LBM ROOFING

Step 1: Carry out an assessment of your garage and decide how you can utilise the space. If it’s currently used to store large items, you may have to consider dedicating a section of your garage towards the storage of these items or relocate them to an outbuilding such as a lock-secured garden shed.
. Note, if there is any electrical, gas or plumbing work to be carried out, ensure that the contractor is registered with the correct governing body and they are able to certify their work.

Step 2: All planning and building regulations and requirements will need to be considered. You may need planning permission from your local authority if the work involves converting your garage into a habitable space. If you have any doubt about gaining planning permission or meeting building regulation requirements, always ask your local authority, who will direct you.

Where possible, ask for written confirmation of any advice provided by your local authority so that you can ensure that you have the correct permissions to carry out your conversion.

Step 3: Obtain a written contract from your contractor/builder/garage conversion company which clearly states everyone’s responsibilities and what you need to pay on completion of the project.

Step 4: Once the contract is in place and you have all permission approved you can start by clearing out the garage space. If you’re expanding an existing room such as a kitchen, then now would be the ideal time to knock-through the wall. Once the debris has been cleared, you can commence with any electrical works and pipe work installations for gas and plumbing.

Hint: if the space will be used as a guest room or a playroom, you may want to consider under-floor heating.

Step 5: It’s highly likely that a garage conversion will involve the installation of at least one new external cavity wall and this stage of the conversion would be an ideal time to do so. Diligence must be taken to ensure that the wall is of sound build and is able to repel moisture from the ground (damp proofing) and also resist the outside elements.

Any new windows and doors can also be installed at this stage followed by any radiators and kitchen or bathroom units.

Step 6: Now that the majority of the building works have completed, you can begin to decorate your new space. To avoid any stains or damage to your new flooring, it may be best to get painting before the floor or carpet is laid.

Step 7: Once you’ve decorated your newly converted garage, you and your family can begin to reap the benefits of the additional space in your home!

If you have all the living space you need downstairs but are lacking bedrooms and bathrooms, then a loft conversion can be the perfect way to bring your ... Almost all lofts are suitable for conversion

Every loft conversion is slightly different, however we have created a timetable of a loft conversion that contains the most common stages and steps that your loft conversion is likely to go through:
Works will commence with the erection of independent scaffolding.
First delivery of materials – ie structural steels, joisting timbers etc.
An opening is made in the roof for access – initial works are completed externally, so minimising internal disturbance (approx 3/4 weeks)
Floor joisting carried out – following which the local authority Building Inspector will visit to approve floor construction.
If a dormer conversion, the dormer will next be constructed, insulation installed, followed by a further inspection by the Building Inspector.
Completion of external works – ie roofing of dormer, lead work, fascias, soffits, guttering.
Internally, erecting studwork walls, forming bedrooms/ensuite/stairwell access. Insulating walls to required standard.
Fitting dormer windows/Velux windows.
Creating access to facilitate installation of a new staircase and fitting new stairs.
Installing new cabling for lighting, sockets, Expelair, smoke alarms etc.
First fix to plumb to new ensuite and additional radiator(s).
Plastering all new areas.
Second fix carpentry works – ie skirtings, architraves, doors, handrail, spindles etc.
The second fix works for electrics (upvc fittings installed) and plumbing (sanitary ware, radiators etc).
Clearing down – including guttering inspection.
Final inspection by Building Inspector who issues Completion Certificate (all works having complied with building and fire regulations).
The new loft is now ready for decoration and habitation.

family run business with over 25yrs experience in the roofing and building trade ! specialising in all roofing and property maintenance