If you need additional living space, convert your garage. It is an easy, less expensive option. Adding this conversion to the home requires planning permission, so do chat with your local council. A building notice is usually all you need, as long as you don’t increase the space and the work stays inside. All you would have to do is inform the building control officer, who will meet with your builder to ensure that everything gets done correctly.
A conversion is an excellent way to add more living space to your home. Whether you have a child who needs a room, family members moving in with you, or you just need space to spread out, converting the garage makes sense. In addition to adding living space to your home, you’ll also be adding value. If you ever decide to sell the home, buyers will appreciate the extra space. The value added to your home is often far more than the cost of the garage conversion.
While garage conversions are a practical way to expand living areas, many homes also have underutilised loft space that could serve similar purposes. Transforming a loft can significantly increase a property’s usable footprint, providing room for storage or even an additional living area without extending outward. This often involves careful planning for access, insulation and flooring. Exploring loft extras can show how dedicated storage solutions might integrate into such a renovation, keeping the new space tidy and functional.
If you’re one of the fortunate homeowners with a double garage, you can add even more living space. Some homeowners divide the space to create two additional living areas, while others divide it to add extra living space and keep the remainder for storage.
Conversion Ideas for Your Garage
People often convert their garage into an office, study, playroom, or extra bedroom. However, there are plenty of other ways to use the space as well. The ideas are virtually endless.
Of course, you have to consider how you plan to use the space and plan accordingly for lighting and outlets. The following are some excellent ideas for ways to use your converted garage space:
● A workout room.
● A home entertainment room. You can have speakers installed during the conversion process.
● An in-law apartment for ageing parents or grandparents
● A man cave or she-shed, for the man or woman who craves space to call their own
● An entertaining area for holidays and other celebrations
What You’ll Be Spending
Factoring in the cost is essential during any home renovation. According to statistics, over 600,000 garages in the UK have already turned into living space. More than 25 percent of these have changed into bedrooms. Another 400,000 homeowners have plans to convert their garages at some point in 2020.
Several things will impact the cost. The contractor you hire, the materials you choose, and the time it takes to complete the project will influence the price.
On average, you can expect to pay £13,500. However, costs can range from £7,500 to £20,000. As you can see, there is a large gap between the lowest price and the higher price, as mentioned this is due to the choices you make when hiring a professional and the materials that you choose.
If you already have a garage that is upstanding and structurally sound, a simple garage refurbishment might be all it needs to take it from an unused space to a workshop, office or man cave/she-shed. For less than £5,000, you can replace the old garage roof, the garage doors, windows & side doors and transform it completely in a couple of days work.
Remember, conversion costs are much less than the value they add to the home.
To help you plan your budget, look over this garage conversion cost guide
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