Everything You Need To Know About Garage Conversions

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shutterstock 32474197

shutterstock 32474197

Garages are one of the most underutilised parts of the average home. While they may be intended to provide homeowners with a secure, off-road space to park their cars, too many of us fall into the habit of using our garages as storage space for old garden furniture, long-forgotten bicycles and general household clutter – but we could all be using our garages for so much more!

 

Whether you’re looking to add value to your home before listing the property for sale or are simply looking to make the most of the space that you’re currently living in, a garage conversion can be a great way to go.

 

Versatile and often surprisingly affordable, getting a garage conversion for your home could be the ideal way for you to breathe new life into old, unused space – but there are a few questions you might have before committing to the idea.

 

Here’s everything you need to know about garage conversions in 2021!

 

Can Any Garage Be Converted?

 

Most garages can be converted, though some may take more work to convert than others and the results will vary dependent on the type of structure that your garage is.

 

Generally, the average-sized single internal garage – a garage built into the structure of the home – will yield around 150sq. ft. of extra floor space once completed.

 

How Much Is A Garage Conversion?

 

Whilst generally much cheaper than the average cost of a high-quality loft conversion or the addition of a brand new extension, all garage extensions are priced on a case-by-case basis, which varies with certain factors.

 

The factors that may affect the cost of your garage conversion include:

  • Problems with the existing structure – having to reinforce the walls, foundations, etc.
  • The need for planning permission – we’ll discuss this further shortly.
  • Extensive changes to the existing structure – raising the height of the ceiling, installation of windows, etc.
  • The addition of insulation
  • The installation of electricity
  • The extent of the work you would like carried out for you – plastering, decorating, etc.

 

These are just a few of the factors that may come into play when calculating the cost of the conversion work.

 

Santander estimate that the average cost of a garage conversion in the UK is around £6,300 – this price takes plastering and decorating into account, too. However, a broader estimate, taking into account the difference in price dependent on the garage type, would likely be between £5,000 and £10,000.

 

Does A Garage Conversion Increase The Value Of My Home?

 

The majority of homeowners looking to sell their property want to set out to make some home improvements to maximise their resale value first – and getting a garage conversion could be a very effective way of doing this.

 

A study by Admiral found that a high-quality garage conversion could add an average £45,000 onto the resale value of a property. Of course, this figure varies depending on the type of home and the type of garage conversion – you may find that your return is even larger.

 

However, that’s not to say that a garage conversion will increase the resale value of every home. If your garage provides the only off-road parking for your property, it may be more appealing to potential buyers if you keep your garage as it is. As a home improvement before listing a property for sale, we would usually only recommend a garage conversion to those with a driveway or other secure off-road parking space.

 

How Can I Use A Garage Conversion?

 

It’s all well and good having a little extra space in your home, but what will you use it for? Garage conversions are highly versatile and can be used for a wide range of different purposes.

 

These include:

  • Home gym
  • Office space
  • Art studio
  • Extra bedroom
  • Extra lounge
  • Kitchen extensions
  • Play room
  • Home cinema
  • Utility space
  • Home bar

 

These are just a few! When it comes down to it, the only real limit is your imagination.

 

Do I Need Planning Permission For A Garage Conversion?

 

If the work needed to convert your garage into additional living space is internal and does not involve changing the existing structure of your home, then you most likely will not need to acquire planning permission first.

 

However, if your conversion involves enlarging the garage or making extensive structural changes to the garage, you may need to apply for planning permission before moving forward. In any case, it’s always best to check with your local council before making any solid commitment to the conversion.

 

Can I Carry Out A Garage Conversion Myself?

 

We certainly wouldn’t recommend it. A garage conversion is an extensive refurbishment project, which requires a high quality of care, attention and skill to carry out to the best – and safest – standard possible.

 

It’s always best to call in the experts if you’re considering a garage conversion. At Steve Bebb Building Services, we have over 30 years experience in carrying out extensions and conversions – we keep the client at the core of everything that we do and approach every project on a case-by-case basis, delivering great results every time.

 

If you’re looking for the perfect team to carry out your garage conversion in the Midlands, why not head over to our testimonials page and see what other customers have to say about us? Or contact us – we’re always here to help.

 

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