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Why Move?

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It has been said many times that moving house is one of the most stressful events in an individual’s life. If this statement is correct, then instead of moving why not consider extending your property. This can be done both internally and externally. The internal change can be done by simply turning a garage space into a new room or by a loft conversion with either dormer or flat roof windows.

The loft conversion, although expensive, is certainly worthy of consideration and will provide extra bedroom space, storage space and on-suite facilities if required. One of the Activ Birmingham personnel has recently had his loft expertly converted and it can only be described as an excellent property improvement.

The simplest and cheapest room change, however, is by garage conversion, which, if your garage is anything like those of the majority, will also necessitate the purchase of a garden shed for the transfer of the many items normally stored in a garage. At the same this will also provide an opportunity to get rid of a large number of items which have perhaps not seen the light of day for years. In this day and age and with the latest technology in the design and manufacture of motor vehicles, do we need garages??

For such a change in usage, you will need to seek guidance from your local authority planning office to determine exactly what they require to obtain their necessary consent. You are also advised to check your property deeds, as most builders insert clauses to prevent major changes to the property unless their agreement is obtained. Many owners are not aware of such clauses and to seek a builder’s agreement retrospectively, if you decide to later sell the property, may prove expensive as your solicitor will need to obtain such an agreement prior to any sale.

You will need to discuss your requirements with an architect who will provide the necessary plans for local authority approval.  

As a word of warning, the Office of Fair Trading have recently issued statistics indicating that complaints received associated with rogue traders – builders who overcharge or carry out shoddy work have risen to approximately 4,000 annually, an increase of some 18% on last year. Remember it is always better to deal with a recommended trade person. Always obtain at least three quotes, and before committing yourself, check the builder’s portfolio, inspect some of their recent work by visiting the property and never pay money upfront as you may never see them again.  

If you are a DIY enthusiast you may decide to do a lot of the work yourself.  One very important item to remember is always check the floor levels of any existing room that you intend to access from the garage space. It is vitally important that where room floors meet they are level. Garage floors are normally much lower than the floors of habited rooms and will need to be raised by the use of concrete or the addition of joist hangers, joists and floor boarding. You will also need to check for ventilation/airbrick requirements.

Another important point for consideration is the need to arrange for the alteration of both the electricity and gas supplies/meters which are normally sited in the garage space.  This is usually a simple matter of repositioning to wall mounted meter boxes, or in the case of the gas meter, to a semi concealed box partially positioned at ground level. You will need to obtain quotes for this work from your energy suppliers. 

If you decide to consider such a venture, we at Activ Birmingham wish you well.

 

 


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