It’s common knowledge that many people’s homes are too small to comfortably house their families. When your current home is too small for your growing family, you may need to look into buying a larger place or constructing an extension.
Converting a garage into living space is a frequent way to make a house larger. Depending on your needs and the layout of your home, the extra room can be put to a number of different uses. The kitchen, living room, or utility room might all benefit from an expansion if built onto the side of the house.
In most cases, converting a garage into liveable space is a simple home renovation that does not necessitate any structural or cosmetic alterations to the exterior. However, there are a number of factors to think about before installing new windows in your converted garage.
FAQs About Garage Renovation
Can I Convert Half of My Garage?
Generally yes. Anything which improves your property or creates additional living space will add value. However, there is a point where expenditure can exceed the increase in value, and why projects such as a garage conversion need to be planned, project managed and controlled.
How Much Does a Garage Conversion Add?
A garage conversion could add up to 20 per cent to the value of your home, while you’ll gain valuable extra living space that’s less prone to planning complications. So if the cost of the project is less than the extra value added to your property, this works out as a cost-effective way to add more space.
Do You Need an Architect for a Garage Conversion?
Planning permission for a garage conversion to make it an inhabitable area is generally not required, as long as all of the work for the conversion project is being done along with the garage’s interior. Also, if the conversion does not require an enlargement of the building, planning permissions will not be required.
What Insulation Do I Need for a Garage Conversion?
The thickness of insulation needed to achieve this will depend on the type used; 100mm of polyurethane foam insulation is generally acceptable. The floor finish can be 18mm T & G chipboard, or 65mm reinforced screed.
Is Garage Conversion a Good Idea?
For many homeowners, the answer is yes. The trade-off of covered, off-road parking and storage against actual living space is worth it for many homes where extra room is in short supply.
Converting A Garage Into Your Dream Space
Possibility of moving about without feeling cramped. Absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt. It’s hardly surprising that most of us believe we need more of it, especially in the past year, considering the surge in popularity of telecommuting and homeschooling.
Although many people believe garages to be indispensable, few actually make use of them these days in favour of easier and more convenient driveway or street parking.
If you need more space for your family or want to set up a home gym, office, or theatre without having to relocate, a garage conversion might be a great alternative. It’s less expensive than other options, but that’s not the only perk. This is a complete tutorial that will teach you all you need to know to achieve your goals, and it includes:
- Should I make my garage habitable?
- When I convert my garage into living space, what would my house’s worth be?
- Can you give me an estimate for transforming a garage into living space?
- Is there anything you need to know about getting permits and following codes?
- Strategies for organising a garage makeover
- Both advantages and disadvantages
If you want your project to be a success, you need to make sure you stay on top of all the paperwork and rules that pertain to it. We have developed a comprehensive list of everything you need to think about, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of converting the garage, to help you make your decision.
Should I make my garage habitable?
If you need more living space but don’t want to spend a fortune on a house move or expansion, consider converting your garage. However, before making any decisions, you should think about how much your garage is worth to you and your home, as well as any costs associated with it.
- Wall, ceiling, and floor insulation, as well as damp proofing, are all required by Building Regulations.
- If your plumbing and electrical are in poor shape, you may need to budget more time and money into your project to fix them. Be aware that if you require major plumbing or electrical work done, you should expect to pay an extra $2,000 to $3,000.
- It is important to verify that the flooring, walls, and ceiling are in good enough condition to begin constructing on. Thus, you may anticipate exerting some effort on your part. Consider the possibility that your garage is beyond economical repair. It’s possible that in some cases it might be more cost-effective to demolish the building and start over than to renovate it.
Consult an expert before deciding to convert your garage into something other than a garage. An architect’s services will be needed for any proposed changes or additions to the structure, and the contractor’s input will be sought early on. However, after consulting with experts, you may take matters into your own hands and make significant cost savings.
When I convert my garage into living space, what would my house’s worth be?
The average increase in property value due to a garage conversion is 20%, while this increase may be as high as 30% depending on a variety of factors such as the home’s location and architectural details. A conversion can be a cost-effective way to add the extra space you need to your home.
Budgeting for a garage makeover, please.
The cost of an integrated garage conversion might range from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the size of your garage and the scope of the work being done.
Home expansions are a great alternative if you need more square footage but have a tight budget.
If you need more space in your house but don’t want to spend a fortune, consider converting your garage. On the other hand, the ultimate cost depends on a variety of factors, such as:
- The cost to convert your garage will depend on its size.
