• What garage conversion building regulations are there?

    As converting a garage involves a change of use of space into a habitable room and often structural alterations, every conversion requires Building regulation approval. Without this you may encounter difficulties when you come to sell your home.

    For a more in-depth answer... click here

    Back to top

    Below is a list of general requirements that XTREND adheres to strictly for every garage conversion:

    Foundations

    Support will be needed for any new walls constructed to infill the former door opening. If the original foundations do not continue below the door opening, either:

    • A new foundation should be provided, the depth of this foundation will depend on the ground conditions on the site and that of the existing foundation (generally between 750mm – 1000mm).
    • Two No. 100 x 150 deep concrete lintels or 2 No. 100 x 110 pre-stressed lintels may be used to span the opening of a single garage door. The ends of the lintels should be cut into the existing brickwork to ensure a minimum end bearing of 150mm,
    • If the existing floor slab was thickened at the door opening and a lightweight form of construction is proposed for the infill, it may be possible to carry this infill on the existing floor. It will be necessary to expose the edge of the slab to ascertain its acceptability.

    Walls

    Any new wall constructed to fill in the former door opening should be constructed to achieve a U value not exceeding 0.30W/m2k

    A typical wall construction to achieve this would be 100mm blockwork 75/85mm insulation (depending on blockwork type). If the existing external wall is un-insulated, then upgrading will be required to ensure a reasonable thickness of insulation. The work necessary will depend on the construction of the external wall.

    If the existing external garage wall is only 105mm thick, then an insulated cavity should be provided with a new inner skin of blockwork or timber studwork. If the new inner skin is blockwork, this should only be supported off the slab if extra lightweight blocks are used.

    If the existing external garage wall is 215mm solid brickwork or an un-insulated cavity, it may be possible to upgrade the thermal resistances of the wall via insulated drylining. Where the garage is semi-detached, sound insulation may be required to the party wall. Construction as for the external walls above should, in most cases, be sufficient.

    If only part of a garage is being converted, both thermal insulation and 30 minutes fire separation must be provided to any new separating walls.

    Floors

    The existing floor will need upgrading to ensure adequate damp protection and to prevent heat loss.

    Damp protection can be provided by either a liquid or sheet membrane. This should link with the damp proof course in the wall. The floor should be insulated to achieve a U value not exceeding 0.22w/m2k.

    The thickness of insulation needed to achieve this will depend on the type used.

    The floor finish can be 18mm T & G chipboard or 65mm reinforced screed.

    Pitched roof/ceiling

    A traditional pitched roof should be insulated to achieve a U value not exceeding 0.16w/m2k.

    This can be achieved by providing 100mm fibreglass between the joists, with a further 150mm layer laid across the joists.

    The roof should be ventilated at the eaves equivalent to an area of not less than a continuous strip 10mm wide and if the roof is a mono-pitch at high level with an equivalent area of not less than a continuous strip 5mm wide.

    Flat roof

    Flat roofs are likely to need upgrading to provide adequate thermal insulation and roof Ventilation.

    Windows/doors

    Windows and doors should be draught proofed and be double glazed to achieve a U value not exceeding 2.0mw/m2K (e.g. Low E glass).

    Should the new room not lead directly to the hall approaching the front door, the new window should be sized to allow escape. This will require an unobstructed area of 0.33m2 with a minimum dimension of 450mm high/wide and be positioned between 800-1100mm above ground level. If the new door/window is installed within a cavity wall, then insulated damp proof courses should be provided around the opening. Should the new door/window be installed within a solid wall, then insulated dry lining will be required around the opening to prevent thermal bridging/heat loss.

    Ventilation

    Ventilation openings should be provided to each room, there is no minimum size for kitchens, utility rooms or bathrooms, but other rooms require a ventilation opening of at least 1/20th of their floor area. Background ventilation is required to habitable rooms at a rate of 5000mm2 and to kitchens, bathrooms, WCs and utility rooms at a rate of 2500mm2. Suitably sized mechanical ventilation ducted to external air or passive stack ventilation is required to bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms and some WCs.

    Electrical

    All electrical work must be carried out by a contractor certified under one of the “Part P” approved installer schemes.

  • Do I need garage planning permission?

    Under new planning regulations that came into effect on 1st October 2008 an extension or addition to your home is considered permitted development, therefore not requiring an application for planning permission. However, some housing estates (mainly constructed in the last few years) have had these rights withdrawn and permission may be required. Xtrend will check each property with the respective local authority prior to work commencing.

