Transforming your garage may boost your property's value by approximately £45,000. Here's a guide to pull it off!
Thinking About Transforming Your Garage? Here's the Scoop!
Embrace the changing times and transform your garage into something practical and valuable! With an average increase of £45,000 to your home value and no need for planning permission, Garage conversion is a hot trend that's sweeping across the UK!
Want to make informed decisions about this conversion? Read on as we embark on an enlightening journey together.
How Much Conservations Cost?
Digging into the numbers, Santander's report reveals that the average garage conversion costs around £6,300 after plastering and decoration. This figure is significantly lower compared to moving houses or converting a loft (£30,000). However, the complexities of your garage and any structural changes may inflate the cost.
Local Builders usually offer the most affordable option. On the other hand, specialized firms such as the renowned Garage Conversion Company and SpaceSolutions may cost between £10,000 and £15,000 for a single garage conversion.
Permission is (Often) Not Needed!
Great news! Planning permission isn't usually required for garage conversions as long as the project is internal and doesn't enlarge the building. However, it's essential to check with your local authority's planning department for clarity.
Keep in mind that listed garages or those located in conservation areas could be challenging to convert. They might require additional approvals and modifications to comply with local regulations.
To Convert or Not to Convert? That's the Question!
With the prospect of extra space, it's crucial to weigh the benefits against the potential loss of parking space, especially in areas where parking is limited or zoned. For two-car families in tight parking zones, keeping the garage may make more financial sense than converting it.
Whole Garage or Partial Conversion?
Standard single garages (approximately 150 sq ft) are usually too small to accommodate a large living room while allowing easy door access. However, a single garage conversion offers plenty of extra living space.
For those with double garages, a practical solution could be a "part conversion," transforming the front or rear of the garage while keeping the rest for storage.
Other Important Considerations
1. Quality of Your Garage
Not every garage can be converted – some may be old, poorly constructed, or contain asbestos. However, if your garage was built in the last 25 years, is made of brick or block, and has a solid structure, it can probably be converted with ease. Consult your local council's Building Control department for professional advice.
2. Practicalities of the Job
Garages are often on different levels compared to homes. Therefore, you may need to raise or lower floors or ceilings to ensure seamless flow between the new room and the rest of your house.
3. Purpose of the Space
Deciding how you'll use the room is crucial as it will impact design choices and possibly construction requirements. For example, if you plan to create a separate office or hobby room, you may want to maintain its distinctness from the main living space.
4. Moving Utility Essentials
Moving the boiler or electricity meter will add thousands of pounds to the cost. Consider boxing them in with pale-painted wooden units for a stylish and functional solution.
5. Exterior Aesthetics
Ensure your conversion blends well with the exterior of your house. Bricks, windows, and other architectural elements should be carefully matched to maintain harmony.
Embrace the Transformation!
With these insights in hand, you can now make an informed decision about whether to convert your garage into a new living space. We'd love to hear your experiences. Share your stories with us as we journey together in home improvements!
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Meet our Writer:Amy Cutmore is an accomplished interiors editor and writer. With notable contributions to esteemed publications like our platform, Homes & Gardens, LivingEtc, Real Homes, GardeningEtc, Top Ten Reviews, and Country Life, Amy is a seasoned professional in the field of home and appliance technology. As a small-time landlord, Amy provides valuable insight for both homeowners and renters.
- When considering the transformation of your garage, consider converting the extra space into a home office or utility room to enhance your lifestyle and home-and-garden setup.
- The Garage Conversion Company and SpaceSolutions, specialists in home improvement, offer garage conversion services within the estimated range of £10,000 to £15,000.
- To ensure a unified look, insulate the new room and carefully match architectural elements such as bricks and windows for a seamless blend with the exterior of your house.
