Garage Conversions
Coleford-Forest-of-Dean

Escape the clutter of the kitchen or dining room table and step into a dedicated space designed for peak concentration. Built-in shelves keep your paperwork organised, while natural light floods through new windows, boosting your mood and energy levels. Say goodbye to distractions and hello to a stunning, streamlined workspace that encourages efficiency and accomplishment.

Let your artistic spirit soar in a beautiful space designed to inspire. Imagine pottery wheels humming, sewing machines whirring, and paintbrushes swirling across the canvas. Proper ventilation draws away any creative dust or fumes, while clever storage solutions keep chaos well under control. This is your personal realm, where you can express yourself and enjoy your freedom!

Forget the limitations of your living room TV! Plush armchairs beckon you into a world of cinematic immersion. A projector screen paints larger-than-life images on the wall, while surround sound engulfs you in the action. Prepare the popcorn and get ready for a night at the cinema, without leaving your home!

Whether you've got kids or you're just young at heart, a games room is the perfect addition! You could add a pool table, dart board, games console and gaming chairs, a comfy board game area - whatever takes your fancy! For a grown-up twist, how about putting in a home bar in your new living space?

Ditch the crowded gym and create a sanctuary tailored to your fitness goals. Fill this space with all your favourite equipment; treadmills, rowing machines, weights, and yoga mats – let your imagination go! This is your personal fitness haven, so you make the rules. After a hard workout session, you could use your new shower room to freshen up.

How about an impressive dining space to show off to your friends? It's a popular garage conversion idea, creating a separate room for entertaining guests or enjoying a family get-together. Imagine this room filled with laughter and conversation as you play the perfect host!

Use your new space to create that beautiful kitchen you always dreamed of! Sleek cabinets and long counters offer ample room for culinary creativity. Ambient lighting adds to the seductiveness and sensory experience, along with soft music from hidden speakers.

Finally, a practical space to deal with those domestic chores! Hide the laundry, washing machine, drier, clothes airers, etc. in this handy new room where they can be contained. No more wet washing or dirty laundry making the house damp or untidy.

Imagine carving out a personal oasis, a refuge from the daily hustle. Picture a spa-inspired haven bathed in soothing, ambient lighting, where a luxurious bathtub beckons you to unwind. Calming decor melts away stress, and the gentle hum of relaxation fills the air. This is your sanctuary, a space for quiet moments and self-care rituals, where you can chill out and be yourself.

Welcome friends and loved ones with open arms and offer them a haven away from home. Imagine a self-contained guest bedroom, complete with a plush bed for restful nights, a private en suite bathroom for convenience, and ample storage for their belongings. The beautiful design and elegant decor create a warm and inviting atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression of your hospitality.

With our ingenuity and your ideas, we will create a space that adapts to your ever-changing needs. This could include fold-away beds that tuck away seamlessly, modular furniture that reconfigures effortlessly, and designated areas for work, hobbies, or relaxation. This is your dynamic, flexible, liveable space, where one moment you're immersed in creative pursuits, the next you're unwinding with a good book, and all without ever leaving your door!

Treat your children to a space of their own, where fun and creativity reign. This is a dedicated playroom brimming with possibilities; climbing structures promise daring adventures, forts become secret hideaways, and ample storage keeps the fun organised. This is their domain, a land of endless possibilities where childhood memories are made, and little minds are inspired.

These suggestions should spark your imagination and get you thinking about how you can make the most of this valuable extra space.

• Internal works only. If your conversion stays within the existing garage walls and doesn't alter the external appearance, you can probably escape the need for a planning application. This work will deal mostly with insulation, electrics, plumbing, and internal finishes.
• Detached garages. Converting a detached garage usually falls under Permitted Development, but it's always wise to double-check with your local council, especially if it's in a designated area like a conservation zone. The worst-case scenario is that the council will order the destruction or reversal of any work that goes ahead without planning permission!

• External changes. Adding extensions, dormers, or windows affecting the external look generally requires planning permission.
• Designated areas. Living in a conservation area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or National Park often means stricter rules and planning permission might be needed even for internal conversions.
• Listed buildings. Converting a listed building requires Listed Building Consent alongside any planning permission.

