jgt Posted August 24, 2011 Share Posted August 24, 2011 Hi all, wonder if anyone in perth can help, i have just got my visa on a 176 as solid plasterer,I have been running my own business converting garages into rooms such as playrooms, office or tv room etc. This is is successful although i have always wanted to go to oz. Does anyone think that there is a potential need for this type of work in the city area. As real estate is so expensive an additional room instead of a garage is always a plus.My mates think im crackers to sell up and go but im determined to and would like opinions please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Pom Queen Posted August 26, 2011 Share Posted August 26, 2011 Sounds good do you want to move to Cairns instead, we need a spare room for our guests. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tisme Posted August 26, 2011 Share Posted August 26, 2011 I can't see a need for it in WA, houses tend to be quite large here, 4 bed 2 bath is the norm, and a need to park your car in the shade due to the heat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northernbird Posted August 26, 2011 Share Posted August 26, 2011 I can't see a need for it in WA, houses tend to be quite large here, 4 bed 2 bath is the norm, and a need to park your car in the shade due to the heat. I would agree with that, I would never buy a house without a garage/car port. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest30038 Posted August 26, 2011 Share Posted August 26, 2011 Lots of conversions here in Brizzy. Don't know about others states but before you can convert here, the floor needs to be raised, usually by just concreting. garages have a step so that in an event of a fule leakage, it can't penetrate living areas. Why they need to be raised, when converted to accomodation, I don't know, but they do. Probably because they are at garden level and to prevent flooding from the driveway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keily Posted August 26, 2011 Share Posted August 26, 2011 have to agree with whats been said ...also most 4x2 have theatre rooms or / and 2 lounges ....wouldnt really see the need for an extra playroom .....might be a limited market mrs keily Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgt Posted August 26, 2011 Author Share Posted August 26, 2011 Lots of conversions here in Brizzy. Don't know about others states but before you can convert here, the floor needs to be raised, usually by just concreting. garages have a step so that in an event of a fule leakage, it can't penetrate living areas. Why they need to be raised, when converted to accomodation, I don't know, but they do. Probably because they are at garden level and to prevent flooding from the driveway. it is usually to incorporate insulation beneath the floor, thus bringing floor same level as existing into the house. I know property is larger their in oz and not the barret boxes we have in the uk, however i thought that in the city where space is a premium and property more expensive expensive homes might need additional room,of course i never gave it a thought of needed shade area for vehicle,i have a thriving garage conversion business in the uk because of different living etc. thanx for the tip.Im looking for work ideas etc that i currently do. All opinions appreciated, kind regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newjez Posted August 26, 2011 Share Posted August 26, 2011 Perth garages tend to be large enough to put a car in, and they get used, whereas in the UK they are too small and don't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest30038 Posted August 26, 2011 Share Posted August 26, 2011 it is usually to incorporate insulation beneath the floor, thus bringing floor same level as existing into the house. I know property is larger their in oz and not the barret boxes we have in the uk, however i thought that in the city where space is a premium and property more expensive expensive homes might need additional room,of course i never gave it a thought of needed shade area for vehicle,i have a thriving garage conversion business in the uk because of different living etc. thanx for the tip.Im looking for work ideas etc that i currently do. All opinions appreciated, kind regards No. it's not for insulation as the original garage floor slab is the same thickness as the slab holding the house, just lower, as it's still supporting the house. What I had done with mine was to convert the garage on a low set 3 bed,to another ensuite double bedroom and then go upwards through the roof, (due to not wanting to take up the graden by extending outwards) to create a master bedroom above, effectively making it a 5 (2 ensuite) bed high set, albeit with only one huge room above. This projected out over the drive supported by brick pillars and then acted as the roof to a car port...........the cars being parked between the pillars. At a later date, as we saved the money, I enclosed the brick pillars with fibro and a roller door, effectively getting my garage back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 Would agree with what's said about Perth and the conversions, most people use their garages, also the outdoor living spaces are often large - ours is like having an extra two rooms at the back fo the house. What about Rendering? I know a lot of people with older houses (us included) are thinking of having this done to give a slightly more modern look to the outside rather than brick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgt Posted August 27, 2011 