A garage conversion can be one of the quickest and most affordable ways to add living space to a home. The foundation, walls and roof are already in place. The wiring is often sufficient. And if the garage is attached to the house, the entry already exists.

 

In many houses, a well-planned garage conversion can create a new room or rooms that blend seamlessly with the existing house. The process should begin with a careful assessment of the garage and the problems and promises it holds.

 

Planning Permission for Garage Conversions

Generally speaking, planning permission is not required for a garage conversion if the following apply:No additional volume is createdIf the garage will increase the volume, then it is treated as an extension, if it is within 5 metres of your house.NOTE: Sometimes, Permitted Development Rights have been removed from some properties, with regard to garage conversions and therefore, you should check with your Local Planning Authority first.

 

Garage Door

The biggest question facing most garage conversions is what to do about the garage door. Once the door is removed, the resulting space needs to be filled in so that it both blends in with the rest of the house and provides a useful service to the new living space. Possible options include installing a new wall that includes a large window or bay window.

 

Floor

The interior garage floor can be insulated and screeded to offer a warm and suitable surface to receive a choice of floor coverings.

 

Heating & Cooling

If the garage is attached to the house, you may be able to extend the existing heating and cooling system into the new space. If that is not possible, look into an independent system (heat can be supplied by electric baseboards, gas space heaters or woodstoves, for example, while a room air conditioner can handle warm weather). Add insulation to walls, floor and ceiling before deciding how to heat and cool the space

 

Wiring

If you expect to substantially increase electrical usage in the converted space, consider adding at least one new 20-amp circuit. Wiring to a detached garage can be run through an underground conduit.

 

Plumbing

This can be the biggest headache of a garage conversion. Getting water supplied to the garage may be easy, but drainage could present major problems. Check with a plumber about your options. If you are lucky enough to have a laundry/utility room connecting the garage to the house, you might be able to turn it into a bathroom.

 

Loss of Storage & Parking

Much of what is currently stored in your garage could go into a new shed, the basement or attic, or be sold at a garage sale. To protect your vehicle from the elements, consider building a carport.

 

Blending In

Think hard about to make the exterior of the converted space look like it has always been a part of the house, rather than an afterthought. Try to match the siding, colours, window and door styles and the landscaping.

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