Garage conversion started - for new workroom

We started work on the garage yesterday (more photos later) - it is going to become my new workroom, which will make loading and unloading the car for talks & workshops much easier, plus easier to get to the front door for the post, among other things (workspace will be 50% bigger, better lit etc.) This is being done under a building control notice, rather than planning permission, but there are still several necessary site inspections - those are turning into a bit of a headache, as I found out yesterday a.m. (i.e. on first site visit by Building Control inspector) that Wrexham Council staff are out on strike Wendesday and Friday - crucial days for our build.

My uncle Bernard has recently finished his barn conversion in North Yorkshire, a rather bigger project than this one!

Before we started, on Sunday.


We had a "farewell to the garage" dinner around the picnic table. Fluff invited herself!



First job - removing the garage door -


Guy released the tension on the door closure, so we could take it out with less risk.

Once the door was out, the frame came out with a little persuasion.



The garage door is going to be "recycled" locally, replacing a rusty garage door.

The lintel had a plastic fascia that was well stuck in place. Bernard & Dad chiseled it off.


Bernard marking up where to cut -

Stelsaw cutting the brickwork (for the damp proof course up sides of new window & brickwork) -

Taking up the tarmac -

Once the tarmac and hardcore base is up, Bernard is about to start digging for the foundations -



All sorts of stuff is coming up as we dig out for the foundations, including a few decent bits of stone that I'll use in the garden but also A LOT of site rubbish from the original build. All the waste is going under the patio area in the back garden.


The foundations are at least 3 blocks deep - I am hoping not much more to go, but we will find out today. Cats are confined to house - I don't want them exploring underneath it!

All fastened up for the night!


Got to go and start on today's work. Hope all works out OK re the site inspections!