How to create extra space with a garage conversion

This is a sponsored post by Findley Roofing & Building.

If you are one of the many people who have a garage but don’t keep a car there, then having that garage converted into extra living space can make a lot of sense. The enhanced value that this conversion could bring to your home is certainly another bonus!

Nonetheless, following through with a garage conversion that will tick all of the right boxes can be much easier said than done. Here are tips for increasing your chances of a successful conversion.

How much should you set aside for the conversion?

Converting your garage is likely to be costlier if there are issues with its existing structure. In fact, as Real Homes explains, you might actually save money if, rather than attempt to stabilise this structure, you simply knock it down and build a whole new one from scratch.

While you wouldn’t be wrong to assume that a partial garage conversion should be cheaper than a complete one, the lower amount of necessary materials won’t mean huge savings. This is because, in either case, you would still need to budget for services including electrics and plumbing.

Are you legally permitted to convert your garage?

In the UK, converting a garage is allowed in most cases, where it would be deemed what is known as “permitted development”. However, there are other scenarios in which you would need to apply to your local authority for planning permission.

This would be necessary if – for example – the structure is listed or you want to convert it for business use. Planning permission would also be needed for a conversion that would exceed your permitted development rights or if your council seeks to rein in the reduction of parking.

However, even in these situations, forgoing planning permission should still be an option provided that you convert only the garage’s interior and leave its exterior untouched.

Should you really handle all of the conversion work yourself?

To what extent you should personally get involved in the conversion depends very much on what it will be like. It would certainly be possible for you to entirely handle the job if you are competent in DIY and the garage is integral to the main building rather than detached.

Your work would likely involve plastering, decorating and furnishing. However, if the job also calls for structural alterations, you will need to knock down walls. Depending on a range of factors, work on the project could last from 10 days to several months, says Ideal Home.

Nonetheless, if you indeed decide to fully take on the conversion work, you will need to plan meticulously to prevent expensive blunders. Consider, for example, how you will use the space; to turn your garage into a kitchen that seamlessly flows from the main structure, you might have to remove an interior wall. Meanwhile, aim for exterior brickwork that resembles the overall home’s.

Alternatively, you could leave such responsibilities with roofers in Newcastle upon Tyne or wherever else your home and its garage are located.