Garage conversion building regulations: The conversion of a garage into a living space is treated as a change of part of a building. An application for approval under the building regulations must be made before work commences. It is not possible to be precise in the advice we give regarding to garage conversions as individual circumstances vary. Vogue garage conversion staff would be pleased to advise you further. The following points must be considered when converting a garage into a living space

Garage conversion building regulations Foundations: A foundation may be required to carry any additional masonry loads such as a new inner leaf to external walls or the garage door infill. The condition and suitability of the existing foundation and floor can be checked when the door area is excavated. There are three accepted ways to build a wall in place of the garage door. Option one a new foundation the depth of this foundation will depend on ground conditions. Options two install two pre-stressed concrete lintels from the footings of each pillar. Options three install a steel cavity lintel with a minimum bearing of 150mm each side onto the brickwork.

Garage conversion building regulations Wall Thickness: If the existing wall is of a single leaf construction with brick a pier it must be checked for stability and freedom from defects. If deemed satisfactory then it is likely that the wall would be considered suitable, subject to its weather resistance and insulation.

Garage conversion building regulations weather resistance: A wall of single leaf construction must be treated to provide satisfactory resistance to the passage of moisture. A waterproofing compound applied on the internal face and incorporated into a floor membrane may be an effective way of achieving this. The provision of an inner leaf to create a cavity wall will require a cavity tray at the base of the wall and over any openings. New and existing floors should also have a suitable damp proof membrane.

Garage conversion building regulations floors: It is often desirable to increase the floor height of the existing garage level with the existing ground floor of the house. This can be achieved by making up the thickness in either concrete or timber. Concrete can be laid directly onto the existing slab on a bed of insulation and damp proof membrane. Timber battens should be tantalised and laid over rigid floor insulation on the existing slab on a damp proof membrane. A vapour barrier may then be laid over the joists/under the boarding. The damp proof membrane should be dressed continuous with any damp proof course to new or existing walls.

Garage conversion building regulations insulation: It may be necessary to insulate the external walls, roof and floor to habitable standards. New Windows should achieve a U Value of at least 2.0W/m2K for timber or PVC frames and 2.2W/m2K for metal frames. This can normally be achieved with a sealed double glazed unit incorporating a 16mm air gap and with an inner pane of low-E type glass. Walls should be upgraded to provide a U Value of around 0.35W/m2K. This could be achieved by dry lining the wall but the performance of each insulation type differs and therefore further advice should be obtained. Floors should be upgraded to provide a U Value of around 0.25W/m2K. This can be achieved with 100mm of polystyrene floor insulation. The roof should also be upgraded to provide a U Value of around 0.25W/m2K for a flat roof or 0.16W/m2K where there is a loft.

Garage conversion building regulations ventilation: Windows must incorporate an open able area of an area equal to 1/20th of the floor area of the room, and trickle vents to provide background ventilation of 8000mm2 for a habitable room (4000mm2 elsewhere. Mechanical Ventilation may also be required if a kitchen, utility, bathroom or WC is being created.

Garage conversion building regulations means of escape: Generally a clear opening of 0.33m2 and with an opening width and height of at least 450mm should be provided if the room could only be accessed via another room. The bottom of such an opening should be below 1100mm above floor level.