Garage Conversion How To...

What happens to the garage door?

The garage door is removed, cut up and disposed of in the skip or manually. Alternatively, some of our clients choose to put their door on Ebay if it is in good condition.

What about the floor?

If we use an integral garage as an example the likelihood is the existing flooring is below the level of the flooring throughout the rest of the house, is not insulated and may or may not have a damp proof membrane beneath the concrete.

The standard solution may be to:

• Install a further damp proof membrane above the existing floor - as the integrity of the existing membrane is unknown
• A layer of rigid insulation board is laid - the thickness will depend on the requirements specified by the Local Authority Building Inspector - the range is likely to be between 50mm and 120mm
• On top of the insulation the floor can finished with floor grade tongue and grooved chipboard, or a layer of screed can be used

This gives an example but other methods can be used.

What happens to the walls?

Single skin external ('cold') masonry: Breathable DPM, nominal cavity, 100mm studwork (timber or steel c-stud), 90mm insulation (within studwork), 12.5mm plasterboard and 3mm skim coat plaster.

Single skin internal ('warm') masonry: dot and dab 12.5mm plasterboard and 3mm skim coat plaster.

Internal partitions: 100mm studwork, (optional) insulation within studwork, 12.5mm plasterboard (both sides) and 3mm skim coat plaster (both sides).

Cavity walls (not currently insulated): dot and dab 35mm insulation backed plasterboard and 3mm skim coat plaster - or cavity blown filled with mineral insulation, then dot and dab 12.5mm plasterboard and 3mm skim coat plaster.

Cavity walls (already internally insulated): 12.5mm dot and dab plasterboard and 3mm skim coat plaster.

What about the ceiling?

If not already boarded, then 12.5mm plasterboard and 3mm skim coat plaster.

Variables to consider:

• If pitched roof above then insulation and ventilation is required
• If cold deck flat roof above then suitable cross ventilation and insulation is required
• If warm deck flat roof above then simply plasterboard and skim
• If room above, the Builder Inspector may request sound insulation
• If pitched roof which is to be boarded loft side, then Building Inspector may request rigid insulation board to be cut and fixed between the rafters as well as normal loft insulation beneath the chipboard

Heating

In most cases the client requests the Dracom plumber fits a new radiator (water) and connects to existing heating system - including thermostatic radiator valve (TRV).

Alternative solutions:

• New (water) under floor heating and connect to existing heating system
• Under floor electric heating (not recommended a primary heating source)
• Electric radiator, wall mounted and hard wired

Electrics

It is possible to extend the existing circuits on most modern fuse boards - i.e. for adding additional power points and lighting. When faced with an older style fuse board, an option for the Dracom electrician may be to T off before the board and take a power supply to a 'sub' board which feeds only the new room where your garage once was.

Again when with an older style board, the client may take the opportunity to upgrade to the latest 17th edition fuse board (aka consumer unit). The price of a new boards are very reasonable and should take only a few hours to fit.

However please note - once fitted the electrician is required to fully test the circuits within the property. Sometimes the testing uncovers non conformities, if this is the case the electrician may have to carry out further chargeable works in order they are able to 'sign the job off' and issue the electrical installation certificate.

Doors

The majority of Building Inspectors request new doors to be fire rate (FD20) - these doors come in various flush and panel moulded styles

What to do now?

Click the contact us button for your free advice and consultation... but only if you are serious about making more of your home please.