Windows are usually allowed under the Permitted Development rights, but they should generally be situated in the section where the garage door used to be.

While this information provides a general overview, every project is unique. With our extensive experience in this field, Loft Crew will guide you through the entire planning process as smoothly as possible as part of our garage conversion service.

• Size of the garage. Converting a larger garage naturally costs more than a smaller one.
• The complexity of the conversion. Simple internal transformations are cheaper than adding extensions, dormers, underfloor heating, plumbing, or altering the external structure.
• Quality of materials and finishes. Opting for high-end fixtures and fittings will push the cost upwards.
• Location. Costs can vary regionally, with London and the South East typically being more expensive (by as much as 20%).
• Building regulations and permissions. Obtaining permission from your local planning office and complying with building control regulations can incur additional expenses.

Let's see how this compares to other options in terms of price, along with their advantages and disadvantages:

• Average cost - £40,000 to £140,000+
• Pros - Adds significant living space, greater flexibility for design, and potential to increase property value.
• Cons - Typically the most expensive option. Can cause significant disruption. Planning permission is often required, and foundation work is usually needed.

• Average cost - £55,000 - £80,000
• Pros - Creates additional living space without sacrificing garden area, can be a good value addition depending on the property type.
• Cons - A more complex project, often with potential structural challenges. May require planning permission. There is limited headroom in some cases.

Size: Typically 12-16 square metres (130-170 sq ft), providing space for one car and limited storage.

A standalone structure or part of a building, usually with a single-bay garage door accessed from the front.

Benefits of single garage conversions:

• An affordable option for smaller projects like home offices, laundry rooms, or pantries.
• Can add significant value to smaller properties with limited space.
• Less disruptive conversion process compared to larger garages.
• Conversion Costs: £5,000-£15,000 depending on complexity and finishes.

Size: Typically 24-32 square metres (260-350 sq ft), accommodating two cars with additional storage or workshop area.

Similar to single garages but wider, often found in larger homes or semi-detached houses.

Benefits of double garage conversions:

• Offers flexibility for larger rooms like home gyms, playrooms, guest suites, or multiple smaller spaces.
• Significant space gain for growing families or specific needs.
• Potential for higher return on investment if converted into high-demand spaces.
• Conversion Costs: £10,000-£25,000 depending on size, complexity, and chosen features.

Size: Varies greatly, ranging from single-bay to multi-car models offering ample space.

Stands alone, separate from the main house, often with a driveway for access.

Benefits of detached garage conversions:

• Maximum privacy and noise insulation from the house.
• Potential for independent living spaces like studios, granny flats, or rental units.
• Flexibility for creative uses like art studios, music rooms, or home businesses.
• Conversion Costs: Highly variable depending on size, chosen features, and potential need for foundation work. Can range from £15,000 to £50,000+.

Size: Varies depending on design, typically smaller than detached garages (12-20 square metres).

Shares one or more walls with the main house, often with direct access through a door to the kitchen or utility room.

Benefits of attached garage conversions:

• Convenient access from the house, ideal for frequently used spaces like utility rooms or boot rooms.
• Seamless integration with the existing layout for a cohesive flow.
• Can be more cost-effective than detached conversions due to shared walls.
• Conversion Costs: £7,000-£20,000 depending on size, complexity, and existing connections.

Size: Similar to attached garages but built directly into the main house structure.

These feel like part of the house, often with internal access points and shared utilities.

Benefits of integral garage conversions:

• Most seamless integration with the house, enhancing aesthetics and functionality.
• Improved insulation and noise reduction compared to other types.
• Often adds the most value to the property due to increased living space.
• Conversion Costs: £10,000-£25,000 depending on size, complexity, and potential structural changes.

If you need advice about any of these aspects, we are here to answer your questions.

We begin with a free consultation, where we listen to your ideas, needs, and budget. We discuss potential layouts, functionalities, and material choices, tailoring a design that surpasses your expectations.

Don't worry about navigating complex regulations and planning permissions! Our experienced team handles everything, ensuring your project adheres to local guidelines and secures necessary approvals swiftly.

