Property-Garage conversions

By Nick Roberts RMR Group

After the entire family has taken up every inch of space during the festive period, Christmas seems a distant memory. In hindsight one extra room with all the trimmings would have been ideal. Life has changed, we’re at home more than ever before. But the idea on an extension could just be a step too far when you consider the national crisis about soaring utility bills and thermostat rationing. This is when your garage might just provide the cost-effective solution to adding an extra bedroom, office or whatever you need. Let’s face it, we store a lot of junk in garages! And most would struggle to home a motorbike let alone a modern-day family car! They’re a convenient place for all bits and pieces for the ‘tomorrow’ that never comes. But, hidden within those three walls, lies a huge opportunity to expand your living area and create a transformative improvement to your property. In most cases, garages already have the fundamental requirements to extend into but it’s important to know that there are far more details than you might think when embarking on a conversion. Whilst planning permission isn’t usually required, it’s imperative that building regulations are met with regards to ventilation, fire safety, thermal performance and structural elements. Most garage conversions are straight forward but it’s not unusual for projects to turn complex when work gets underway, and the layers are stripped back to reveal what surprises are in stall to ruin your day. Our advice: instruct an architect or builder you can trust to – at the very least assess your garage before starting the project. It may stop that swear jar from overflowing! Unsurprisingly, demand for conversions is at an all-time high - they’re a brilliant way of transforming your home. They don’t encroach on our valued gardens, they cause minimum disruption as far as building work goes and they boost the value of your home. This is why they’ve become one of the most popular ways to gain space. www.robertsmillerredshaw.com

A rated as standard Energy rated A+ Windows Available Windows & Doors

244 Property The best flooring to keep your home warm

Helping to improve your energy efficiency this winter

As winter sets in, you might be thinking about changing the interior of your home. Not just to reflect the change in season but to keep that costly central heating on a bit less too! When chosen correctly, the flooring in your home can improve its energy efficiency and keep it warmer. Here are our top 3 warm flooring choices: Contrary to belief, wood flooring is a better choice in Winter than Summer! Wood is a natural heat retainer and absorbs and slowly disperses heat. When laid with minimal gaps between planks, wooden floor works well as a warm flooring option. One of the main reasons fitted carpets gained in popularity in the 1950s and 60s was due to the fact that natural wool carpets keep rooms warmer. Wool carpet is a natural insulator and - unlike wood flooring - feels warm underfoot. When

Brockway - 100% undyed wool paired with a comfy underlay, wool carpet can be a luxuriously soft option. Its natural insulating properties help your home’s energy efficiency too. Unlike raw materials, such as stone found on traditional tiled floors, vinyl flooring is soft and warm underWood flooring - retains heat foot. It’s made of five layers bonded together to make a warm flooring option while still being waterproof, stylish and easy to maintain. Storrington & Worthing showrooms If you’re looking for new flooring that’s going to keep you warm this winter, pop into our Worthing Wool carpet - natural insulation or Storrington showroom to see all of our ranges of flooring and speak to our flooring experts. The staff are more than happy to help you find the perfect flooring for your home. 16 High Street, Storrington, RH20 4DU 01903 744748 www.wallbroscarpets.co.uk

Cushioned vinyl - 5 layers