- Repairs to the building, such as replacing a shattered window or repairing a cracked wall, or even merely shoring up the garage’s shaky base. As a result, the cost of doing the work will go up.
- Whether you want to employ an interior designer or tackle the task on your own, you’ll need to account for design-related costs, such as consultation fees and professional rates.
- The cost of submitting a planning application can be substantial, and there is no guarantee that it will be successful.
Should I get a building permit before converting my garage?
A garage conversion may not need planning clearance if it does not modify the façade of the house considerably, as is the norm for larger-scale home renovations. You should still look into local regulations and limits before beginning any substantial home modifications since you never know when you could run into bureaucratic difficulties.
Comparatively, the average size of a double garage is roughly 30 square metres, compared to the average size of a single garage at around 15 square metres. Double garages are convenient since they double the space at your disposal, but you should check on any zoning or construction restrictions that may apply before deciding to go with this layout.
If you happen to call a historic district or conservation area home, you should be aware that the rules may be different. It’s important to find out whether there are any zoning limitations, such the garage being used just for automobiles, that need to be lifted before building can begin.
Do we not have any construction codes?
You or your contractor must submit a building notice to the local council before beginning any construction work to verify that it conforms with the Building Regulations.
- VentilationsAcoustics
- The importance of fire safety
- Protection against wetness
- Insulation
- Methods of Egress
- Viability and safety of construction
Before issuing a final certificate of completion, the building inspector will also conduct a visual inspection of the windows, doors, fireproofing, and foundation.
Tips for Arranging a Garage Conversion.
Planning your conversion may begin after you have an accurate estimate of the costs involved and know what steps to take in advance.
Take stock of your storage options.
When considering how to make the most of your conversion, you should think about how the extra space will fit in with the rest of your house. If you have your garage attached to your house or constructed onto your house, you have the option of expanding your home by adding a kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom.
In contrast, a detached garage offers even more flexibility thanks to its potential transformation into an annexe, home office, gym, guest room, or home theatre.
Car parking is also a major factor to think about. If you decide to use your garage for parking after the conversion, is there enough on the driveway or street for your vehicle to be parked without blocking traffic? Speaking with neighbours who have made the decision to transform their garages is a great way to get some insight.
Sort up your finances
The easiest approach to know what you’re spending and how much you have available, as well as be prepared for the unexpected, is to construct a precise and well-thought-out budget with a safety nett. Plan to spend around $1000 per square metre, with some extra money set up in case of emergencies.
When preparing your financial resources, bear in mind the following:
Flooring
The garage floor you presently have should be sturdy enough, but as we said, it will need to be damp proofed and insulated to pass building codes.
The many flooring choices are:
- Concrete subfloors are easy to instal, and once they are, a damp-proof membrane may be used in the transition between the old and new floors, and insulation can be laid on top.
- Construction of a wood floor that is raised off the ground is possible by installing damp proofing beneath the timber, followed by insulation between the timbers and the floor joists. Check the wood flooring for fire safety compliance before installing it.
Fixtures and wiring
We’ve proven that this is entirely conditional on the age and condition of your garage. Things may become complicated, that’s for sure. Wires should be checked for in the garage’s ceiling and walls, and the added electrical demands of lighting and heating the garage should be taken into account.
This may require a new installation, and if a bathroom is in the works, you’ll need to determine where the main water and sewage lines are.
Walls
The building laws demand that the moisture-proofing and insulation of your outside walls satisfy specified criteria. If the garage is linked to the main home, the walls between the two must meet building requirements. In such case, you might have to construct a stud wall within the outside wall to hide the insulation, wiring, and drywall that make up the other components of the structure’s infrastructure.
Keep in mind that the internal walls and doors going out of these walls are also subject to the fireproofing criteria.
Spaces between the glass and the wall
In the case of a fire, it is imperative that there is adequate ventilation and a means of egress. Trickle vents, a base opening of 600 mm, and a total area of no less than 0.45 m2 are additional necessities for windows.
Here are a few examples of acceptable windows to keep things brief:
Metal structure (requires a “thermal break”)
window frames made of uPVC-treated wood (must be of sufficient depth to accommodate a double-glazed unit of 24mm)
Beginner’s Guide to Garage Conversions
Can you tell me about the activities that take place in your garage? Consider making better use of what may be an asset if it has become more of a storage area (or a junkyard for that old exercise bike) than a secure place to park the car.
