If you own a home with an internal garage i.e. a garage in the confines of the original walls of the house then a conversion can be completed with minimal time and effort, much of the process can also be completed by yourself rather than needing contractors. We’ll take you through the whole process from inception through to completing your décor, even down to the cushion covers.
Plans & Building Inspector
Depending on the work being done with your garage conversion, you may be required to submit plans to either your local authority or a private building inspector in order to get the works signed off in accordance with safety guidelines. Typically this is fairly simple as it is only really related to structural or electrical changes and if your garage is internal then the chances are there won’t really be many changes to make unless you are looking to knock a wall through to make a larger living space.
The Conversion Process
Once your garage is emptied the work can begin, first of all the garage door and frame will be taken off and a measurement of floor height will need to be taken to ensure that the garage and the rest of your home are at the same height, typically the garage floor will be slightly lower but wood can just be used to bring it up to the right height. If you don’t already have an internal door to join the garage to the rest of the house, one will need to be knocked through. Once the floor is done some bricklaying will be required half way up the wall to where your window will start before the frame and window is put in. The next stage is to build the stud wall frames on the walls that the plasterboard will attach to, at this point any wiring for lighting or pipes for radiators etc…will need to be installed before the plasterboard and plastering is done.
Painting & Decorating
Always leave plenty of time for the plaster to dry and wait until it is a uniform lighter shade everywhere in the room. At this point the radiator and light fittings can be attached and you are ready to paint. It is always recommended on plaster to do a 50/50 mix of matt white paint and water for the first coat to prime the fresh plaster before painting it properly. In all likelihood you will still need to give your walls 2 coats to get a good finish. Decide which flooring you would like, whether it is carpet, laminate or tiled and install. At this point your room is almost finished and ready to accessorise.
Furniture & Accessories
Depending on the function of your room you may want a bed, sofa, tv unit or bookcases. Ensure you measure up first and that your doorway is wide enough to get the furniture through as often doorways are narrower to garage conversions. The final touches include plants, luxury cushions, pictures/artwork, candles or sculptures.