A garage is often over looked as extra valuable space and is most of the time piled with junk, old bikes, Christmas decorations and anything else people don’t want to throw away. Rather than waste this space it can be quite easily turned into that office or home gym you always wanted or even an extra bedroom’ whatever you need the extra space for a garage conversion is a great option.

Another consideration is if you need to make mobility alterations to your home and require more single level living accommodation. A garage conversion can often be the most practical solution as an average sized garage would give adequate space for a good sized bedroom and en suite with a shower for easy access, or perhaps with a wet room, or if you already have a downstairs bathroom, a living/sleeping space could be created.

Depending on your the size and location of your garage and what type of house you own, it can be an easy process and cause very little disruption in your home so lets look at what’s involved with garage conversions. Converting a garage into an extra room is classed as a ‘change of use of part of a building’ and so you will more than likely need to have planning permission from your local council to carry out this work.

If your garage is external then you will more than likely need to build a cavity wall to provide adequate insulation as most external garages are built single bricked as they are not designed for living in. This may require some extra foundations to be laid to support the extra weight and again may require planning permission. If your garage already has a cavity wall rather than being single skin, then the build will be significantly less expensive and time consuming.

Garage conversions vary in cost depending on build type but a typical single garage conversion can cost between £5,000 – £10,000 with a double garage conversion costing around £9,000 – £18,000 so you may wish to consider this a cost effective alternative to other options such as an extension or a loft conversion.

Related posts:

1. Creating Extra Living Space
2. Considerations When Planning a Loft Extension or Attic Conversion
3. Different Options When Considering a Loft Conversion
4. Home Improvements
5. Reinforcing Roof Joists to Support a Loft Conversion