David Glassock Architecture

Garages typically do not require planning permission to convert unless the garage is a stand alone garage.
The first question as it integral or stand alone?

If planning is not required at the very least you will need detailed construction drawings for the conversion works. You will most likely need to appoint a structural engineer, we can recommend suitably qualified professional that we regularly work with that can assist.

We will prepare plan options for your consideration, helping you plan the layout and find the best ways to integrate the newly converted space with the exiting property,

We will then guide you though the various, finer details that need to be considered i.e.
- moisture proofing
- ventilation
- insulation
- fireproofing
- escape routes
- structural soundness.

Based on out discussions, we will then complete a set of detailed drawings suitable for building regulation submission, contract/tender costings and for on site construction use.

Apart from the obvious questions like access, floor to ceiling height, planning for windows and dormers, the main question I always ask is
"can you see the underside of the slate when your are standing in the roof void?" This ultimately will tell me if you have a membrane between the rafters and the slate battens. If you do not then it is likely the roof will need to be taken off and an appropriate roofing membrane installed. The membrane will ensure against condensation forming within the roof build up and without it building control will not sign off the conversion. It is a very important question as it will impact on your budget.

Lofts are complex areas to convert but more common than not there are always ways to get them converted.

The first thing to look at is, do you require a planning application for insertion of any dormers or roof lights?
We will help you design the best possible layout, taking into consideration access, floor to ceiling head heights, fire escape and interior design.
It is always worth having a structural engineer look at the existing floor joists, more common than not the joists will need strengthening.

Once we have considered the structural implications, discussed and created a layout and design that works for you we will assemble a set of detailed drawings suitable for building regulation submission, contract/tender costings and for on site construction use.

Everything! From meeting the client, engaging with them and understanding their brief, producing the initial sketch ideas to realising the vision and dream space.

I wanted to be involved with the entire process from meeting the client to making those all important decisions.

We are friendly, helpful and openminded. We love what we do and unlike many professional we care passionately about the process and having the client being involved.