Stourbridge Garage Conversion (DY7): If you find yourself researching possible solutions to expand the amount of living area that you've got available in your house, there are normally 2 options you might think about. You may either add more floor area in the form of a brick extension or you could modify the way you use existing space which is maybe not currently being used to its maximum potential. The first solution has quite a few downsides which include the property footprint (it widens the footprint of your property and will reduce external space), the mess (it can result in lots of mess and disruption) and the cost (it's usually rather costly). Your second approach which may take a number of forms is the suggested route where possible.
The two main ways by which to accomplish this are either to transform your garage or convert your loft (where suitable). The most cost effective and least difficult of those is to carry out a garage conversion. Of course, this can only be considered if you aren't presently using the garage for parking your car. If it's basically standing there acting as a rubbish dump, then you may be able to raise the value of you property by up to ten percent simply by forking out a few thousand pounds on a garage conversion.
Exactly how many possible uses can be made of such a room can be learnt by talking to your local garage conversion specialists, who'll offer a wealth of information about previous projects they've done. Maybe you would like to add a further downstairs bathroom, create a new bedroom as your family grows, or add a play room or office. No matter what it actually is, your local Stourbridge garage conversion expert should be able to to turn your dream into a reality.
The extra room added by a garage conversion may make your property more desirable to potential buyers, if you've got plans to sell it. Although, you need to consider this option carefully, considering that in some locations off-road-parking is way more valuable than generating the additional living space. Your property might have a higher valuation and be more desirable if you do not do a conversion, and any well respected Stourbridge garage conversion specialist will advise you of this.
You might discover that your garage conversion expert will use an architect to help in preparing a blueprint and making sure the structure of the garage has been designed and fashioned in such a manner as to allow for the requested change of use. The reasoning behind this is that sometimes garages in Stourbridge were built using different techniques to those used for residential houses and they must be re-fashioned before the conversion can start. Things like foundations or roofs may need to be up dated to satisfy the latest residential building regulations.
Your Stourbridge garage conversion specialist will make sure they know about any pertinent regulations though, allowing you to chill while the work progresses.
Virtually any type of garage is a candidate for conversion, while this will naturally depend on what use you intend to put it to. Though it's perfectly possible to convert both double and single garages, singles scarcely have enough space to fit a family car in and still open the doors, giving you only around 18 m2 to fiddle around with. The limited space in single garages is partly the explanation for why most people in Stourbridge hardly ever to use them for parking vehicles. As a consequence these single garages in most cases wind up as storage rooms for a range of household odds and sods, including things like bicycles, toys, tools and lawn mowers. When you are transforming a double garage you are going to have considerably more area to work with, and this will give you more scope in relation to what you might use it for.
Some homeowners in Stourbridge employ their garages as workshops, and needless to say this is a terrific way to take full advantage of it, if it's not being used for a car. If this is the situation you're most likely unwilling to do a conversion on your garage and would prefer to keep it functioning as a workshop. There are a number of solutions to this challenge, and one might be to forget the garage and convert your loft instead. The other would be to do a conversion on your garage after relocating your workshop into a shed. There are some great quality sheds available for purchase that could very easily be used for a workshop if you've got enough space in your yard, allowing you to convert your garage into a valuable additional living area.
Next, you will need to find a good Stourbridge builder to undertake the work, if you have made a decision to proceed with a garage conversion. It's recommended that you pick one that focuses on basement conversions, loft conversions and garage conversions, rather than any old building contractor. You should ask to look at photographs of previously completed garage conversions, and get references where possible. You will be looking for a builder who does neat work with an excellent finish.
The Building Regulations for Garage Conversions in Stourbridge
If you would like an additional room in your home in Stourbridge, perhaps for a home office, or to provide a relative with some independent living space, why not consider transforming your underused garage? If you're not increasing the size of the garage and are merely looking at methods to convert the current space, you probably won't have to put in for planning permission as long as you stick to the necessary building regulations.
Building regulations cover such aspects as fire safety, ventilation, drainage, electrical systems and insulation. This isn't an exhaustive list and the local building control office will be happy to give you guidance on the regulations in the Stourbridge area.
If you are using the services of a specialist building company for your garage conversion in Stourbridge they'll help you with the building regulations procedure, including the submitting of a Full Plan Submission or a Building Notice to the relevant control department. A Building Notice doesn't have a requirement for plans to be submitted alongside it, and permits work to be started quite quickly, whereby a Full Plan Submission can take up to eight weeks for the plans to be approved by the control office before work can begin.
Half-Garage Conversion Stourbridge
Even though Stourbridge garage conversions are generally viewed as PD (Permitted Development), there could be some circumstances where an application for "change of use" is rejected by the local authority. This is comparatively uncommon but can occur if you live on a new housing development, in an area of special interest, in a listed building or in a conservation area.
The most usual grounds for refusal is for homes on a new housing development, where the council don't want to change the look of the area, and have set rules about keeping all the existing garage spaces in place.
In cases like this the most critical thing is the appearance of your garage door, and providing you keep this unchanged then there should not be too much of an issue. You could still create some handy extra living area, without modifying the exterior appearance of your house, by opting for a partial or half garage conversion, where you leave the doors and some of the garage the same, and convert the other part of it into a home office, utility room or kids playroom.
Another advantage of this option is that it's going to be a lot cheaper than a complete garage conversion, therefore if you're on a strict, this may be a good possibility.
Garage Conversion Soundproofing
Soundproofing for garage conversion is a crucial factor to contemplate when aiming to turn a garage into a practical living area. The implementation of soundproofing measures contributes to a quiet and peaceful environment, effectively preventing sound leakage and shielding the converted area from external noises.
