Garage Roof Conversions: Everything You Need to Know

Want to make some more space for storage? Or perhaps want to turn your garage into a usable space or utility room?

One of the first choices you will need to make is the type of garage roof conversion you will be having.

In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about garage roof conversions so you can start using your garage the way you want to use it.

We will cover:

What is a Garage Roof Conversion?
Converting a Flat Garage Roof to a Pitched Roof
Things to Consider When Converting the Roof of Your Garage
Garage Loft Conversions and Planning Permission Needed
Garage Roof and Garage Loft Conversion Costs

What is a Garage Roof Conversion?

Most of the time, when people talk about garage conversions or refurbishments, they mean making changes to the garage, such as replacing the garage roof, to make a more usable space inside.

The changes people make during a garage roof conversion can be anything from altering the structure of the roof or changing it from a flat roof to a pitched design. If the garage roof is damaged or really old and no longer fit for purpose, a complete roof replacement might even be in order.

There are several reasons why homeowners consider garage conversions – the biggest being to create extra space, of course. Converting the roof of your garage can make a big difference to your home, especially if it helps make a new habitable room.

Why Convert Your Garage Roof?

An upgrade to your garage roof isn’t just going to provide some functional new space in your home; if it is done well, it will increase the property value.

Here are the top reasons we hear from customers about why they convert their garage roof:

Increase Storage Space

Do you have a lot of unused loft space or ceiling height? A garage loft conversion will provide the headroom needed to add shelving units in or build some overhead storage if you are still planning on using the space for other things.

Expand Living Space

Let’s be honest; we could all probably do with some extra living space. Maybe you have a new hybrid job working from home a few days a week and need a home office? Or, even better, turn your garage into a games room!

Improve Your Home

One of the biggest reasons people decide to do a garage roof conversion is to replace crumbling old roofs that no longer do their job. Taking the time to include damp proofing and proper roof insulation will help boost the energy efficiency of your home and regulate the temperatures inside your garage so it is nicer to spend time in.

All of this helps to improve your home’s overall property value – to enjoy whilst you are there, or to benefit from if you were to sell in future.

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Converting a Flat Garage Roof to a Pitched Roof

Converted Garage Roof from Flat to Pitched

A pent-to-apex conversion (turning a flat roof into a pitched roof) is a garage roof conversion that we see quite a lot of at Danmarque. A conversion like this can completely transform how your garage looks and how it functions – and it can make it a lot more durable and weather-resistant, too.

There are two ways you can go about a flat roof garage conversion:

Some people try replacing the garage roof with a brand-new pitched roof that peaks in the middle.
Others like building over the existing roof by using the current structure as a base. Then, they add a pitched frame and covering above it.

You are going to get a stronger and more defined roof structure with either of these approaches. However, the one you choose will depend on the existing structure of your garage as well as your budget and your plans for the space as a whole.

If you’re still unsure of whether converting your flat garage roof to a pitched roof is the right move, here are some benefits:

Improved Structural Strength

A pitched roof is going to add some much-needed stability to your garage by strengthening the whole roof structure. It also helps prevent problems like standing water and leaks.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Do you want to improve garage roof insulation and reduce heat loss at the same time? A pitched roof is going to help you do that.

Natural Light

Adding gable windows to your garage roof conversion is going to help you bring more natural light into the space and give it a more inviting and open feel. You will usually put the windows on the side walls beneath the pitched section of the roof to brighten things up.

Aesthetic and Property Value

Changing to a pitched garage roof can help your garage look more cohesive with your main house and increase the property value of your home by turning your garage into a more appealing living space.

Raising Your Garage Roof

Thinking about raising your garage roof? This can be a great idea if you need a little more headroom or if you are making space for a garage loft conversion that will make your garage a cosy space to spend more time in.

When to Raise the Garage Roof

For a Garage Loft Conversion

You will probably need to raise the roof of your garage if you want a full garage loft conversion.

In our experience, the internal height of a garage will normally need to be increased for headroom. This is especially true for single garages where the original ceiling is usually too low for a usable upper level to be added without some changes.

For a Habitable Space

For a single or double garage loft conversion when you are planning to use the space for a new family room, office, etc. you will probably need to raise the roof height to make sure your new living space is comfortable and well ventilated.

