Garage conversion - am I deluded??

Jeepers_Creepers

Section62 said:

Jeepers_Creepers said:

What I was advocating - what I would have done for myself - is a compromise.

The thing is it isn't a necessary compromise, and also isn't a sensible one.

The cost difference between making the shell of the building compromised, or making it habitable with BC approval, is not that great.

If the budget is stretched then compromise on the fit out by all means - delete the shower/toilet or Peruvian marble floors - they can be added at a later date if you still want them.

But upgrading the shell of the building to habitable standards with BC approval (at a later date) inevitably involves ripping out parts of the expensive work you've done already and doing it to the standards that apply at that point in time.

So it makes more sense to get the shell right now - even if it means waiting for that Peruvian marble, or whatever luxury your tastes desire.

It is a mistake often made by DIYers and/or people employing a budget builder. Their focus is usually on the fit out and finish because they don't understand the regs and the importance of them.

It is summed up by viewing BR as 'hassle'.  BR is about making buildings fit for purpose, keeping people safe and healthy, and saving energy.  Anyone who views that as 'hassle' hasn't really understood the subject.

Absolutely, S62.

It looks as tho' MFd is getting their BReg's conversion for around £10k, which is brilliant, and what they were hoping for. Just ideal.

Had, however, a BReg conversion been quoted at, say, £20k, then I - certainly - would have 'compromised' in this situation, because a practical compromise it would not have been; it would have performed the exact same job. They'd have still got exactly what they wanted (except not BReg Cert, which is relatively unimportant to them), which is a perfectly usable, warm and pleasant room - just like every other one in their house.

That is my sole point (that I sent Doozer a bit woozer about - soz); if getting this to BREg standards were to cost a large sum - say twice as much - it would not be worth it. It would gain them nothing, other than a much emptier pocket - and very slightly possible, a future buyer who really DID want this room as a fully-compliant habitat. Ie, unlikely.

Phew. Anyhoo, that's a result, MFd. And I'd still fit a loo - absolutely... :-) (Not a shower).

That's the agreeable bit, S62. I have to say I find irritating your out-of-context use of "hassle" and "annoying" when - I presume - you are trying to imply that this is my attitude towards BC in general. It certainly is not. I value their role totally, and am on very good terms with our local fellow after he oversaw first our loft conversion and recently an extension. He was utterly fair, thorough, appreciated the (very fortunate) choice of builders, and everyone knew exactly where they stood with him (as did the person in a nearby village who tried to pretend that they'd struck firm ground in their founds. That person now has to suffer the finest of fine toothed combs for the rest of the build.) You will surely know that - if I used these words - it was in the context of MFd not needing the annoying additional hassle of BC should they wish to compromise on the, say, levels of insulation. It would be a time and money saver. That's all.

Martin_the_Unjust

Anyone else starting to suspect that maybe the OP regrets starting this thread?

Jeepers_Creepers

Eh? Why on earth...?

:-(

MFdreamer

Martin_the_Unjust said:

Anyone else starting to suspect that maybe the OP regrets starting this thread?

Haha not at all! I love starting debates on the internet…… 😂🙈

Joking aside, I’ve actually found the differences of opinion really interesting and appreciate people who know more than me chipping in with their thoughts.

At the end of the day, I’ve got a price that I’m super happy with, for a room that I know my family and I will use LOADS over the next 20 years and it’ll be disclosed in advance to the council and will have full Building Regs sign off. Yes I’ll pay extra for that but it’s worth the money to me. Happy Days!

Thanks all 😊

FreeBear

MFdreamer said: At the end of the day, I’ve got a price that I’m super happy with, for a room that I know my family and I will use LOADS over the next 20 years and it’ll be disclosed in advance to the council and will have full Building Regs sign off. Yes I’ll pay extra for that but it’s worth the money to me. Happy Days!

With BR sign off, it will be much easier to sell if/when the time comes. No need to mess around with pointless indemnity insurance policies. Keeps everyone happy when the correct paperwork is in place, even if the next owner wants to convert it back in to a garage.