There are several effective strategies for achieving sound insulation in a converted garage. Installing insulation materials, such as acoustic foam panels, within the walls and ceiling can dampen and absorb sound vibrations.
Further reduction of external noise intrusion can be achieved through the use of double-glazed windows with laminated glass. Preventing sound leaks involves the sealing of gaps or cracks with acoustic sealant and weatherstripping. Adding soundproof curtains or mass-loaded vinyl contributes to an increased sound barrier.
Minimising impact noise transmission is facilitated by the incorporation of a floating floor system with soundproof underlay. Transforming a garage conversion into a comfortable and serene living space, where unwanted noise disturbances are eliminated, is made possible through the implementation of these soundproofing methods.
Garage Extension Stourbridge
Earlier this week I was checking out the keywords and phrases that our visitors use to find this website, and what came to my attention was that "garage extension" came up fairly regularly. Hence, you may well have wound-up on this page whilst looking for "garage extension Stourbridge" or "garage extensions Stourbridge", instead of garage conversions. This article will not be much use to you if that is the case, because if you are looking for information on garage extensions I would assume that you do not have a garage at present and will not therefore need a conversion!
It's not my intention right now, to deal with garage extensions, however at some point we may well look at adding a section on garage extensions. We're still however able to give you quotes for garage extensions if you CLICK HERE.
How Much do Garage Conversions Cost?
Among the wonderful benefits of converting your garage to achieve more living space in your property is that it is by far and away the cheapest solution. Generally a conversion on a garage will cost around £1,200 per m2, meaning that you can do the entire conversion for less than £8,000 to £10,000 (contingent on the floor area of the garage of course). This is in comparison to somewhere close to £40,000 for a brick extension or a loft conversion. Obviously the space that's gained is somewhat limited though is not at all inconsequential. it can readily be used for a bedroom, a children's play room, a kitchen or a dining room. Just how much a garage conversion costs depends on not only your garage's area but the scale of the work that has to be undertaken to get it done. This is going to include considerations like whether or not the walls, floor and roof are stable, whether or not the footings need strengthening, the cost of planning and design charges, whether or not a structural engineer is necessary and whether or not the ceiling needs raising.
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Garage Conversion?
In the UK, the requirement for planning permission for a garage conversion is contingent upon specific scenarios. However, a significant portion of garage conversions fall under the category of "permitted development rights," allowing them to move forward without formal planning permission, provided that certain conditions are met. These conditions include:
- The dwelling should not accommodate more than four bedrooms post-conversion.
- The property's exterior should retain its current form and character.
- The converted space should be used for home-related activities, such as sleeping, working, or relaxing.
- The building's physical dimensions should not extend beyond its current boundaries.
It's important to recognise that local planning authorities may have their own unique guidelines and restrictions, so it's recommended to consult with them or seek professional advice to guarantee compliance. In instances where the conversion falls short of the permitted development criteria, planning permission is mandatory, which can involve a more elaborate process and potential fees. It's crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and consult with local authorities for specific guidelines.
Forthcoming Articles:
Garage conversion for home office.
More Stourbridge Trades: Of course, whenever you are doing home refurbishments in Stourbridge, West Midlands, you'll most likely be in need of all sorts of different craftsmen and tradespeople and as well as a garage conversion specialist in Stourbridge, West Midlands, you might also need a tiler in Stourbridge, a builder in Stourbridge, a kitchen fitter in Stourbridge, a flooring specialist in Stourbridge, a roofer in Stourbridge, a plasterer in Stourbridge, a handyman in Stourbridge, a landscape gardener in Stourbridge, a painter & decorator in Stourbridge, a soundproofer in Stourbridge, a bricklayer in Stourbridge, an electrician in Stourbridge, a carpenter & joiner in Stourbridge, waste removal in Stourbridge, a drainage specialist in Stourbridge, SKIP HIRE in Stourbridge, a plumber in Stourbridge, a patio specialist in Stourbridge, and other different Stourbridge tradesmen.
What Garage Conversion Experts in Stourbridge Can Do For You
Stourbridge garage conversion specialists can generally help with budget allocation, garage conversion consultation & project assessment, bungalow garage conversions Stourbridge, domestic garage conversions, garage conversion for a dining room in Stourbridge, garage improvements Stourbridge, garage conversion for a gym, garage facelifts, garage conversion for a TV room, conversion guidance and advice Stourbridge, garage makeovers in Stourbridge, garage conversion for rental, garage conversion quotations, half garage conversion Stourbridge, single garage conversion, garage remodelling, tailored garage conversions, structural calculations, conversion drawings, garage alterations, designs for garage conversion Stourbridge, decorating in Stourbridge, garage conversions for a bathroom, bifold doors for garage conversion Stourbridge, garage plumbing Stourbridge, garage conversion design Stourbridge, planning permission for garage conversions Stourbridge, brickwork, garage repairs, garage conversions for the disabled, conversion plans, laundry room garage conversion in Stourbridge, 3D plans, garage refurbishment, garage rebuilding and other garage related stuff in Stourbridge, West Midlands. Listed are just an example of the duties that are undertaken by those doing garage conversion. Stourbridge contractors will inform you of their full range of conversion services.
Garage Conversion Near Stourbridge
Also find garage conversion here: Wordsley garage conversion, Amblecote garage conversion, Potters Cross garage conversion, Wollescote garage conversion, Iverley garage conversion, Brockmoor garage conversion, Quarry Bank garage conversion, Stourton garage conversion, Oldwinsford garage conversion, Audnam garage conversion, Belle Vale garage conversion, Pedmore Fields garage conversions and more. All these villages and towns are catered for by companies who do garage conversion. Stourbridge homeowners can get quotes by clicking here.
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