[scottishmovies]

Hi All,

I've managed to convince the wife that we @need@ to convert the garage into a HT room. I'd thought that might be the hard part but it seems not!

I've tried a few local firms and the prices they are asking are beyond stupid. As soon as I mentioned it was for a cinema room you could see the pounds trickle past past!

Anyway, I've decided that I still want it but can't afford silly priices so I was hoping someone on here might point me in the right direction. I know I need plans drawn and I also need a building warrant and planning permission (according to our friendly planning office)

But where do I go from there? Does the floating floor get done first, the outside wall and window, the insulation or the connecting doorway.....so much to do and I haven't even got around to thinking about the best wiring solution. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions about wiring/lighting etc later

Any help really appreciated - of course if you know a reliable builder in the Glasgow area that has a fair pricing structure then I'd love to hear about them.

Cheers,
Pat

im converting my garage at the oment so if you cleick on my thread, youll see how i progressed the build

cheers

[scottishmovies]

Hi thomo,

I've been following your thread. To be honest, yours along with the others that are on the go or recently completed have given me the push to get up and do something.

It seems the first port of call would be to get some plans (official ones!) done so that I can get permission to do the work.

I think once I've had a discussion with an architect it might be a bit clearer - it's just where to start once I have the paperwork to do it!!

I don't have an endless budget and I suppose like most guys on here I'd appreciate spending the cash on gadgets and gear rather than linng someone's pockets with profits for some building work.

Some (well most really!) will need skilled guys in to do the work but managing the project is where I need to be more involved.

Hopefully, I'll have something to post as it progresses. I've picked up so much advice from AV and ideas for doing it that it only seems fair to post the results - when I get nearer!

Like yours I'm going to maintain the room as a "room" (if i ever sell) then the garage door is being replaced with a wall and a window which will be blacked out.

Pat

[Jon Boy]

Do you really need planning permission to convert a garage?

tbh i think spending out on architects etc would be silly, it's not as complicated as it sounds

Get your windows set in and doorway knocked through.
Line the doorway and fit the door frame.
Stud the walls
run the cables in
board the walls
fit the floor
decorate finish off etc!

I'd love to have my own garage i'd make one hell of a h.t room but unfortunayl i live in a flat

Keep us posted matey!

Jon

[Flashman]

My detached double garage was already converted into an office - plasterboard walls, ceiling with downlighters, upvc windows doors etc and plenty of power points -

When we bought it, we checked with the solicitor - it was done under "permitted development" - so no planning permission needed..

Luckily for me, it was an easy conversion - just add projector, screen and speakers - the rest was all done!

[scottishmovies]

Hi Jon,

Apparently I need the building warrant - I was told that I need plans for that. And the people at the council offices where the planning people hide out told me that it had something to do with the permissions when the developers were sold the land to build our house (along with lots of others) But I'll double-check with them again.

But you make it all sound easy! Not being the type of guy who can cut straight lines or most other diy stuff I tend to opt for the easy life. But I've always found that for some jobs you can only get what you want if you do it yourself - so you may have a point.

As for Flashman - you just don't know how lucjy you are I wish I was in that position!

I hope to speak to the council folk this week so I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks for the input - doesn't feel like I'm on an uphill struggle on my own so much now.

Cheers,
Pat

[dobbin]

Hi
I am not sure if the planning laws in Scotland are diiferent to England?
I would think that you only need Building Regs and Not planning permission. However it may be because you are changing the external look by removing the garage door and bricking it up that you need planning permission. If so you could maybe getr round this by leaving the garage door but putting a wall inside the garage. That way externally the garage would look no different.