Converting a garage into a habitable space is becoming an increasingly common way to expand the usable area of your home without the expense of additional building. Garages can be converted into additional sleeping space, a small cottage, a home gym, play room, TV den or a home office. Double garages are often converted into a single garage with the other half being used for a different purpose.
At Garage Conversions HQ we discuss the pros and cons of garage conversion, the cost implications and ways to prevent costs from escalating as the project develops.
We also look at planning, the permission you may need to get, and how to go about ensuring that the new space passes inspection. Depending on the existing structure, converting your garage into a living space can be a lot cheaper than adding a new room to the main house. Local building codes must be adhered to though, and sometimes the requirements to make your new room acceptable can be costly. A good building contractor should be able to advise you on the requirements of the building regulations and how they will affect your budget.
Sometimes a garage conversion forms a separate building, not attached to the main house although in close proximity to it. This is ideal for a home office, granny annexe or living space for grown children who need some privacy but perhaps cannot afford their own home. If the converted garage is intended to be used as an additional room such as a dining room, TV den or bedroom, then the space will have to be connected to the home which may require more building.
We also have some tips for finding a good building company to handle the project for you, and how to make sure you get a fair quote and a good quality job done. If you are building a space that people will inhabit, it seldom pays to cut corners for the sake of a small saving. Not only do you run the risk of the building not passing inspection, you will also find that shoddy workmanship leads to problems later on that can cost plenty to fix. That does not mean you should pay the highest bidder, but looking for the cheapest work is not wise either.
Because garages are designed and built to accommodate cars, not people, there are several features that will not be incorporated in a garage structure that will be necessary in order for someone to live comfortably in the same space. Garages seldom have ceilings, for example. They may have one light fitting and one power point, and no plumbing. Most garages either have no windows, or one small window used for ventilation rather than light or to offer a view. The garage door almost always faces the street, and although this may seem like the ideal space for a big picture window or glass sliding door, this can cause problems with privacy.
At Garage Conversion HQ, we discuss all the points you need to consider when planning your project. Converting your garage can provide you with much needed additional space at a far more agreeable cost than building onto the main house, but planning it properly and considering all the angles will help the project run smoothly, resulting in a new space that fulfils your needs and adds value to your home.
