Garage Conversion Ideas
What You Can Do With Your UK Garage
If there is one thing that we know about UK homeowners, it’s that they love to take pride in their homes.
Taking your existing garage and turning it into a comfortable living space works for everyone, even if you don’t have a fancy detached garage. Even smaller garages can be upgraded and turned into a new room that everyone wants to use.
The options for what you could turn your old garage into are endless.
And how can you choose just one when there are so many garage conversion ideas bouncing around in your head? That’s what we are here to help with.
This guide will talk about some of our favourite cost-effective and creative ways to convert a garage and make the most out of your garage space.
We will cover:
- Inspiring garage conversion ideas
- How to start your garage conversion project
- Typical costs, upgrades, and planning tips
- Noise control and eco-friendly options
Garage Conversion Ideas (What You Can Convert Your Garage Into)
So, you want to find a way to use your garage space more efficiently. Great! There are loads of garage refurbishment and conversion ideas out there to choose from. But which one is right for you?
Here are some of our favourite ways to convert your garage:
Storage Space
Okay, we know, “I already use my garage for storage!” But does the space actually work for you?
How great would it be to turn your cluttered garage into an organised storage space?
Making small changes like adding wall-mounted organisers or specialised shelving can do the trick. Even getting bicycles off the ground with bike racks can make a difference to how the space feels.
Some of our customers at Danmarque have even moved their large home appliances into their garages, too. Moving your washing machine or dryer can make a big difference in clearing up space inside the house.
Home Office
Working from home can be a challenge if you live in a busy household, and a newly converted garage to an office might be the best thing for your work productivity or creative pursuits.
However, you will need to ensure that the conversion is done well if you are going to be using your new space so often – you want a habitable room that is as comfortable as it is functional.
Spending 8 hours a day in a converted garage without proper roof insulation is only going to make the space uncomfortably warm in the summer, freezing in the winter, and prone to condensation and mould.
You will also need to consider electrical work, too. You will need lighting and sockets if you are going to be able to work efficiently in your new office. Some people even consider new garage doors or soundproofing if they have a job that is affected by noise pollution (like voice-over artists).
Other installations like adding in a nice, big window is going to help add some natural light and make your new workspace feel more inviting.
Home Workshop
A DIY garage conversion to turn your old space into a new workshop sounds like a great project for tradespeople or anyone keen on at-home carpentry or DIY.
To have a functioning workshop in the garage is likely going to need a big garage door to load bulky materials in and out of.
Making your new workshop damp-proof is going to go a long way towards keeping your tools and materials in good nick. You might also want to consider soundproofing (think of the neighbours!)
Next, you are going to need workbenches, excellent storage, good lighting, and power points. Think about the flooring, too. You are going to want something that is durable and easy to clean—especially if you are working with paint or messier materials like wood.
Home Gym
A garage gym is a great way to have the gym experience in your own home, and if you’re anything like me, you will be far more likely to exercise if you have everything you need at your doorstep.
You are going to want to think about the practicalities of building a gym at home before you start your garage conversion. For example, you will need to consider how to insulate and ventilate the garage properly – since you are going to be getting hot and sweaty in there.
You will also want garage floors that can stand up to heavy equipment and regular use. Rubber garage flooring or PVC tiles can be a great way to provide a little padding and cushion for your body while working out and to stay durable against impact, etc.
Are you going to want some music to work out to? Sound systems and WiFi extenders are going to be in order, and maybe some mirrors if you like to see what you’re doing and keep an eye on your form.
Utility or Laundry Room
A utility room is a great way to convert your existing garage into a room that serves everyday household needs. What could be better than freeing up space in your main house by rehoming your washing machines and tumble dryers to the garage?
Wet laundry and indoor spaces can be a catalyst for damp though. And we don’t want that in your new utility room!
Think about installing a damp-proof membrane and some underfloor heating to help when drying clothing indoors as well as proper ventilation.
You are probably going to need a good amount of floor space for your big appliances, too.
Games Room or Home Cinema
This is where things get really exciting! You have all of the practical spaces you need in your home… Now it’s time to upgrade it with a brand-new games room or a home cinema.
A games room can be anything from a place to house your dartboard and pool table to a room built for the gamer in the family who needs space for their PC gaming setup.
A converted garage can become a valuable living space with some decent electrical work and soundproofing. Add in some comfortable seating and a TV that is big enough to be a cinema screen, and you’ve got yourself an at-home cinema.
Surround sound and blackout curtains are going to take your home movie-watching to the next level. And who says you can’t invest in a popcorn machine while you’re at it, too?
Do You Need Planning Permission to Convert a Garage?
We’ve covered some great ideas, but are you going to need planning permission for a garage renovation?
An average garage conversion is likely going to fall under UK legislation known as ‘permitted development rights’. This is usually the case if you are converting your space without making changes to the structure of the garage itself or using the garage’s existing foundations.
So, as long as the changes you make fall under those guidelines, you can go right ahead without informing or asking for permission from your local authority.
There are some exceptions, though. You are probably going to need planning permission if:
- You live in a listed building or a conservation area
- You are making major external changes like changing the outer structure/walls
- You are increasing the height of the garage roof by more than 150mm
Always check with your local planning authority if your garage conversion project will make these sorts of changes.
You may also need to get building regulations approval for changes to electrics or plumbing, etc. There are quite a few instances where you will need building regulations approval or a building notice for the work to be carried out – especially if it is complex.
You might also find that you need to get a party wall agreement for your renovations. You might need permission from your neighbours under the Party Wall Act if your garage conversion is going to involve structural changes or alterations to a shared wall or near any shared property.