Author Share Posted August 27, 2011 Would agree with what's said about Perth and the conversions, most people use their garages, also the outdoor living spaces are often large - ours is like having an extra two rooms at the back fo the house. What about Rendering? I know a lot of people with older houses (us included) are thinking of having this done to give a slightly more modern look to the outside rather than brick. hi thanx for the replies, here in the uk you are under obigation (regulations maydiffer in aus) to insert 80ml of kingspan into the floor ,as such by the time you lay a timber floor over you have constructed a 100 ml floor, any surplus space has a screed laid so as to ensure the two floors marry up.It would appear that many are living in under insulated houses out there.I posted a forum inintially askinfg thoughts on rendering over brickwork AND incorporationg an insulated slab underneath the render this seemed to get a more favorable response so i may choose to do something similar.Thanx for all replies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest30038 Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 hi thanx for the replies, here in the uk you are under obigation (regulations maydiffer in aus) to insert 80ml of kingspan into the floor ,as such by the time you lay a timber floor over you have constructed a 100 ml floor, any surplus space has a screed laid so as to ensure the two floors marry up.It would appear that many are living in under insulated houses out there.I posted a forum inintially askinfg thoughts on rendering over brickwork AND incorporationg an insulated slab underneath the render this seemed to get a more favorable response so i may choose to do something similar.Thanx for all replies No timber floors here in Qld in garages mate.........even after conversion......... just a concrete lift and then carpet or tiles. With regard to rendering........... nearly all the new townhouses being built here are of fibro with rendering over. The only brick (breeze block) is the dividing and end walls. It's putting brickies out of work and the annoying thing is, they charge as much for fibro build as brick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest looking99 Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 Hello JGT. I have been looking everywhere for someone to do exactly what you describe and been TOTALLY frustrated. The one guy who advertises charges some insane amount of money pricing him out of the market. All the information that you have been given about Perth may be factual however it should not hold you back - its like anything new - originally there are a few pioneers and a lot of nay sayers...this then reverses when it becomes the 'norm'. So. The flip side is ....you have a brilliant opportunity to work in a non-crowded market space! I need to get mine done ASAP - and ANYONE who can assist in the Perth/ Mandurah area - Please let me know I'd be most appreciative (I really liked the work done by the person who went up/put in pillars and then garaged that....Clever!! ...now can you help me please?).... The Perth situation at the moment is....low interest rates...still a mining boom and skill shortages....but since we have prohibitive stamp duty to pay on buying a property - I know that renovation is UP significantly at the moment and also thanks to a very successful renovation show called 'the block'. So JGT - come on over and do my place please...or anyone local here who can help? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest looking99 Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 Hello Guest 30038 I'd love to please have a chat to you about your work with your garage as I have been wanting to do something similar. Can I give you a call for a chat please? I'm in the Perth area. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgt Posted October 7, 2012 Author Share Posted October 7, 2012 Hi looking99, thanx for your interest, i am in the process of moving over to your area and would like you to update me with any info you might find.Upon my initial post i didnt receive an entirely positive response.I have since been out to perth and property prices,cost of living are an ideal combination for this idea to work so i will be looking into it a bit more when i get there. In fact i was talking to a builder who has started loft conversions in perth on single stories etc, so sometimes its just a case of re educating people, i will give it some serious consideration.As yo urealize people are people and garages tend to amass all your bric a brac etc, so an extra room is always a bonus, thanks for your support, Jules Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northernbird Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Hi looking99, thanx for your interest, i am in the process of moving over to your area and would like you to update me with any info you might find.Upon my initial post i didnt receive an entirely positive response.I have since been out to perth and property prices,cost of living are an ideal combination for this idea to work so i will be looking into it a bit more when i get there. In fact i was talking to a builder who has started loft conversions in perth on single stories etc, so sometimes its just a case of re educating people, i will give it some serious consideration.As yo urealize people are people and garages tend to amass all your bric a brac etc, so an extra room is always a bonus, thanks for your support, Jules I understand that people might need the extra space, loft conversion would be good but I asked around a few people at a party yesterday and none of them would sacrifice their garage for extra living space. