Your garage doesn’t just have to be somewhere to park your car. It can definitely be that, but it can play a number of different roles, especially if you are looking to add a little more space to your house, without investing in an extension. Garage conversion can be simple or easy, or in depth and complicated, depending on how far your garage has to go to get where you want it to be.
Most of us could do with some more space in our homes; maybe your family is growing, you need space for a home office or want to exercise in your very own gym. Property expert Michael Holmes says: “Consider whether it’s best to move or to improve your home, look at converting areas of your house like the loft or garage first.”
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Why convert your garage?
Make use of unused space – according to the Garage Conversion Company, the average garage is approximately 150sqf, which is too small for many of today’s cars. Our vehicles also tend to be galvanised now so they are much more weather resistant and don’t need to be stored in a garage. This means that many people’s garages have become a wasted space, used for storing orcollecting junk. Converting your garage will put this space to better use.
Save you from having to move – a garage conversion can provide you with the extra space you desperately need without the inconvenience of having to move house and the subsequent costs of solicitors fees, stamp duty and removal vans.
Increase the value of your home – “Adding space is probably the best way to add value to your home,” says Michael. So if you want to sell your home in the future, a garage conversion could boost your properties value. It’s worth checking with your local estate agent to make sure that it is financially worth converting your garage though. Properties have a ceiling value set by the most expensive houses in that area, exceed that and you probably won’t get your money back.
Cost less than you might think – Michael advises: “The most cost effective way to remodel your space is to convert either the loft or the garage.”
Cause minimum hassle – “Compared to creating a whole new extension, a garage conversion can be far less hassle, you might not even need to get planning permission,” writes property guru Phil Spencer in his book Adding Value to your Home. Garage conversions are classed as permitted developments (with a few exceptions) so carrying out the project is much quicker and easier than extending.
Garage conversion ideas
When it doubt, call a garage specialist or someone how has garage design job experience. They can help you know what materials and techniques to implement to make your garage as useful as it is functional. Not sure what you want to do with your garage yet? Here are a few garage décor ideas to get you started.
1. Home Office. Whether you’ve started your business or just need a place to get away from the craziness for a few hours, turning your garage (or even just a corner of your garage) into a home office, is a great option. If you want to do the whole garage, you can finish the concrete, install a desk and all of the storage and filing you will ever need. Ask a garage specialist who knows how to properly stain, seal, and color your concrete for a cohesive and finished appearance for your new office!
2. Man or woman cave. Don’t have enough room in the house to host your sports game or movie watching parties? Move them to the garage! Besides the television, outfit your garage with plenty of seating, a finished floor, and if you’re really ambitious, a fridge or bar for drinks and snacks. This is one of our favorite garage décor ideas, whether you want to utilize your entire garage or just part of it.
3. Spare room. If you love hosting guests in your house, but just don’t have the room, you can convert your spare room into a garage. This is probably one of the most labor intensive ideas, as you will need electricity, heating and cooling installed, if you don’t have them already. This garage design job might be a task for a professional, but once you have your unique and cozy spare room, you might find yourself wanting to move into the garage and let the visitor take the house. Go for something classic and minimalistic to reflect the industrial feel of the garage itself.
4. Organized storage. Using the space to store all of your extra stuff isn’t much of a garage conversion, but it is a great way to de-clutter your house. Don’t just move the mess from inside into the garage however. Invest in standing cabinets, shelves, and other storage units to keep everything organized. While you’re at it, sealing the floor and creating a work bench for weekend tinkering can add even more utility to your garage.