Ever ything you need to know about converting

EV ERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW A BOUT CON V ERTING A GA R AGE

Do you really need your garage? If not, why not save on the cost of extending by making it into a more useful part of your home

PHOTOGRAPH DAVID MEREWETHER RACHEL OGDEN FEATURE While they can provide storage space, garages aren’t always used to keep cars, and can be one of the most under-used assets in a home. Instead, converting it into living space is a great way to add value to your home – whether it’s turned into an office, playroom, utility room, guest bedroom, or home gym.

QIs it worth converting? The size, shape and style of your garage will dictate what you can do with it. Most are long and narrow, so if this limits its use, you could knock through to extend an existing room. Keeping it separate is usually the better option, as most garages are located away from the main living space, making it tricky to incorporate them without additional construction. You’ll also need to work out where the access will be from within your home.

QHow much will it cost? The best conversions are the ones that look and feel like part of your home rather than a hasty addition, so it’s worth investing in matching brickwork (to fill in the garage door) and good insulation. ‘A lean-to garage is just a thin-walled shed, and little better made than one,’ says Jude Tugman, MD at Architect Your Home. ‘Converting means upgrading the walls, roof and floor, which costs around £1,700sq m. It’s easier if the garage is built into the house and has internal walls and a functioning ceiling, but there’s still lighting, windows, plastering and decoration, costing around £1,200sq m.’ If it’s a lean-to and in poor repair, you may find it more cost effective to demolish and rebuild rather than upgrade.

QShould I use an architect? While using an architect for your conversion can mean a more creative result and is ideal if you’re thinking of building on top, an architectural designer, structural engineer or specialist conversion company are also good options, depending on your project’s size. A builder should be able to carry out the conversion but you can do some of it yourself if you’re confident your work will meet building regulations.

Bespoke Shakerstyle kitchen, around £10,000, J M Interiors

QWill I need to get planning permission? Garage conversions rarely require planning permission if the footprint and elevations are staying the same, and are considered Permitted Development. However, if you make significant changes to the exterior or the conversion increases the size of your home beyond what’s allowed by Permitted Development, then you may need to submit an application. If you’re not sure, apply for a Lawful Development Certificate from your council.

QWhat about other building regulations?

The conversion will be subject to Building Regulations as it’s a ‘change of use’, which means that the walls, windows, floor and roof need to be energy efficient, the building will be structurally sound and electrics and plumbing compliant. A building control inspector will oversee these at various stages.

The Party Wall Act may apply if your project affects a structure shared with another property.

QWhat is involved in the build? After any structural alterations, the floor will be damp-proofed if required, the walls, floor and roof insulated, and UFH can be added. New windows and doors can then be installed – bifold glass doors are a great way to fill the void left by the old garage door – and wiring and plumbing fixed. The room can then be plastered and decorated.

QWhat else should I consider? See if anything in the garage has to be accommodated, such as a boiler or electricity meter – these can usually be boxed in. Check the wiring, too – if the new room is being rewired for lights and sockets, you may need a separate consumer unit to prevent overloading your mains.