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adjutant Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 I can't see a need for it in WA, houses tend to be quite large here, 4 bed 2 bath is the norm, and a need to park your car in the shade due to the heat. There a lot of 3x1 houses that could be easily extended into the garage when it's under the main roof. I don't know how much it happens, but we've looked at some 3 bed houses with a view to enclose. you would need to have a brickie as well to brick up the walls. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennyblueboy Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Hi all, wonder if anyone in perth can help, i have just got my visa on a 176 as solid plasterer,I have been running my own business converting garages into rooms such as playrooms, office or tv room etc. This is is successful although i have always wanted to go to oz. Does anyone think that there is a potential need for this type of work in the city area. As real estate is so expensive an additional room instead of a garage is always a plus.My mates think im crackers to sell up and go but im determined to and would like opinions please. hi mate. i think you are onto a winner with that,i know it will be probably be a new concept to the ozzys but i think it will work.i do loads of garage conversions and loft conversions in the uk and will be trying to push for loft conversions when we get to perth in jan. ive allways worked for myself and am looking to start my own company again when we get to oz ! good luck fella.you WILL make it work!:biggrin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newjez Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 You would want to have a serious talk to an estate agent to see if a garage conversion would devalue your house. You may be better adding an extra room behind the garage. Loft conversions sound like a great idea - but you would need some fantastic insulation. I'm sure it could be done, but I wouldn't recomend putting bedrooms up there. There are reasons why Australians do things differently. It's also why you don't get many convertible cars. Can't wait for someone to try and start building conservatories! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgt Posted October 10, 2012 Author Share Posted October 10, 2012 Hi all and thanx for feedback,(yo benny blu boy) I only do garage conversions here in the Uk, fortunately as an all rounder i do all the work ,(something puzzling to the Aussis) There is a mind set your right, here in the UK no man would give up his garage, now due to moving costs, extended step families, kids not leaving home, its very rare to find someone who uses their garage unless their called kevin,malcom,etc. I suppose the overhang for the car may be utilized in oz, theirs always something to do to your home that adds room.Also when i convert garages here It always adds value and saleability.Living space is premium.Because of high housing costs i imagine similar i perth, will have to see. Good luck benny blu boy. im hoping to be their in Feb.Il be driving a pink cadillac. With furry dice, Private plate. KEV.1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgt Posted July 1, 2013 Author Share Posted July 1, 2013 No. it's not for insulation as the original garage floor slab is the same thickness as the slab holding the house, just lower, as it's still supporting the house. What I had done with mine was to convert the garage on a low set 3 bed,to another ensuite double bedroom and then go upwards through the roof, (due to not wanting to take up the graden by extending outwards) to create a master bedroom above, effectively making it a 5 (2 ensuite) bed high set, albeit with only one huge room above. This projected out over the drive supported by brick pillars and then acted as the roof to a car port...........the cars being parked between the pillars. At a later date, as we saved the money, I enclosed the brick pillars with fibro and a roller door, effectively getting my garage back. sorry it IS for insulation!!, im speaking from the uk perspective not the aus one, so your wrong from this end but right from yours,:wink: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted April 13, 2014 Share Posted April 13, 2014 hi man, im from willetton WA and need to convert a double garage to a living room, can u leave me ur contact details so we can have a chat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted April 13, 2014 Share Posted April 13, 2014 Hi man, im from willetton WA and need to convert a double garage to a living room, can u leave me ur contact details so we can have a chat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted April 13, 2014 Share Posted April 13, 2014 hi man, im from willetton and need to convert a double garage to a living room, can u leave me ur contact details so we can have a chat? My email is csy0512@hotmail.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cki2011 Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 Hi All i am a builder plumber from the UK looking to start doing conversions here in Perth.... I work for a building company at the moment in joondalup doing double glazing, kitchens, solar & plumbing if you would like some advice and a price for any building work let me know and I will be happy to pop round.... Thanks Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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