One of the quickest and least expensive ways to gain square footage is to convert a garage into liveable space. A new home office or playroom can be built using this method in a matter of days.
As an added bonus, you and your family can avoid the hassle and expense of relocating by purchasing a home that is already set up to meet your needs. It won’t take up as much space in your yard as a standard home addition would.
The value of your property can rise as a result of converting your garage. According to Virgin Money, a home improvement project with careful planning can yield a return of 10% to 20%.
Designing your space
The first thing to do when converting a garage is to inspect the current construction, paying close attention to the stability of the foundation, walls, and roof.
This is an important component of the design process since it will show how much effort is needed to create a pleasant living space. It may be more cost-effective to demolish and rebuild if the building is in particularly poor condition.
The extent of the plan, the intended usage, and the way in which it will be integrated into the property, as well as the available resources, will all influence the quality of the final product.
Consultation with an architect may be useful in more elaborate renovations, as they may suggest novel approaches to making the most of your garage’s potential and creating a space that flows organically into your home.
Alternatively, many people hire a firm specifically skilled in the design and construction of garage conversions.
The end effect is often wonderful, if not as cutting edge, and many firms will even handle the paperwork for planning and building control on your behalf. Plus, their first-hand knowledge of the area can be invaluable in ensuring a problem-free project with a realistic budget.
If the garage is attached or attached, it shouldn’t be too much of a hassle to incorporate it into the main house. The wall might be knocked down to create an open floor plan, such as an expanded hallway or a dining room that stretches from the front to the back of the house.
Separate purposes, like an annexe or an office, are more suited to a detached building. With an average single garage size of 15 square metres, you’ll have plenty of room for a playroom, separate living area, guest bed, or even an easily accessible downstairs shower and WC.
A double garage, which typically measures 30 square metres, provides greater space. The space is large enough to be converted into a second living room, a bedroom with an attached bathroom, a spacious kitchen, or even an addition.
In contrast, you may convert the remaining area into habitable quarters while reserving one parking spot with an appropriately insulated and fire-rated divider.
Planning permission
Many garage conversions, especially those that involve a connected or integral room, require little more than cosmetic changes on the interior (except changing the frontage and adding a window or two).
This is probably allowed under the definition of permitted development (PD), meaning that you won’t require a special permit to do it.
It is recommended to check with the local authority beforehand, as PD rights for this use change may have been revoked in certain places (such as conservation areas). Obtaining a certificate of authorised growth might give you piece of mind.
Some newer constructions have parking garages because of restrictive covenants that must be satisfied (check the deeds to find out if this applies). A detached garage is more likely to necessitate the obtaining of official approval to alter its usage.
Even if you lose your PD rights, you may still be allowed to continue forwards with a plan if you prepare appropriate drawings and seek homeowner planning approval. Including design fees, the total is £234.
In order to make major changes to the outside appearance, such as installing new windows, switching out the building’s materials, or constructing an addition, a full application will be required.
You may also need to get listed building consent (if you live in a listed building) and party wall agreements with any neighbouring neighbours.
Building regulations
A garage conversion will always be subject to the Building Regulations because it constitutes a change of use.
The building notice process may be adequate for simple projects. Work can begin on the site so long as you give the local authorities 48 hours’ notice, either directly or through your contractor.
Full structural blueprints may be desired for more complicated constructions. In this way, you can rest assured that your conversion will be in compliance with the rules if it is built according to the approved plans.
Your building control officer or licenced inspector will not only check for structural integrity, but also for issues like damp proofing, ventilation, insulation and energy efficiency, fire safety (including escape routes), electrical and plumbing systems.
Types of Garage Conversions and Why They Are Worth the Money
There are numerous definitions for “garage conversion.” Converting a garage into a bedroom is one option. But there are alternative garage conversions to think about, including adding a new room on top of your garage.
If you’re thinking of turning your garage into liveable space, it’s best to have the assistance of a professional in the area. Depending on the rules in your area, you’ll need to think about the following factors.
Building regulations must be met before you may instal some features, such as roof insulation, a new garage wall in place of the old garage door, new foundations, a new wall, or a new window, in an addition you plan to construct above your garage.
