Building Process

Preparation - The first stage of the project is to clear the garage and remove the existing door.Your property will also need to be protected as required.

Excavating and Concreting Foundations - In most cases a new foundation will need to be formed in order to build up a wall where the door has been removed. The external walls can then be built to damp-proof course level (usually floor level) and the dpc installed.

Drainage - In some cases, where you are installing a bathroom or kitchen, you may need to install new drainage and is a good idea to get this done as soon as possible.

Damp Proofing - It is good practice to ensure that your new floor is damp proof as the original structure cannot be guaranteed. This can either be paint applied as shown here or a heavy gauge plastic membrane.

External walls - The external walls can now be built and it is good practice to 'tooth' these in to the existing brickwork as shown here. The new window opening is formed.

Floor Level - Usually, the floor of the garage will be raised to suit the house floor level and this can be done in a number of ways. Timber joists can be fitted to the correct height but you will need to confirm that Building Control are happy with ventilation requirements. Alternatively insulation and a floating chipboard floor can be used or insulation and a reinforced screed. The best option may depend on the height that the floor needs to be raised.

Internal Walls - If your conversion includes new internal walls then they can be formed - quite often these are constructed in studwork as shown here. You may need to improve the standard of the existing external garage walls and this is often done by forming a new studwork wall inside the existing wall, ensuring that it is properly weatherproof.

Windows and External Doors - new windows and doors are fitted which will ensure that the conversion is secure.

External finishes - if your property is finished externally in rendering or other finishes, these can now be completed.

Internal Openings - Any new opening between the existing property and the garage conversion can now be formed. This will usually require the installation of new lintels and for larger openings, you may require steel beams.

First Fix Services - The electrician and plumber can now complete their 'first fix' services including installation of pipework, cables, etc. The carpenter will fit any new internal door linings. First fix refers to works that are completed prior to plastering.

Insulation- New thermal insulation can now be added to the floors (and roof if required) prior to plasterboarding.

Plasterboarding - With the insulation in place, any plasterboarding can be completed. Many builders use plasterboard as an internal finish to the new external walls.

Plastering - The ceilings and walls can now be plastered. Some builders prefer to dry line the plasterboard which avoids the need for complete plastering.

Floor screeding - If you are raising the floor with a sand:cement screed, this can now be completed to provide a smooth and level surface.

Suspended Floor Finishes - In many cases, flooring grade chipboard is used as a floor finish, either fixed to the joists or 'floating'. Flooring can be fitted before plastering but it needs to be well protected as plasterers can be messy!

2nd fix electrics- With plastering complete, the electrician will now fit the switch plates, sockets and light fittings.

2nd fix plumbing and heating - The plumber will now fit any new sanitaryware and the new radiators. If you are having a new boiler, it is usually fitted at this stage.

2nd fix carpentry- The carpenter will now fit internal doors, architraves and skirtings. New cupboards, wardrobes and kitchen units can also be fitted at this stage.

Other finishes- Tiling, decorating, laminate or other floor finishes can now be completed.

Finishing touches- The final touches to your new conversion can now be added such as furniture, curtains and blinds and pictures.

Completion - With the works complete, you can now enjoy the use of the additional space for many years to come.