Structural Home Design Consulting Engineers
Rathfarnam, Dublin, Dublin
(4)
Rathfarnam, Dublin, Dublin
(4)
We provide complete Structural Engineering Design services for residential extensions and new builds to ensure your project is built to the correct and required building standards and regulations.
Structural Engineering
Civil Engineering
Survey Reports
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4 customer reviews
Maeve Marie
Customer centric consultations and professional advice
Reviewed on Facebook
Andrew O'Connell
"Very professional to deal with. The depth of the report along with a phone call to talk through each element was extremely reassuring and allowed us to make a very well informed decision. Everything was done in a timely manner. I would recommend using these guys to friends" More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Del Whelan
New home surveys and structural engineering certification
Reviewed on Facebook
Nicola Kenny
Excellent advice and very professional service from Structural Home Design
Reviewed on Facebook
How can someone tell if their Garage is suitable for conversion?
In principle, a garage can be converted under exempted development, meaning that you do not require planning permission. However, there are a few questions regarding planning regulations that require exploring first:
- Has the house been extended previously? The total allowable area for an extension which may be considered exempted development is 40sqm (with certain conditions). A garage conversion can be included as part of this overall area, but if it increases the total new floor area to more than 40sqm, then planning permission will be required.
- Are there any planning conditions from previous planning applications that prohibit the undertaking of works normally considered exempted development?
- Are there any covenants attached to the property that prohibit exempted development? An architect or solicitor would be best-placed to advise on this issue.
- Is the property a protected structure? In this instance, no exemptions to development apply.
Every property is defined by a unique set of conditions and it is always worth seeking architectural advice to make sure you are in compliance with the exemption criteria. If you can clearly establish that none of the above issues is relevant, then you would, in principle, be allowed to proceed with a garage conversion without planning permission.
Run us through the different stages of the Garage conversion process - what's involved?
Most garages, by their nature, are narrow, have a floor level lower than that of the main house, and are un-insulated. The garage roof will most likely be solid concrete and at a lower level than the first floor. Many have electric/gas meters stored within which need to be relocated. Existing drainage routes should also be checked to ensure there are no primary access points located inside the garage.
The process involves;
Check whether you need planning permission
Check the purse
Think design with a Chartered Engineer
Check the regs
Choose as many of the finishes you can in advance
Comply with Building Control requirements
Comply with health and safety requirements
Check the insurance
Get the neighbours involved before work begins
Get building
Get the building work signed off by a Chartered Engineer who is fully insured with Professional Indemnity Insurance
A garage can be simply converted as a room but, if poorly designed, it will always feel like a garage conversion, underused and unsuitable for your needs. To avoid this, the following are a number of issues to consider in order to make the most of your garage conversion:
For added comfort and space, think of lifting the roof level to provide a minimum ceiling height of 2.4m (8ft])
Install new windows or rooflights to provide adequate natural light and ventilation.
Upgrading the insulation to current building regulation standards.
Running the flooring across the room draws your eye across, making it feel wider.
Large glass windows to the front can make it brighter and feel larger.
How can someone tell if their loft is suitable for conversion?
You will need to satisfy three requirements: sufficient headroom, strong enough joists and a suitable stairway . You must also consider if there is enough ‘floor area’ available (where head height is 1.5m or more) for your specific needs.
Gaining the advice of an experienced engineer at the outset is a good investment to maximise space and minimise disruption the the rest of the house
Run us through the different stages in the loft conversion process - what’s involved?
The project affects two floors and the inside of the roof space is usually an odd shape. There will also be a number of walls, water tanks, chimney stacks, joists and rafters to work around and they won’t be easy to move should that be required.
The process involves;
Check whether you need planning permission
Check the purse
Think design with a Chartered Engineer
Check the regs
Choose as many of the finishes you can in advance
Comply with Building Control requirements
Comply with health and safety requirements
Check the insurance
Get the neighbours involved before work begins
Get building
Get the building work signed off by a Chartered Engineer who is fully insured with Professional Indemnity Insurance
What do you love most about your job?
Adding value to our clients homes is the most rewarding part. We are an innovative modern engineering consultancy who aim to revolution this space by providing clients with the best quality of service in a matter which give piece of mind, for what can be most families largest investments of purchasing or extending the homes.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I have spent my career providing creative engineering solution to clients, I wanted to continue this with the addition of providing a full all-round package to meet the clients needs.
Why should our clients choose you?
We are a young modern engineering company who aim to revolution this space with a fast prompt experience for our clients