- Proper planning, design and layout
- Budget from start to completion
- Planning board permission
- Building codes and regulations
- Building permits
- Insulation
- Installing and wiring electrical outlets
- Plumbing if applicable
When considering a garage conversion, it is very important to make sure the front of the garage has been upgraded properly in keeping with the design and colour of the main house.
Some very important areas to consider when making sure the garage conversion design from the outside or exterior is in tune with the main house is the following:
- •Windows
- Door
- Exterior walls
- Wall Patterns
- Roof
- Exterior Color
- Etc.
Garage makeovers should always be done so that the exterior blends in with the rest of the house or building.
Therefore, converting your garage is not only a terrific investment but also a cost-effective way to increase your home’s usable square footage and resale value.
Conclusion
Converting a garage into living space is a frequent way to make a house larger. The extra room can be put to a number of different uses, depending on the layout of your home. We have compiled a comprehensive list of everything you need to know about converting a garage. Consult an expert before deciding to convert your garage into something other than a garage. A conversion can be a cost-effective way to add the extra space you need to your home.
The average increase in property value due to a garage conversion is 20%, while this increase may be as high as 30%. The cost to convert your garage will depend on its size. A conversion may not need planning clearance if it does not modify the façade of the house considerably. You should still look into local regulations and limits before beginning any substantial home modifications, such as a double garage. If you have a garage attached to your house or constructed onto it, you have the option of converting it.
A detached garage can be converted into an annexe, gym, guest room, or home theatre. Plan to spend around $1000 per square metre, with some extra money in case of emergencies. Garage conversions can yield a return of 10% to 20% in home improvements, according to Virgin Money. Consider making better use of what may be an asset if it has become more of a storage area (or a junkyard) than a secure place to park the car. The extent of the plan, the intended usage, and the way in which it will be integrated into the property will all influence the quality of the final product.
Consultation with an architect may be useful in more elaborate renovations. Many people hire a firm specifically skilled in the design and construction of garage conversions. A conversion of a garage into a bedroom is one option. Some newer constructions have parking garages because of restrictive covenants. Even if you lose your PD rights, you may still be allowed to continue with a plan if you prepare appropriate drawings and seek homeowner planning approval.
Garage makeovers should always be done so that the exterior blends in with the rest of the house or building. Building regulations must be met before you may instal some features, such as roof insulation or a new garage wall. But there are alternative garage conversions to think about, including adding a new room on top of your garage.
Content Summary
- Converting a garage into living space is a frequent way to make a house larger.
- Depending on your needs and the layout of your home, the extra room can be put to a number of different uses.
- In most cases, converting a garage into liveable space is a simple home renovation that does not necessitate any structural or cosmetic alterations to the exterior.
- However, there are a number of factors to think about before installing new windows in your converted garage.
- If you need more space for your family or want to set up a home gym, office, or theatre without having to relocate, a garage conversion might be a great alternative.
- This is a complete tutorial that will teach you all you need to know to achieve your goals, and it includes:Should I make my garage habitable?
- When I convert my garage into living space, what would my house’s worth be?
- Can you give me an estimate for transforming a garage into living space?
- Strategies for organising a garage makeover Both advantages and disadvantagesIf you want your project to be a success, you need to make sure you stay on top of all the paperwork and rules that pertain to it.
- We have developed a comprehensive list of everything you need to think about, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of converting the garage, to help you make your decision.
- If you need more living space but don’t want to spend a fortune on a house move or expansion, consider converting your garage.
- However, before making any decisions, you should think about how much your garage is worth to you and your home, as well as any costs associated with it.
- Consider the possibility that your garage is beyond economical repair.
- Consult an expert before deciding to convert your garage into something other than a garage.
- A conversion can be a cost-effective way to add the extra space you need to your home.
- Budgeting for a garage makeover, please.
- The cost of an integrated garage conversion might range from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the size of your garage and the scope of the work being done.
- If you need more space in your house but don’t want to spend a fortune, consider converting your garage.
- The cost to convert your garage will depend on its size.
- As a result, the cost of doing the work will go up.
- The cost of submitting a planning application can be substantial, and there is no guarantee that it will be successful.
- Should I get a building permit before converting my garage?A garage conversion may not need planning clearance if it does not modify the façade of the house considerably, as is the norm for larger-scale home renovations.
- Tips for Arranging a Garage Conversion.
- Planning your conversion may begin after you have an accurate estimate of the costs involved and know what steps to take in advance.
- Take stock of your storage options.
- When considering how to make the most of your conversion, you should think about how the extra space will fit in with the rest of your house.
