeroom or a cloakroom.
Protection
Garages are typically built with a brick or block single skin solid wall. They were intended to house cars so no insulation would have been included. So the last thing you will wanting to do is to spend thousands converting a garage into an inhabitable cold, damp room.
There are two ways you can insulate your garage walls. You could include internal insulation, which is the most widely recognised solution. Another option is to go for external wall insulation underneath a suitable render system. This is extremely effective but however is only really suitable for detached garages. Adding additional thickness and render to a garage that is joined to your home would look odd – unless you are anticipating protecting and rendering your whole property in the meantime.
You additionally should be sensible about the windows and entryways you pick – manufacturers will provide the “u” value, which is the measure of the rate at which heat escapes.
It’s probably likely that you’ll need to damp proof your garage walls. A few garages may already have a damp proof course in the walls, yet it’s vital that you check. You’re existing floor will be adequately strong yet it will require insulation and extra damp proofing in order to meet building regulations.
What’s more, obviously, we mustn’t overlook the rooftop. Your garage may have a pitched or flat rooftop, yet whichever one it will be, it will have been intended to do the absolute minimum – shield the inside of your garage from climate harm. It will have no protection and may not be in especially great condition.
You could get your current rooftop repaired and insulated however if you’re looking for the ultimate in performance and protection, a roof to last for decades, we strongly suggest you replace your flat roof with a maintenance-free flat roofing system.
Choosing the best company and products
Here at High-Tech Membrane Roofing, we specialise in the installation of market-leading, 100% waterproof Single-Ply membrane roofing. Our systems have a much longer life expectancy than traditional mineral felt flat roofs, which, after some time, can crack and blister.
High-Tech Membrane Roofing’s PVC membranes are particularly engineered to form a steady, waterproof covering. They are unaffected by expansion and contraction, and in addition harming UV rays, moss and algae.
We are so confident about our flat roofing systems that we offer a LIFETIME GUARANTEE for your total peace of mind.
So in case you’re thinking about converting your garage bear in mind to consider the walls, floor and rooftop – the decisions you make could mean the difference between an attractive, functional comfortable room the entire family can appreciate and a chilly, unwelcoming space that winds up… a dumping ground!
Need to find out about how a flat roof can transform your garage conversion? Call High-Tech Membrane Roofing today to get some answers concerning our high performance flat roofing systems and request a brochure.
