How and why would you convert your garage?

GARAGE CONVERSIONS

As an Architectural Technician for many years and surveyed 100’s of garages all over Scotland…. we have found a common theme regarding garages and that is……NO ONE KEEPS A CAR IN A GARAGE.

Why convert your garage?

A garage conversion is one of the most cost-effective home improvements you can do to your home. A garage conversion can not only provide you with additional living space but also add considerable value to your home which reduces the disruption to the homeowners.

A garage conversion does not typically require planning permission, however, will require a building warrant at a minimum. Popular uses for a garage conversion at present are for home offices, however, can be utilised for extra bedroom, home gym/cinema or just some extra space for relaxing.

The great thing about a garage conversion is that the works are not weather dependent as most conversions are a matter of laying some insulation on the existing garage floor and insulation to walls (I’m sure a builder won’t say it’s that easy, but what do I know……I can’t even put a shelf up).

How much does it cost to convert your garage?

A typical garage conversion is £7000-9000; however, this can vary for a few reasons such as; location, size of garage, the type of finish (redwood or oak), storage required and also the type of insulation required such as rigid insulation (Kingspan etc) or wool insulation can be used (Knauf).

The architect will specify the type and thickness of insulation required to meet the U Value requirements. As a client, make sure that the Architects/Architectural technicians have considered the cheapest options to achieve the same outcome as this can save you £100’s just on insulation costs.

Normally the new window will be the same width as the previous garage door, with the lintel remaining in place, which means there is no structural alterations. Also, if there is not an existing door between the house/garage then one would normally be required. The architect can specify the lintels required for this if in a load-bearing wall, however this is typically limited to a maximum opening of 1800mm wide.

How long does it take to convert your garage?

We have worked with numerous contractors all over Scotland which typically convert a garage from start to finish within 7-10 days.

The longest part of a garage conversion is the permissions as these can take 4-8 weeks before any works can start.

What happens if you have already converted your garage without permission?

If you have already converted your garage without permissions, then this is illegal, and you won’t be able to sell your home, or your home insurance may be invalid.

To rectify this, your architect can obtain an ‘completion certificate where no warrant obtained’. Due to the Local Authority wanting people to obtain permissions first and do things legally, they charge a 300% fee for this, which can be a considerable amount (see table below), eg £7000 project would cost £226 x 3 = £678 (to be paid to council before you even pay an architect).

Learning AutoCAD

What is AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a powerful software tool used by architects, engineers, and designers for creating precise 2D and 3D drawings. Learning how to use AutoCAD can be a valuable skill for anyone in the field of architecture or engineering. One of the best ways to learn how to use AutoCAD is by watching tutorials on YouTube

YouTube is a popular platform for finding instructional videos on a wide range of topics, including AutoCAD tutorials. There are many YouTube channels dedicated to providing step-by-step guides and tips for using AutoCAD effectively. These tutorials cover everything from basic autocad and editing in AutoCAD to more advanced features like 3D modeling and rendering.

AutoCAD tutorials

One of the key benefits of learning AutoCAD through YouTube tutorials is the visual and interactive nature of the platform. Users can follow along with the instructor in real-time, pause and rewind the video as needed, and practice the techniques demonstrated in the tutorial. This hands-on approach can help users grasp the concepts more effectively and apply them to their own projects.

Some popular YouTube channels that offer AutoCAD tutorials include:

1. M A CAD Master - This channel provides basic AutoCAD tutorials for beginners, covering topics such as drafting, dimensions, basic floor plans and viewport set up in AutoCAD.

2. CAD in Black - This channel focuses on advanced AutoCAD techniques, including customizing the user interface, creating parametric designs, and using AutoLISP programming.

3. The CAD Academy - This channel offers in-depth tutorials on specific AutoCAD tools and features, as well as tips and tricks for improving productivity and efficiency in AutoCAD.

Overall, YouTube is a great resource for anyone looking to learn AutoCAD or improve their skills in the software. With a wide range of tutorials available on the platform, users can find the right content to suit their learning style and level of expertise. Whether you're a beginner looking to get started with AutoCAD or an experienced user seeking to expand your knowledge, YouTube tutorials can help you achieve your goals.

AutoCad tutorials for students

Local Authority Building Warrant fees increase.

Council fees to rise in April

In April this year, Scotland will see an increase in building warrant fees, impacting property owners and developers across the country. This change has sparked discussions and concerns within the construction industry, as the cost of obtaining building warrants has risen significantly. The decision to raise these fees has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing frustration over the additional financial burden it places on projects, while others acknowledge the need for funding to support regulatory processes.

For property owners and developers, the increase in building warrant fees means allocating more resources to cover the additional costs associated with obtaining approval for construction projects. This could potentially lead to delays in project timelines and increased overall project expenses. The rise in fees may also deter some from pursuing new developments or renovations, impacting the growth and development of the construction sector in Scotland.

The Scottish government has justified the fee increase as necessary to ensure that the building standards system is adequately funded to maintain high-quality construction practices and uphold safety standards. By generating additional revenue through building warrant fees, the government aims to invest in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the regulatory process, ultimately benefiting the industry and the public.

However, you can argue that the increase in fees puts strain on an already challenging economic environment, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. They emphasize the importance of striking a balance between funding regulatory processes and supporting the growth of the construction industry without imposing excessive financial burdens on stakeholders.

As the impact of the building warrant fee increase continues; stakeholders in the construction industry are urged to adapt to these changes and explore innovative solutions to mitigate the challenges posed by the rising costs. Collaboration between the government, industry stakeholders, and the public will be crucial in navigating this transition and ensuring that construction projects in Scotland continue to meet high standards of quality and safety.

Let us know what your thoughts are regarding the increase fees.