- If you have your garage attached to your house or constructed onto your house, you have the option of expanding your home by adding a kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom.
- Car parking is also a major factor to think about.
- If you decide to use your garage for parking after the conversion, is there enough on the driveway or street for your vehicle to be parked without blocking traffic?
- Sort up your financesThe easiest approach to know what you’re spending and how much you have available, as well as be prepared for the unexpected, is to construct a precise and well-thought-out budget with a safety nett.
- Plan to spend around $1000 per square metre, with some extra money set up in case of emergencies.
- When preparing your financial resources, bear in mind the following:FlooringThe garage floor you presently have should be sturdy enough, but as we said, it will need to be damp proofed and insulated to pass building codes.
- Check the wood flooring for fire safety compliance before installing it.
- Fixtures and wiringWe’ve proven that this is entirely conditional on the age and condition of your garage.
- Wires should be checked for in the garage’s ceiling and walls, and the added electrical demands of lighting and heating the garage should be taken into account.
- The building laws demand that the moisture-proofing and insulation of your outside walls satisfy specified criteria.
- If the garage is linked to the main home, the walls between the two must meet building requirements.
- Keep in mind that the internal walls and doors going out of these walls are also subject to the fireproofing criteria.
- Spaces between the glass and the wallIn the case of a fire, it is imperative that there is adequate ventilation and a means of egress.
- Trickle vents, a base opening of 600 mm, and a total area of no less than 0.45 m2 are additional necessities for windows.
- One of the quickest and least expensive ways to gain square footage is to convert a garage into liveable space.
- As an added bonus, you and your family can avoid the hassle and expense of relocating by purchasing a home that is already set up to meet your needs.
- The value of your property can rise as a result of converting your garage.
- The extent of the plan, the intended usage, and the way in which it will be integrated into the property, as well as the available resources, will all influence the quality of the final product.
- Consultation with an architect may be useful in more elaborate renovations, as they may suggest novel approaches to making the most of your garage’s potential and creating a space that flows organically into your home.
- Alternatively, many people hire a firm specifically skilled in the design and construction of garage conversions.
- If the garage is attached or attached, it shouldn’t be too much of a hassle to incorporate it into the main house.
- The wall might be knocked down to create an open floor plan, such as an expanded hallway or a dining room that stretches from the front to the back of the house.
- The space is large enough to be converted into a second living room, a bedroom with an attached bathroom, a spacious kitchen, or even an addition.
- Planning permissionMany garage conversions, especially those that involve a connected or integral room, require little more than cosmetic changes on the interior (except changing the frontage and adding a window or two).This is probably allowed under the definition of permitted development (PD), meaning that you won’t require a special permit to do it.
- Obtaining a certificate of authorised growth might give you piece of mind.
- A detached garage is more likely to necessitate the obtaining of official approval to alter its usage.
- Even if you lose your PD rights, you may still be allowed to continue forwards with a plan if you prepare appropriate drawings and seek homeowner planning approval.
- You may also need to get listed building consent (if you live in a listed building) and party wall agreements with any neighbouring neighbours.
- Building regulationsA garage conversion will always be subject to the Building Regulations because it constitutes a change of use.
- The building notice process may be adequate for simple projects.
- In this way, you can rest assured that your conversion will be in compliance with the rules if it is built according to the approved plans.
- Types of Garage Conversions and Why They Are Worth the MoneyThere are numerous definitions for “garage conversion.”
- Converting a garage into a bedroom is one option.
- But there are alternative garage conversions to think about, including adding a new room on top of your garage.
- If you’re thinking of turning your garage into liveable space, it’s best to have the assistance of a professional in the area.
- Depending on the rules in your area, you’ll need to think about the following factors.
- Proper planning, design and layout Budget from start to completion Planning board permission Building codes and regulations Building permits Insulation Installing and wiring electrical outlets Plumbing if applicableWhen considering a garage conversion, it is very important to make sure the front of the garage has been upgraded properly in keeping with the design and colour of the main house.
- Some very important areas to consider when making sure the garage conversion design from the outside or exterior is in tune with the main house is the following:•Windows Door Exterior walls Wall Patterns Roof Exterior Color Etc.
- Garage makeovers should always be done so that the exterior blends in with the rest of the house or building.
- Therefore, converting your garage is not only a terrific investment but also a cost-effective way to increase your home’s usable square footage and resale value.
