Why should I consider converting my garage?
A garage conversion is not going to be the best solution for everyone but, with property prices continuing to rise and the cost of actually moving house becoming very expensive there has never been a better time to consider making best use of what you already have - Your garage.

What if I still need some garage space?
Another option which is becoming more popular is to only convert part of your garage., a partial garage conversion. A double garage can be converted to a single garage and the additional living space you require. In some circumstances it can also be possible to gain some useful space by converting part of a single garage. Some garages are long enough to accommodate a small car and still leave space for a garage conversion. To do this it is not even necessary to remove the garage door and can be an excellent solution for motorcyclists, cyclists and anyone without a car as the remaining garage space can still be put to good use.

How long will it take to convert my garage?
A single garage conversion typically takes two to three weeks and a double garage conversion three to four weeks.

When would you be able to start?
Once you have contacted us we will make an appointment to visit your home to offer you your free no obligation quotation. On acceptance of our quotation a start date can then be booked.

Will I need planning permission?
Under new regulations that came into effect from 1 October 2008 the permitted development regime covering garage conversions changed and planning permission is not usually required, providing the work is internal and does not involve enlarging the building. However A1 Garage conversions will check this with your local authority on acceptance of our quotation and before any work commences.

Will I need to apply for Building Regulations?
Yes. A garage conversion which has not been completed in accordance with building regulations is technically illegal and your local authority could enforce the reversal of any work which has been carried out. A1 Garage Conversions deal with all paperwork and liaison with Building Control for your convenience.

What is the procedure?
A1 Garage Conversions will submit the relevant Building regulations application form to your local Building Control office. We will then arrange for the building inspector to visit at various stages throughout your garage conversion. On completion of your garage conversion you will be issued with a 'completion certificate'. It shows that your garage conversion was completed to current building control requirements and will be needed if you decide to sell your property in the future.

What is Building Control?
Building Control regulate the construction of buildings, ensuring they meet the standards set out in the Building Regulations. They make sure that buildings are structurally sound, safe, have adequate drainage, ventilation and toilet facilities, are accessible for disabled persons and are energy efficient to heat and light. The Building Regulations are supported by technical documents that set out acceptable standards to which buildings should be constructed. Building Control ensure these standards are met, by approving drawings and calculations as well as inspecting work on-site.

What are Building Regulations?
Building regulations are a legal set of requirements which all building work must be completed to. Your local Building Control office is responsible for ensuring any work, A1 garage conversions or any other reputable garage conversion company, complete is carried out in accordance with the latest building regulations and recommendations. We have to take into consideration the following Building Regulation points when converting your garage.......

Foundations?
A foundation must be provided 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/floor can be checked when the door infill area is excavated.

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. Floors (new and existing) should also have a suitable damp proof membrane.

Gas and Electrical?
Any gas or electrical work that has taken place during the garage conversion will require certificates to prove the work has been completed by a qualified tradesman. We will obtain these certificates and a copy will be presented to you and Building control at the end of your garage conversion.

Insulation?
It may be necessary to insulate the walls and roof to habitable standards. Windows should achieve a 'U' value of 2.0 W/m2K and the use of low 'E' double glazed units would satisfy this requirement. The wall insulation value should be equal to 0.35 W/m2K.

Ventilation?
Windows must incorporate openable vents of an area equal to 1/20th of the floor area of the room, trickle vents to provide background ventilation of 8000mm2. Generally a window of 0.33m2 with a clear opening width or height of 450mm and no greater than 1100mm from floor level is to be provided if the new room can only be accessed through another room.

The above technical information courtesy of www.eden.gov.uk/planning-and-development/building-control/building-control-guidance-notes/garage-conversion-to-habitable-room