Grovers Court, Princes Risborough, Buckinghams
At Terra Firma we always strive to give a full and efficient service to a high quality finish using only fully qualified trades men.
We have been trading for almost 20 years and all our work is fully insured. Each of our free estimates is tailored to your specific enquiry,.
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How can someone tell if their Garage is suitable for conversion?
Most brick built garages are suitable for conversion as long as they are built on a good foundation and are in good structural condition. Timber structures such as barns are also make great conversion projects. Attached garages are better suited to expand internal space where detached garages and out buildings are more suitable as a home office, rumpus room or granny annexe depending on their size.
Run us through the different stages of the Garage conversion process - what's involved?
To convert a garage will require architectural drawings, a structural package should you be knocking through and full building regulations approval.
Once all these are in place works can commence. Firstly any alterations to the existing building fabric would take place, moving door and window apatures, fitting roof windows etc. Depending on floor heights and whether underfloor heating will be fitted he existing floor may need to be lifted and and a new sub-strata installed to include insulation. The new doors and windows will now be fitted to make the building watertight. Insulation will now be fitted to the walls and roof/ ceiling to give the building its new overall value which is its thermal loss. These insulation materials and thicknesses will be prescribed by the building control as part of their approval package.
Once the insulation has been fitted and inspected by the building control the internal space can be first fixed with both plumbing and electrics. First fix means all the infrastructure behind the surface, all the pipework and cabling you don't see! All the walls and ceilings will now be plaster boarded.
Should the garage be attached the structural works will now take place to open up the the new space. This work will be left until the last possible minute as to keep usable service in the property as long as possible. Once the steel work has been fitted and inspected by building control the area can be made good, with all new and disturbed surfaces being plastered.
Once plastered all the second fix work can now take place ( the nice bit!) the painting, fitting of kitchen, w/c flooring, radiators,switches and sockets and joinery.
Once completed the site will be left clean and tidy with all waste removed by Terra Firma.
How can someone tell if their loft is suitable for conversion?
For your loft to be ready for conversion the main things are head room (can you stand up straight ) and have at least 300mm or 12" above your head in the highest part. And can you accommodate a set of stairs to gain access to the new space. This may require taking space from another room.
Run us through the different stages in the loft conversion process - what’s involved?
Before starting the works you would need to have full working drawings,a structural package and full building regs aproval.
At the commencement of the works a scaffold will be erected to gain access to the roof area. Depending on the scope of the works it may be prudent to erect a temporary roof from scaffolding. The exsisting roof in the new dorma area will be stripped and the relevant roof timbers removed to gain access to the loft area.
Steel beams as per the structural engineers drawings will be fitted to create support for the new floor joists which will sit a minimum of 50mm above the existing ceiling.insulation will be fitted between these joists. The new timber structure of the roof will now be constructed any roof windows will be fitted. The structure will be made water tight with whatever roofing material has been specified, roof tile, slate or a flat roof. The internal walls will now be constructed and the first fix plumbing and electrics fitted, this is all the pipework and cabling that won't be seen.
Once all the inferstructuready has been completed the new flooring will go down and and the walls and ceiling will be insulated. The plasterboarding and plastering will now take place.
As much work as possible will be compleated in the new loft area prior to breaking through. This will entail cutting out of the existing ceiling and positioning of the new staircase.
All second fix joinery, plumbing, electrics, tiling and painting will take place. Once complete the site will be left clean and tidy with all waste removed by Terra Firma
How long have you been in business?
I have been in the building trade since 1988 when I did a 3 year aprentiship with the c.i.t.b ( construction industry's training board) I set up my first company in my home city of Nottingham in 1995, this was called home solutions. I sold this and relocated to Buckinghamshire In 1998 and set up Terra Firma where I have worked continually for almost 20 years.
What guarantee does your work come with?
Any structural and roofing work comes with a 10 year guarantee any internal work comes with a 3 year guarantee.
What do you love most about your job?
The best thing about my job is helping my clients achieve their dream of creating the perfect home they want to live in. To help guide and advise them along the way with the wealth of experience I have gained over my 29 years in the trade.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I have always been independent and driven. I wanted to build a business around quality and service.
Why should our clients choose you?
We offer a full project management service and pride ourselves on the quality of our work and that of our sub contractors. From the initial site meeting through to completion we will listen to your needs and expectations and manage them throughout the build.
