Adding patio doors to external wall...

[Waitforwhat]

We are having a garage conversion done and just want to make sure I add anything else to the list that may need doing. We currently have a very dark front room with 2x very small north facing windows and a small window which is south facing. In my dreams, I would love to have small french doors added to the south facing wall (in addition to the window. Not to access the garden but mainly for light. Would you do that? Is it worth it?

Sorry to ask again! The builder now suggested that we block the window behind the tv from the inside but leave the window in! I kind of like the idea (as it achieves the look we want inside, it keep the symmetry as there is another window on the first floor just above that one plus saves money! 🤔) but will that turn ppl off buying the house in the future (say in 10 years time?)...

Looking at your photos, I actually wouldn’t have patio doors put in where you indicated. Neither would I block the window behind the TV. It is an alcove and currently your TV is on a unit forward of the alcove. If you put it on the wall in the alcove, you will have a restricted view - in effect only be able to see it if you’re sat directly in front of it. Regarding the patio doors, they’d be directly to the side of the TV, and people will be constantly be crossing the room to access them, plus any light from them will affect the tv picture so you’d have to keep the curtains closed when it’s on. Have you considered just putting the tv against the wall next to the little window instead of putting in patio doors, and keep the alcove window. The sofa then could be turned round so it’s at right angles to the fireplace.

Thanks for taking a look at the pictures @Soontobe60! What you’re suggesting is exactly how the previous owners had the furniture laid out! But because we have a door on the corner, you’ll be walking straight into the sofa 🤦🏻‍♀️ Another picture attached from the archives.

Just to update if anyone else is planning similar: our building control department need to structural engineer calculations and building control application before we can proceed. So not as straightforward as I thought...

We did it, but we basically replaced a window that was already there so they used the same lintel. There are rules for the level of the ground beyond the doors - our doors open outwards and if we're going to sell, we will need to get proper stairs or decking fitted in order to meet the requirements.