With careful planning and skilled craftsmanship, our qualified professionals bring your dream to life. Here's what the construction process typically entails:

• Carefully clearing your existing garage, including removing the garage door and any internal partition walls.
• Depending on your design, this might involve structural adjustments like installing support beams or modifying the roofline.

Ensuring robust foundations and proper drainage systems are in place for long-lasting quality. This may involve adding new foundations or adapting existing ones, if necessary.

• Constructing new walls, if needed, and ensuring all walls are properly insulated for year-round comfort and energy efficiency.

• If required, a new, weatherproof roof is installed, ensuring seamless integration with your existing roofline. Waterproofing all areas prevents future moisture issues.

• Laying high-quality flooring that complements your chosen design and installing a new electrical system to power your transformed space.

• Adding strategically placed windows to bathe your new space in natural light and installing secure, convenient doors.

We collaborate with you to select beautiful finishes, fixtures, and fittings that reflect your personality and enhance the space's functionality.

Finally, our after-care support ensures you enjoy your new space worry-free for years to come!

• Existing Garage Foundations - Your current garage foundations must be strong enough to support the additional weight of a new storey. An engineer will assess these and recommend any reinforcements or modifications.
• Planning Regulations - Local building regulations will dictate the maximum height and floor space for the extension.
• Existing Walls - Depending on the design, existing garage walls might need alterations or reinforcements to handle the increased load.

Several methods can be used to add an upper storey:

• Timber Frame - This lightweight and relatively quick method is suitable for smaller extensions. However, it might not be feasible for all designs or offer the desired level of sound insulation.
• Masonry Construction - Using bricks or blocks creates a more solid structure with better soundproofing, but it's more time-consuming and expensive.
• Prefabricated Units - Prefabricated panels offer a faster and potentially cheaper option, but flexibility in design might be limited.

• Structural Engineer Survey - This is crucial to assess feasibility and determine necessary reinforcements.
• Architect and Planning Permission - Consult an architect to design the extension and obtain planning permission from your local authority.
• Construction Work - This will involve foundation work, wall construction, roof installation, internal work like flooring and electrics, and finishing touches.

• Honestly assess your DIY capabilities. This project requires diverse skills, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and potentially even roofing and structural modifications. Are you confident tackling each aspect yourself?
• Seek professional guidance. Consult a qualified builder, garage conversion architect or structural engineer for advice and potential collaboration. Loft Crew can offer invaluable expertise.

• Planning permission. Find out if your conversion requires permission or a building notice before work begins. Factors like external changes, listed buildings, and designated areas often necessitate official approval. Consult your local planning authority for clarification.
• Building regulations approval. Ensure your conversion complies with all relevant building regulations, including insulation, ventilation, structural integrity, and electrical safety. This involves inspections and approvals throughout the process. Failing to obtain this could jeopardise your project.

• Prioritise safety. Be aware of potential hazards like asbestos, electrical work, and working at heights. Take appropriate safety precautions and adhere to safety regulations. This may be your home, but it's still a building site.
• Fire escape. If your building project doesn't provide a direct protected route to an external door, you'll need to ensure that there's an escape window that meets current safety regulations.

• Budget realistically. Factor in all of the potential garage conversion costs, including materials, tools, professional consultations (if necessary), permits, and potential unforeseen issues. Create a detailed budget and consider contingency funds for unexpected expenses.
• Time commitment. Be realistic about the time investment required. DIY projects often take longer than anticipated, impacting your daily life, potentially causing inconvenience, and putting a strain on relationships.

• Waste disposal. Plan for responsible waste disposal when it comes to building materials and demolition debris.
• Neighbours. Inform your neighbours about the project and potential noise disruptions.
• Long-term plans. Consider the future use of the converted space and how it might impact your property value.
• Make sure it's damp-proof! Garage floors are often built on a lower level than the rest of the house, so you'll need to add a damp-proof course. Once the damp-proof membrane is down, you'll need to apply a suitable screed covering.

Remember, while DIY garage conversions can be rewarding, they require thorough planning, realistic expectations, and a commitment to safety and quality. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and don't hesitate to seek professional help when needed.