Browse Forums Renovation + Home Improvement 1 Mar 15, 2012 8:24 pm We are hoping to be able to convert our large double lock-up garage into another bedroom and a master bedroom with walk-through robe and ensuite but we've never taken on renovations of this magnitude before so I'm researching my heart out to make sure it's all done properly as I don't want to miss anything! The garage is approx 44sqm and is under the main house roof (see photos). The roof is not insulated but the current walls are. The height of the roof is 2.5m and from what I've been told, it's all watertight apart from where the roller doors are. We will be removing the roller doors and adding one sliding glass door and a window to the other. I really have my heart set on this conversion so I'm hoping there's nothing that is going to prevent us from going ahead. I'm certain there is going to be more to it than just whipping a few walls and doors up so I'm asking others that have been through a similar journey to share your experiences with me. We'll be hiring the pros to handle the tricky stuff like wiring, plumbing, etc but hubby and his mates should be able to handle the rest. Can't wait to (hopefully) get started! Re: Converting a double garage into liveable dwellings 2Mar 15, 2012 9:35 pm I can't see anything major that would prevent you. You will have to get approval from council, and you may have to tell them where your parking now is. From the photos, it looks like low density, so I doubt you will have much of an issue with that. As part of our renovation we're going through, we converted our garage into a bedroom. There were no problems. Re: Converting a double garage into liveable dwellings 3Mar 15, 2012 11:58 pm wow this is a great idea. Interested in Kingwood Roofing Re: Converting a double garage into liveable dwellings 4Mar 18, 2012 7:14 pm Your Council will pay particular attention to, and what most people overlook, is the waterproof membrane under the garage floor that the original builder may not have installed. Arfur Re: Converting a double garage into liveable dwellings 5Mar 18, 2012 7:38 pm Agree with Uncle Arfur. That may be the sticking point. If the floor isn't right it will not happen. The ceiling height sounds OK but you'll have to put a ceiling in which will reduce that. If you get the go ahead it's not a hard task. Good luck. Re: Converting a double garage into liveable dwellings 6Mar 22, 2012 7:36 am Illegally converted garages, waterproofing problems, dampness, poor ventilation and mould is what I regularly find on my inspections. You should get your conversion competently designed and have a plan to deal with possible lack of waterproofing. There are epoxy chemical barriers or just pouring another thin slab on top(with plastic membrane under ) might overcome your problems(your head room seems Ok). Even if you have problem complying with BCA(deemed to satisfy requirements) you can get expert alternative solution to get past that. However as a first step speak with your council building surveyor and be nice. Usually they will be more than happy to assist you. It could be easier than you think if you are lucky. Hope this helps you Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog start from at least $20,000 just for fixtures and finishes and then add on for moving plumbing and extra for a concrete floored house last new bathroom we installed in a… 1 19592 2 9451 If I hire a contractor to convert a window to a sliding door will I need to show them Council approval paperwork? That is, if I want to take a risk of carrying out the… 0 13010 |