Garage Conversion wall

Question

We want garage conversion to an office, (half of the garage - so keeping the original door and the front half used as a garage) what type of wall do we need to build in making the partitian? Does it need to be blockwork or can it be a stud wall?

If it helps, we live in a detached house with an integral garage, house is a new build by Curo. Construction completed in 2022. The wall around the garage (all sides) is a blockwork construction, its a structural wall. I wont be knocking any walls down as part of this work, just cutting a single doorway.

Lee · Answer

For your garage-to-office conversion with a partition wall, you have flexibility in the choice of wall material, depending on the intended use, building regulations, and your budget. Here’s what you need to consider:

Partition Wall Options
	1.	Stud Wall (Recommended)
	•	Description: A stud wall made of timber or metal framing with insulation and plasterboard.
	•	Advantages: Cost-effective, quick to construct, lightweight, and allows for insulation to meet thermal and acoustic requirements.
	•	Requirements:
	•	Use a high-performance insulation material (e.g., PIR board or mineral wool) between the studs to meet thermal efficiency standards for an office.
	•	Include a vapour barrier to prevent condensation if the garage area remains unheated.
	•	Use fire-resistant plasterboard (e.g., 12.5mm Gyproc FireLine) for enhanced safety.
	•	Considerations: Ensure the stud wall is securely fixed to the ceiling, floor, and walls.
	2.	Blockwork Wall
	•	Description: A wall built with concrete blocks and finished with plaster or plasterboard.
	•	Advantages: Durable, fire-resistant, better soundproofing, and thermal mass properties.
	•	Requirements:
	•	May require additional structural support depending on the garage floor slab’s load-bearing capacity.
	•	Insulate the blockwork on the office side with rigid foam insulation to comply with Building Regulations.
	•	Considerations: Slower to construct, heavier, and more expensive than a stud wall.

Key Considerations
	•	Thermal Insulation: The office space will need to meet current Building Regulations for energy efficiency (Part L). This means insulating the partition wall to an appropriate U-value.
	•	Acoustic Insulation: If noise from the garage is a concern, use acoustic plasterboard or enhanced insulation.
	•	Fire Safety: Since it’s an integral garage, ensure fire safety by using fire-resistant materials in the wall and doorway.
	•	Doorway: The doorway should also comply with fire safety requirements, typically needing a fire-rated door and frame.
	•	Building Control Approval: Submit a Building Notice to your local authority to ensure compliance with building regulations, especially regarding thermal performance and fire safety.

Recommendation

A stud wall with adequate insulation and fire-rated plasterboard is typically sufficient and cost-effective for your project. However, confirm your plans with a Building Control Officer to ensure compliance.

Luke · Answer

hi if it is just in your garage you can use 3x2 cls insulate studs and palsterboard 
we have done this numerous times hope this helps

Slawek · Answer

Hi if it is just in your garage you can use 240×120 ×500mm insulate studs and palsterboard and finally  flooring lay the OSB boards. 
The most important thing is not to forget about ventilation, soundproofing and insulation

Colin · Answer

As not structural it can be either block work or stud as it’s only a dividing wall.

Harleen · Answer

blockwork is better 
if you put studwall then there is more chances of damp inside

Nicholas · Answer

For your garage conversion, a stud wall is typically sufficient for partitioning, provided it meets insulation, soundproofing, and fire safety requirements. Use treated timber or metal framing with adequate insulation (e.g., rigid board or mineral wool) and plasterboard on both sides. The stud wall must comply with building regulations for thermal efficiency and fire resistance, particularly as it separates a habitable space from a garage. Consult building control

Mark · Answer

You can have a studwall using 4” x 2” timbers or the metal stud version  you would need sound proof insulation in between studs with 12.5 -15mm plasterboard both sides of studwork

Hope this helps

John · Answer

I would consider stud partition wall with 4 x2 inch timbers 400 mm uprights. Filled with sound dampening insulation. On the garage side opening 18mm osb then 12.5 mm sound board on top of that. Inside 12.5mm sound board.
Hope this helps
Stonebridge PEC

Tom · Answer

You can build a timber stud partition wall make sure it’s well insulated. Kingspan or cellotex. I would also recommend boarding it with fire proof plasterboard to allow a fire break between the two.

Sherif · Answer

For your garage conversion, you have flexibility in the type of partition wall you can use, but the best choice depends on insulation, structural needs, and building regulations.

### 1. **Stud Wall (Timber or Metal Framing):**
   - **Feasibility**: A stud wall is a common and cost-effective option for internal partitions. It’s easier to install and doesn’t add significant weight.
   - **Insulation**: You can add insulation (e.g., PIR board or mineral wool) between the studs to meet thermal and acoustic performance requirements.
   - **Moisture Protection**: Use moisture-resistant plasterboard (e.g., MR board) or install a vapor barrier to prevent dampness if the garage isn't well-insulated.
   - **Finish**: The stud wall can be finished with plasterboard, skimmed, and painted, matching the interior aesthetic.

### 2. **Blockwork Wall:**
   - **Feasibility**: A block wall is more durable and robust but heavier and more labor-intensive to construct. It might be overkill for a non-structural partition.
   - **Insulation**: Blockwork would also need to meet insulation standards, which means adding insulation to one side of the wall.
   - **Structural Stability**: If extra stability is a priority (e.g., for heavier loads or shelving on the wall), blockwork may be preferred.

---

### **Considerations:**
1. **Building Regulations:**
   - Since you're in a new build, ensure compliance with Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) and Part E (Sound Insulation) of the Building Regulations.
   - The partition wall should meet thermal insulation requirements if you're heating the office space.
   - Check if fire-rated materials are required for the partition.

2. **Ventilation and Heating:**
   - Ensure the converted office has adequate ventilation and heating to meet Building Regulations.

3. **Garage Door Retention:**
   - If you’re retaining the front portion of the garage, consider sealing the partition wall properly to prevent drafts or heat loss.

4. **Doorway:**
   - Cutting a single doorway through a structural block wall should be straightforward but may require a lintel depending on the wall’s load-bearing status. Always consult a structural engineer if in doubt.

Garage Conversion wall

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