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Conversions - General
Garage/workshop conversion - knock down or adapt existing structure?
We have a garage which leads through to a 'workshop' area (brick built, single pane, flat roof) which we're looking to convert into a utility/office space. We were originally just going to adapt the existing building and insulate it in line with building regs etc but having had a quote it isn't really turning out to be a 'cheap' solution and it would leave us with a very low roof and odd shaped room so we're reconsidering the whole thing.
Now we're not sure what to do and need advice on what is possible really i. e. single or double conversion, knock down completely and start again or just adapt the current structure. We're therefore not ready for an architect to do any drawings but then not ready to hire a builder either. Would a builder be the best person to get round to advise on what would be the best option for us or someone else? If we're spending this amount of money on the property to create a proper conversion etc we want to make sure we're maximising the potential!
2 Answers from MyBuilder Conversion Specialists
The actual ceiling height is a part of building regs off the top off my head (boom boom)it should be 2.3 meters high I think. You could phone your building control office at the council they will show/tell you there regulations it might be on there web site too.
Answered 18th Jan 2017
I believe if you are adapting a existing building ceiling height on building regs might not come into it , but as it is a flat dry roof the regs would probably be 25 air circulation,100 mm cellotex in between rafters a vapour barrier then possible 50 mm thermal board . Insulating the floor is recommended so might be a case of breaking concrete digging down to allow for 100mm cellotex and 65mm of screed or 22mm floating floor floor could be dug deeper to allow more height and maybe a step down which some fire regs would want but not always .Walls if are a single skin I would recommend 4x2" treated timber leave enough cavity of wall to pass any pillars in wall which would need to be covered by 25mm cellotex then stud walls to have 100mm cellotex between studs, should then leave straight walls , stud walls to be lined with foil back plaster board . This hopefully gives you enough information to visualise finish room dimensions.
I would as above speak to the council you should only need consent and can get some info into adding value
Answered 1st May 2017
