Concrete sectional garage into a garage conversion?

[Charles Brown]

First thing to check is what the structure actually is. From the photo it looks like a sectional concrete garage rather than brick, which can still be converted but usually needs a timber stud wall built inside.

For the walls, the normal approach is to build a timber stud frame slightly off the external wall (leave a small air gap), then fit rigid insulation between the studs, add a vapour control layer and plasterboard over the top ready for plaster. If it’s single skin you’ll normally need around 100mm insulation to meet building regs.

For the floor, check if there is a damp proof membrane in the slab. If not, that needs addressing first. A common build-up is a DPM if required, rigid floor insulation, then either a floating chipboard floor or a new screed.

Before starting it’s also worth checking planning (most are permitted development) and making sure the design will meet building regs for insulation, ventilation and fire.

If it helps, I’ve put together a step-by-step garage conversion guide that covers the wall build-ups, floor options and building regs requirements so you know exactly how to do it properly.

[Jeff Banger]

thank you so much this is very helpful. I can’t believe the amount of rude and helpful comments on this post – finally someone actually answering my question very helpful – thank you! x

[Carl Hardwick]

have you got planning approval to convert the concrete sectional garage onto a living space? Those buildings were not built to a high standard at all and you may well find it much more cost effective to knock it down and out something else in its place. Best of luck.

[Clifford Burns]

there are 2 ways of looking at a “garage conversion” you can get building control involved to create a legally habitable living space on the other hand if you want to upgrade the garage space you have to create an “aesthetics room” by for example putting in a dpm and insulation then there is nothing stopping you. You can avoid building control involvement by avoiding things like- no one is sleeping in it and you aren’t putting a radiator in it connected to your home. Just check with your local council they will help you

[Mircea Trif]

If that’s a prefab Garage that can’t be turned into a livable space you need to knock it down and build a garage office to provide quotes for this

[Derek Jordan]

Easier to take it down and replace with a lovely new flat pack

[Edward Johnson]

I have one of these too, bottom of my garden, ugly pebbledash and asbestos roof

Let me know if you do end up “converting” in any way!

[Emily Green]

Not sure you can legally convert it because l to me it looks like it’s it’s a sectional concrete garage. Best to get some building control or planning advice.