    Back to top

  • What if my garage conversion does need planning permission?

    Xtrend’s architectural team will prepare drawings and submit a planning application on your behalf at cost.

    Back to top

  • How difficult is it to get permission for a garage conversion?

    This would be dependent on the individual local authority and whether neighboring properties object (maybe on grounds of parking difficulties for example).

    Back to top

  • I’m after a bespoke garage conversion – can you help?

    Yes! Each conversion is as individual as you are, and as an NHBC registered builder we are happy to discuss any requirements no matter how abstract or technically challenging they may be.

    Back to top

  • Can you do conversions on semi-detached garages?

    Where a garage is semi-detached the party wall may require sound insulation, however in most cases the same construction as the external walls would be sufficient. If only part of a garage is being converted, both thermal insulation and 30 minutes fire protection must be provided to any new separating walls.

    Back to top

  • How much will a garage conversion cost?

    Each conversion is individual and carries its own requirements, so this is a difficult question to answer. However, the average single garage can be converted for around £7900.

    Back to top

  • How long does it take to turn a garage in to a living space?

    The average single garage conversion can be completed in 10 working days, while garage conversions with bathrooms or en-suites would usually take around 14 working days.

    Back to top

  • Will the conversion match my existing brickwork?

    Xtrend will match the exact brick type and manufacturer where possible. When the brick is no longer available we can either source a suitable alternative or discuss feature panels, e.g. Herringbone brickwork or rendering. In any event we will not lay bricks without your full approval.

    Back to top

  • Will the new room be properly insulated and damp-proofed?

    Yes! You don’t have to take our word for it; as every garage conversion is registered under building regulations, the inspecting officer will inspect each element to ensure quality of work and that the correct requirements have been met. Upon completion the building inspector will issue a certificate of compliance and completion for your peace of mind.

    Back to top

  • What guarantee do you offer on your garage conversions?

    Our standard garage conversion guarantee is 2 years, though we provide the option to purchase a 10 year insurance-backed guarantee.

    Back to top

  • What are the advantages over building an extension?

    With moving house being a somewhat unattractive prospect for many people, expanding the home you live in might be a viable alternative, and a garage conversion is certainly one of the most cost effective options. By converting your garage into living space, you could not only make use of valuable but under-utilised square feet (the average garage floor area is around 170 square feet!), but also take the opportunity to rid yourself of quantities of clutter. Unlike extensions and loft conversions, which can take months to complete, you could have your new room in just a matter of weeks.

    Back to top

  • Are you a member of any professional body?

    Yes – Xtrend is part of the Mason & Mason Construction Solutions group, a NHBC registered Builder. We therefore have the necessary expertise and qualification to carry out any construction works on your home.

    Back to top

  • How do I know I can trust you?

    As an NHBC registered builder we have undertaken strict technical and professional conduct investigations, in addition to this we have been accepted as a partner company with Stoke on Trent City council under the partnership initiative scheme and our director Mr Mark Mason has also been proud to receive the LABC Built in Quality Awards in 2005, 2006 and 2008 in recognition of building quality and excellent lines of communication.

    Back to top

  • Do you offer finance on your garage conversions?

    Unfortunately not – should you require finance it is more cost effective for you to obtain a personal loan or borrow against your home.

    Back to top

  • Will you decorate my garage?

    Yes – if required we can carry out the decoration works or any theme decoration that you may require.

    Back to top

  • Can you supply flooring in my garage conversion?

    Yes – we can supply and fix laminates, hardwoods, ceramic tiles or recommend excellent suppliers of carpets or amtico style finishes.

    Back to top

  • Will a garage conversion increase the value of my home?

    The aim of a good conversion is to make it blend in so that it appears to be an integral part of the property. If this is achieved, the conversion will be an asset, possibly recouping its cost by increasing the property’s overall value, or at the very least making the house more saleable when the time comes. But of course, primarily, you should see your new room not as an investment, but as something that will enhance your standard of living.

    Back to top

  • We don’t want to deal with high pressure salesmen…

    Xtrend doesn’t employ salesmen; we are professional building company offering an honest and value-for-money service, our first price will be our best price and there won’t be any hidden catches.

    Back to top

  • Other companies offer discounts if they place a board outside or use our garage as a show piece. Why don’t you?

    We don’t use gimmicks or time limited sales techniques to obtain work and our quotations are fixed for 30 days and don’t fluctuate with the changing moons. There is only one thing that we do provide for free: a quality job giving value for money carried out with a professional attitude.

    Back to top