Converting "storage" room above the garage to liveable space

[dealmaker]

Guys

We have a couple of very large rooms above the garage block that are currently classified as "storage rooms" for building classification/building reg issues.

When we built the garage we did the proper 30 minute fire protection doors and plastering etc. etc - but the rooms have a single stairwell that leads from inside the garage up to them.

We are now considering putting heating in and making the rooms liveable/habitable so the kids can go up there and use it as a play room etc - and maybe one day maybe even as a separate living space etc.

So aside from putting in foul water drains etc and sorting out the heating - what do I need to do - building reg wise to make the space confirm and ultimatley inform the local planners?

I seem to recall at the time that I needed to possibly put in another egress/exit route in case of fire? is that a separate staircase (external) - or would a large window with a rope ladder suffice?? anything else I need to do?

Thanks!

[dealmaker]

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[dealmaker]

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[Emsman]

From memory-
the doors will need self closers, and you will most likely need an external staircase for use in a fire.

Fairly sure that windows will have to be one third the area of the floorspace too?

Mind you, regs may have changed since I used them last

[john2443]

You don't need a separate staircase - for example our loft conversion only have one staircase, but it does have a velux window at the front that the fire brigade can reach to get us out if needed.

It also hase 1/2 hour fire resistance, but I think that's only because it's second floor, I don't think first floor needs it.

I have found planning/building regs people at the council pretty helpful if you just ring up and ask - if you're asking for contraversial planning permission they won't tell you the answer, but b regs are straightforward requirements that are documented so they can tell you a definiate answer.

As far as I can think all you need is the means of exit, some ventilation (either window or fan, suficient insulation of the roof (blocks of polystyrene-y stuff between the tiles and plsterboard).

It is worth having the correct regs so that when/if you sell you can sell it as having that room. If you do it on the quiet I don't think you can advertise it as having a room, just storage space so the cost of gettin git done properly may well be less than the adde value.