One of the more notable trends in the world of automotive design has been toward size. Cars have been getting bigger, as crumple zones have expanded and new features have been crammed in. This has a few implications for car parks, but it’s also made it more difficult for the nation’s garage owners to actually use the facility for its intended purpose.
If you’re one of the millions of UK homeowners whose car doesn’t comfortably fit in the garage, then you might be tempted to convert the space to use for another purpose. You might even decide that it’s suitable for use as a living area.
Converting a garage for this purpose isn’t always straightforward. But, with the right planning, it can be a worthwhile change that will add value to your property.
Things you’ll need to do
For a garage conversion to meet with building regulations, it’ll need to be truly fit for human habitation.
This means checking that it’s structurally sound, first and foremost. It might be that it’s packed with asbestos, and in fairly poor condition. Get a surveyor round to check.
Next, you’ll need to think about insulation. The more of it you add, the less expensive the space will be to heat. If the walls are single-brick, then you might think about making the switch to cavity walls – though this will add to your costs considerably.
You’ll also need to think about where your heating and electrics will be coming in. Make sure that you know exactly where cables will be threaded and pipes will be laid.
Getting the right tools
If you’re helping to convert the garage, or doing all of the work yourself, then you’ll want to equip yourself with the right tools. This is where investing in quality can pay off, especially if you intend to tackle plenty of DIY tasks in the future. Shop for a reputable brand. If you invest in Milwaukee drill bits, you can be reasonably sure that they’ll last longer, and deliver superior results.
Do I need planning permission?
Provided that your garage conversion is going to be entirely internal, and won’t affect the exterior look of your property, then chances are good that planning permission won’t be required. However, it’s always a good idea to notify the relevant authorities of your intentions. That way, you’ll protect yourself against unforeseen hassles, later down the line.
Of course, most conversions of this kind will involve getting rid of the garage doors themselves, and replacing them with windows. This is where you can easily spoil the look of the property. Make sure that you’ve gotten a close match with the rest of the property, and that you know exactly what sort of bricks you’re shopping for.
