Garage conversions are popular in the UK.
Many homeowners use them as a way to utilise the square footage of their property.
Read on to learn about what they are, when they are (and aren’t) suitable, their average costs, and more.
What is a garage conversion?
A garage conversion involves turning your garage into a room with a function other than storing a car, such as a:
- Bedroom
- Living room
- Office
- Kitchen
- Utility room
- Ground floor flat (sometimes a granny flat or granny annexe).
The above uses often involve relatively extensive internal renovations. New heating, plumbing, decoration, and more, is needed.
However, sometimes less extensive change is involved, such as when they are converted into gyms or storage areas.
Do you need planning permission for garage conversions?
If you are only transforming the inside of your garage, then planning permission will not likely be needed.
But if you are extending it in some way or turning it into a granny flat with someone living in it, then it could be required.
Do I need building regulations approval for a garage conversion?
Yes, your garage conversion will need to follow building regulations. This is because it is classified as a change of use.
You should bring in an inspector who guarantees it meets all the requirements, including:
- Fire safety
- Ventilation
- Thermal performance
- Acoustics
- Electrics
- Structure.
The best architects and professionals will factor this into their plans while carrying out your conversion.
Are all garages suitable for conversion?
Almost all garages can be converted. But there might be some work needed beforehand to stabilise the area.
Not all garages are structurally sound. If it has damaged foundations, then you might need to fix this beforehand with underpinning.
Garages are also known to often have asbestos in them. This should be inspected by a professional to determine whether it’s safe to live in (and must be declared if present).
In some cases, a property’s deeds might contain covenants that stop you from converting the garage.
This is common with older buildings or where the previous owner wanted to keep a certain look and feel about the property.
Most garages do not have insulation. You may need to install this (in line with fire and safety regulations).
Your flooring will likely need insulation too, along with levelling and damp-proofing.
In some cases, your ceiling may need to be raised. This tends to kickstart an extension to the garage’s exterior, which you sometimes need planning permission for.
How much does a garage conversion cost?
It depends on the professional you use, the complexity of the conversion, and the condition of your garage when you first begin.
Checkatrade states that the price range tends to be higher, between £7,000 to £20,000. This puts the average at £13,500.
This figure is supported by Homebuilding.co.uk, which estimates that a garage conversion costs £15,000 on average.
According to another source, a garage conversion costs around £6,000.
You should inform your home insurance provider before you start the conversion. If they don’t cover you, you could need to take out specialist insurance.
If you use your garage to store your car, then you’ll need to find another place to put it.
Buying a temporary parking spot in a busy urban area can often cost you a couple of hundred pounds per month.
How long does a garage conversion take?
It takes between three to six weeks for a garage conversion to be completed. Larger garages usually take longer, and smaller garages can be converted quickly.
Several factors can delay the process though. For example, plumbing and heating systems can take over a month to install.
Will a garage conversion add value to my house?
If you do it well, the answer is yes. On average, converting your garage into a living space can add between 10 to 20 percent to the value of your property.
But if you do a poor job, it can have the opposite effect. If you extend the roof without planning permission, you can get sanctioned by the local council. This will decrease your house value.
A garage conversion that is badly executed will create a minimal improvement on the house value, too.
Potential buyers will only value it higher if they feel that it adds to the functionality or appearance of the house.
Can I do a garage conversion by myself?
Doing the most basic types of garage conversion by yourself is possible.
But you should be highly skilled in building to attempt this. Otherwise, you risk damaging the garage and costing yourself more money in the long run.
Advantages of a garage conversion
A well-executed garage conversion will add value to your home. This means that you can sell it for more.
You will also increase the square footage of your property. An extra bedroom, utility room, living area or bathroom will be extremely useful.
It can also be done relatively quickly (usually within two months).
Disadvantages of a garage conversion
A garage conversion involves a high up-front cost, as outlined above. You will not receive a return on this investment until you sell the house.
Renovations can be noisy, messy, and inconvenient. It may disrupt your daily routine. You’ll lose storage space in your house, too.
Finally, you may need to find another place to park your car. And even your drive is less secure than a garage. Some homeowners compensate for the reduced security by adding a gate to the drive.
