In a time where cars are both weatherproof and harder to steal, sheds are more secure, homes are crying out for extra space and garages are becoming more and more synonymous with dumping grounds, a garage conversion can prove to be an excellent, affordable, and logical way to add extra living space to your home.

Whether you are in need of an extra bedroom, reception room, an extended kitchen or you just want to indulge yourself with a home gymnasium or cinema room, this guide aims to help you make the right decisions, and get it done properly, whether you decide to go it alone or hire professional help.

Why convert your garage?

Even if you do not keep your cars in the garage you may not see it as wasted space, where else would you keep all those expensive tools and useful bits and bobs?

If this is how you feel about your garage you should probably consider a garden shed. A secure garden shed can be erected quickly and relatively cheaply and can even have its own alarm system, leaving your garage free of clutter and offering an opportunity to really make the most of that potential extra living space.

The extra space can be invaluable if, for example, you have children who hog your lounge and television with their friends or perhaps you spend a fortune every year on your gym membership that could be better spent on investing in your property, and your own private gym? Maybe you are shelling out to rent an office space for work when you’ve got a perfectly adequate space right on your doorstep?

The possibilities for what you can do with your extra living space are endless, but if you are struggling for ideas or need inspiration, here are some of the more popular options:

• Another living room, bedroom, or bathroom.
• A home office, gymnasium, cinema, or games room.
• A larger kitchen/kitchen diner area
• A children’s playroom

Can your garage be converted?

Depending on your intentions for your garage conversion there may be a few legal restrictions to your plans. It is vital that you are aware of the legal issues before you go ahead without permission because you could end up having to return everything to its original condition, resulting in a huge waste of time and money!

One of the ways you may be restricted is by a clause in your lease, you need to check your property deeds to see if there has been any building restrictions put in place by the developer to prevent any work that will affect the external appearance of the property.

If there is such a clause all is not lost as developers will often waive the restriction for a fee. Another way to get around any clause of this kind can be to convert your garage without any disruption to its external appearance, this can be achieved by keeping the front portion of the garage for storage and section it off with a stud wall, or something similar, so that the rest of the space is yours to do whatever you want with.

If you are looking to extend your garage as a part of your conversion project then you are going to need planning permission before you begin. Also, when converting any part of your house into a habitable space you must adhere to government building regulations.

Compliance is ensured by way of regular inspections from a building control officer both before and during construction. More information on these government restrictions and regulations can be found at the following website:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Planning/index.htm

Why might your garage conversion proposal be denied?

In some instances you may not be able to get permission to go ahead with your project, such as:

• If you live in a listed building/neighbourhood
• If your garage conversion has a negative affect on drainage and flood risk
• If there are insulation issues - you may be required to dig up the floor and build from scratch, this will put massive pressure on your budget.
• If you live in an area with a parking space shortage, the council may look at your proposed garage conversion as something that will worsen the problem.

Different garage types (and their suitability for conversion)

A single garage will add approximately 150 square feet of extra floor space to your property.

A double garage, if converting the whole area, will add approximately double that of a single garage, meaning an extra 300 square feet of floor space.

It may be advisable though to look into the option of converting the side of your garage nearest to your home and leaving the far side as a single garage, people can sometimes be put off a property by its lack of garage so only half converting your space will leave you with the best of both worlds.

Similarly, with a tandem garage, converting only the back of the garage will mean extra floor space as well as potential buyers being able to put a tick inside of the ‘garage’ box.

Standalone garages can make great separate spaces ideal for noisy activities such as practising with your band, be careful though as you may need to make an application for permission to change its use.