How to Convert a Garage
You’ve done the fun part and decided what to turn your old garage into. Now the real work begins.
Here are our top things to get right when converting your garage:
1. Ventilation
Any activity inside the garage is going to cause moisture to build up and increase the risk of mould growth and condensation. This is true regardless of what you are converting your garage into.
Ventilation is especially important for single garage conversions where floor space is at a premium. You are setting yourself up for issues if your garage conversion has no proper room for air to circulate.
Windows are a great first step. Open one up, and you have increased airflow. Think about air vents and extractor fans, too – especially for utility rooms or home gyms.
For more information on how to ventilate your garage, you can read our full guide here.
2. Insulation
Insulating your garage conversion properly is going to be the best way to ensure your new living space is as comfortable and usable as possible. You want it cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and insulation will help you achieve that.
High-quality roof insulation (or loft insulation if you have a loft in your conversion) is going to be your best friend. Think about how you are insulating any new walls you build and consider adding an insulated layer to your garage floors.
Combining all of these will help you keep the internal temperature of your new room regulated all year round – and it will keep your energy bills down, too.
Good insulation helps you to know that the upgrades you are making will meet building regulations approval standards. This is what you want for any new habitable room you are adding to your home.
3. Install a Window or Side Access Door
Adding a garage window or side access door can completely change the feel and function of your garage.
Upgrades like this aren’t just good for ventilation and fire safety – they can provide natural light and give you an easier entry point to your new living space.
Get in touch with us today for a free quote to install a new side door and window on your garage.
4. Replace the Old Roof
You should always think about replacing an old and worn-out roof as part of your garage conversion. You don’t want all of your hard work to go to waste thanks to a leak in the roof that you decided to ignore.
Many UK garages built in the 20th century were fitted with roofs that are now reaching the end of their lifespan. Old asbestos roofs still exist and should always be replaced by a professional contractor who works with asbestos regularly.
5. Install New Flooring
Epoxy Flooring
Tile Flooring
The new flooring you pick shouldn’t only be about how it looks. It needs to work for the type of room you are building.
Choose flooring with an epoxy coating for garage floors that will be used in home gyms or workshops, and utility rooms. Epoxy flooring looks good and is resistant to oil stains and moisture. PVC and tile-based garage flooring are a great choice for this as well.
6. Garage Security Upgrades
Our final step of any garage conversion project is to upgrade your garage with security features for protection. This can range from modern-tech options like motion detection lights and alarms to low-cost visual deterrents such as signs. Locks, cameras and other traditional options will help protect your garage from theft.
If you want more information on how to improve the security of your garage, you can check out our full guide.
Garage Refurbishment vs Garage Conversion – What’s the Difference?
A garage conversion is when you turn your garage into a new type of room or space.
This will usually involve making changes to the structure and adding in ventilation, insulation, etc., to turn it into a brand-new and functioning room.
A garage refurbishment is when you restore the existing structure. A refurb is what you want to do if you intend to keep your garage a garage.
For a refurbishment, you might think about like-for-like replacements such as new garage doors, the roof, windows, fascias and guttering.
How Much Does a Garage Conversion Cost?
The average garage conversion cost in the UK is going to range from about £4,000 to £8,000. This is for a full conversion and will obviously vary depending on whether you need a single or a double garage conversion.
A garage refurbishment however is a great choice if you are on a tighter budget. The initial cost of partial upgrades (such as replacing the garage roof) starts from around £2,000 to £4,000. This can be a cost-effective way of improving the space and can be completed in a single day.
Our Favourite Modern Conversion Ideas and Upgrades
Here are some of our favourite ideas for how to modernise your garage conversion project:
Energy-Efficient Lighting
A cost-effective way to light your new room without driving up your energy bills is to install LED lighting. Energy-efficient lighting can have a low initial cost and is a great way to brighten up your new room
Roller Garage Doors
A roller garage door is a great way to modernise your space, especially if you are still planning on using your garage as a place to park your cars or as a workshop.
Roller garage doors not only make it easier for you to access, but come with enhanced garage security which is vital for keeping your garage safe from theft.
WiFi Systems
uPVC Garage Cladding
Garage Soundproofing and Noise Reduction
Soundproofing is the way to go if your new space is going to be used for anything noisy. You may love your busy workshop or at-home music studio – but do your neighbours?
Insulated plasterboard for the walls is a good shout for soundproofing. You can also upgrade your garage door to one with insulation strips and replace old single-pane windows with thicker glass (think double glazing or even triple glazing).
Boarding up windows can be a good option for soundproofing; but don’t forget about the importance of ventilation!
Eco-Friendly Options for Converting Your Garage
Feeling eco-conscious? Here are some good green choices for your garage conversion:
Green Roofs
A green roof is a roof that is covered with plants or vegetation. Adding a green garage roof is going to require help from a professional contractor, but they look great and can help you do your bit for the planet.
Solar Panels
Putting in some solar panels can be a good way of boosting the efficiency of your home. They need a fair bit of space, though, so you will probably only be able to do this with a double garage.
EV Charging Points
Have you got an electric car? Then an EV charging point installed inside or outside your garage is a no-brainer. Make sure that the electrical work you do during your conversion takes this into account.
Summary
We hope that this guide has given you some ideas about what you can do to transform your garage into a thriving new space in your home. A well-done conversion can take your garage from a space you never use and turn it into a living area that your family can’t wait to spend time in.
Danmarque Garages are the garage refurbishment specialists. Contact us now and get the most out of your garage space.
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