If you’re thinking of converting your own garage, before getting too excited, you need to check that it’s big enough to make the whole project worthwhile – the garages that came with older houses were often very compact and, in some cases, this can lead to difficulties.
Anyone looking to add space to their home in a cost-effective way that doesn’t involve the disruption of building a full-blown extension, Garage conversion is ideal. Not only does this type of project make fantastic use of what is often a waste of space, it also adds value and usually doesn’t even require planning permission.
That said, converting a garage isn’t always straightforward. is Strict building regulations To comply and, if you plan to build above the garage to really maximize the new space, the foundation will need to be assessed.
If you’re unsure whether you have enough space in your garage to enable a conversion, here’s everything you need to know before you decide to go ahead, as well as advice on how to really get the most out of your new additions.
How big does a garage need to be for a conversion?
(Image credit: Future PLC/Photoword)
If you’re dealing with a pretty modest, single garage—as opposed to a massive double design—you might question how appropriate it is. Cost of garage conversion There will be – but how small is small?
‘There is no strict minimum size for a garage conversion, but, practically speaking, anything between 12-14m² becomes difficult to make habitable once you account for insulation, end wall finishes and adequate circulation space,’ he explains. Zaim ChaudharyDirector AC Design Solution. ‘That said, if a home office, utility room or Home gym – Uses that do not require a floor area threshold, such as a bedroom or living room.’
‘If your garage is at least 15m², you may be able to convert it into usable space, although there is no legal requirement when it comes to minimum size,’ Angelo PatrizziFounder and Lead Fitter at New home improvement. ‘The average size of a garage in the UK is between 16-18m² – the perfect size for a conversion. We will always complete a layout survey and plan before allowing our customers to convert a small garage footprint.’
Zaim Chaudhary
Zaim Chaudhary is the Director of AC Design Solutions, a multidisciplinary practice providing architecture, structural engineering and party wall services across London and the UK.
Anglio runs Nuova Home Improvements, a hands-on renovation company based in Berkshire, specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, extensions, loft conversions and whole house renovations.
How do you maximize space in a small garage conversion?
(Image credit: Higham Furniture)
Providing your garage will give you enough space to meet the required building regulations, what you use it for is largely up to you – but finding ways to maximize the space you have should still be a priority if you want to make sure you’re getting the most for the money you’re spending and adding value to your home.
Zaim Chowdhury has a great idea of using vertical space within small conversions. ‘For small garages, the key is maximum ceiling height. including some Think mezzanine can effectively double your usable floor area within the same footprint (you’ll need a ceiling height of at least 4m for this to work.) However, you’ll need to check that the structural frame and floor loading are designed accordingly – something your chosen designer should assess (we do this on every conversion project we undertake.)’
Angelo Patrizzi has some more ideas when it comes to getting the most out of an attached garage conversion. ‘The most effective way to make an impact when converting a garage is to create one Open plan living space By removing the wall separating the garage and the adjoining room, as this opens up all sorts of possibilities.’
Can you convert just part of the garage?
(Image credit: Back to Front Exterior Design)
Where you have enough space to play with, it may be a good idea to convert just one part of your garage to extend your home while retaining one part for storage. One of the biggest Garage conversion mistakes People make where they will neglect to think through Store all the materials they once held in this space.
‘Converting just part of the garage is perfectly viable and often makes sense where the homeowner wants to retain storage or parking,’ explains Zaim Chowdhury. ‘Partial conversions are also easier from a planning perspective, as the exterior appearance changes less if you keep the garage door rather than swapping it for windows.’
This idea is perfect where the garage conversion will be used for utility or Boot roomBoth spaces that benefit from having exterior doors.
Is it a good idea to add a second floor to a small garage conversion?
Adding a storey on top of a garage conversion It’s the perfect way to extend without encroaching on garden space – ideal for anyone looking to add a bedroom. It is also actually quite cost effective when compared Expansion costs.
That said, as Zaim Chaudhary explains, it will be more expensive than a typical single story garage conversion. ‘In terms of cost, a two-storey extension over a garage is typically 40-60% more expensive than a single-storey equivalent, due to the additional structural requirements, staircases and increased external envelope.
‘However, the cost per square meter is often better value given the shared foundation and roof,’ says Zaim.
FAQs
What are the best ways to use a small garage conversion?
There are many great ways to use garage conversions – but in the case of smaller structures, in order Make a garage conversion worth itThink about how the final space will function on a day-to-day basis, as well as how future buyers will see it.
‘A compact garage conversion can be used for a home office, utility room or children’s playroom,’ suggests Angelo Patrizzi. ‘Many people think about converting a small garage into a separate dining room, but if you’re considering this, try to design the space so that it can be useful to potential buyers who don’t need this type of room – aim for a more multi-purpose space.’
When is a garage conversion a bad idea?
In some cases, a garage conversion just doesn’t make sense and it really pays to consider this if you want to make sure you’re not wasting money on something that won’t really add to your living experience in your home – or appeal to potential buyers later on.
‘In general, you shouldn’t convert your garage into a habitable space if you don’t have off-road parking and live in an area where on-road parking is already difficult – it can actually reduce the resale value of your home,’ warns Angelo Patrizzi.
‘Furthermore, if the garage structure requires a significant amount of damp-proofing, extensive repairs or the roof height is less than 2.1m then build costs will increase rapidly and your return on investment will become more unpredictable.’
when Planning permission for garage conversion Generally not required, there will be cases where you will need to apply. If you live in a conservation area, in a listed building, already yours approved development If building rights-of-way or a two-storey garage conversion, you may need to contact your local planning office before work begins.
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