Learn why conversion of a garage into a habitable area can cause serious problems.
Converted garage and problems. QBIS.
Many builders do not realise that certain types of garages of existing homes cannot be effectively converted to living areas without creating serious problems. This post is to help home buyers/owners have a better understanding of why, also be aware of the consequences.
Why this typical construction of a garage with single brick walls is not suitable for conversion:
- PSeepage and rising damp has occurred to single brick walls of this garage although exterior of the brick walls were covered with render.
This is the reason why single brick walls of sub-floor areas and garages are not suitable for conversion to habitable areas.
Garage conversion problems.
Garage conversion problems. QBIS.
Cause of the problems:
Seepage and rising damp has occurred to single brick walls of this garage although exterior of the brick walls were covered with render.
This is the reason why single brick walls of sub-floor areas and garages are not suitable for conversion to habitable areas.
Garage conversion to living area problems.
In this particular case.
- The single brick walls to part of the large garage were framed and covered.
- Water was being trapped between the bricks and sheeting.
- Moisture will cause rot to timber and may attract termites.
- This can potentially cause health problems with inhabitants of the house.
The sheeting and framing had to be removed from the other section of the garage also from a granny flat. According to the buyer the seller had advertised and priced the house as being five bedroom plus a granny flat.
This is what happens to timber walls when a lower floor area was never intended to be used as a habitable area.
Can a garage, work-shop, storage area be effectively converted to living areas?
No, not without removing all of the walls and slab and starting again with appropriate structure suitable for habitable areas.
The granny flat and two bedrooms would never be suitable for converting to a habitable area.