When the Existing Structure is too Low

Older garages were usually built just to be used as places to park the car or keep things in like bikes and boxes with things we don’t need but won’t throw away. Adding height to the roof structure can help turn a glorified storage unit into a new room for you to enjoy.

Considerations Before Raising the Roof

There will be a few things to think about before raising the height of your garage roof.

You will need to consider:

Planning Permission and Building Regulations

You might need planning permission from your local authority and to apply for a building notice to make changes to your garage roof. This is especially true if you live in a listed building or a conservation area.

Garage Door and Access

You might need to get a new garage door if the new height changes the structure of your garage or alters how easy it is to get in and out.

Conversion Cost

You will always need to think about budget and cost when making any changes to your property.

When raising the roof, you first need to budget around £2000 – £2500 for replacing the roof and the additional cost of increasing the roof height.

Finding a Contractor for a Garage Roof Conversion

You’ve decided the type of conversion you are after. Now what? You’re going to need a contractor.

A good garage roof replacement firm in the UK, like Danmarque, is going to be able to go beyond just your basic re-roofing.

Here’s some extra advice on choosing the right contractor for your conversion:

Compare Quotes

Never go with the first quote you get. It is always better to compare at least 3 quotes from unique contractors to be sure that you are making the best choice.

Unusually low estimates are probably a sign that the contractor might be using less than great materials or taking shortcuts with their work.

A good contractor is always going to be transparent about the garage conversion cost and their expected timelines.

Check for Compliance with Building Regulations

Always confirm with your contractor that they understand and follow building regulations when they work. You don’t want to be making changes to the structure of your garage or insulation, etc., without your contractor knowing what they are doing.

Look for Proven Experience

You usually can’t go wrong by choosing a contractor with some good experience under their belt. Ask to see examples or portfolios with completed garage conversions – especially ones with features that you are looking for like garage loft space or damp proofing.

Get a Quote to Convert Your Garage Roof

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Important Things to Consider When Converting Your Garage Roof

A garage roof conversion can be a relatively simple job if you have a good contractor to help you get the job done.

There are still some important things to think about when converting a garage though:

Ventilation

We cannot emphasise enough how important proper ventilation is. A lack of proper airflow will lead to moisture build-up and mould. Ask your contractor about adding in roof vents and whether they have any recommendations for materials to use that can help stave off these problems.

Check out our guide on how to ventilate your garage for more information.

Roof Insulation

You are never going to use your new converted space if it isn’t well insulated. Good roof insulation helps to improve the energy efficiency of your home and keep those bills down.

Installing a warm roof system and/or insulating your garage properly will mean that you are more likely to use it all year round as it will be a more comfortable space to spend time in.

Planning Permission

When it comes to planning permission, minor changes aren’t usually going to require it, but bigger changes can. You are going to need to speak with your local authority and get building control consent before raising the height of your roof by more than 150mm or changing external walls.

Electrical Wiring

It goes without saying that you may need to reconfigure your electrical setup if you want to turn your garage into a usable room. Lights, some heating systems, and even having a place to plug in that pinball machine are going to require help from a qualified electrician.

Fire Safety

Fire safety shouldn’t be an afterthought. Make sure that your garage conversion meets fire safety standards by installing barriers and using fire-resistant materials. Your contractor should be able to give you some good advice on what else can be done to prevent fire from spreading.

Structural Strength

You will want to carry out a structural assessment of your garage before any work takes place. Can the structure of your current garage support the new roof or the changes you are planning on making?

This is why it is so important to hire a professional who knows what to look for.

Is Planning Permission Needed to Convert Your Garage Roof?

A garage roof conversion usually falls under permitted development rules and so planning permission won’t be needed. However, some modifications might require approval, including:

Increasing the roof height by more than 150mm
Making extensive structural changes
Converting a garage roof in a listed building or conservation area

You can check out our full guide to planning permission for garage roofs for more information as well as how to apply for planning permission.

Typical Garage Roof Conversion Costs

Most garage roof conversions will involve replacing the existing roof. We would recommend that you budget between £2,000 – £2,500 to remove the old roof and install the new one. You will also need to think about other costs associated with your conversion.

Final Thoughts

A well-planned garage roof conversion is a great way to give yourself some extra space and turn that disused garage into a functioning living area.

Working with experienced garage refurbishment specialists like Danmarque can help your garage conversion run smoothly and turn out how you want it.

Contact us now to get the most out of your garage.

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info@danmarque.co.uk

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