If you’re no longer using your garage area, it might be a good idea to turn it into a usable spare room. It can be a wise move for you, especially if you have a real need for an additional room or workspace.
You may love where you live right now, and you may find it difficult to move to another place. Perhaps moving is too expensive for you, so you'd rather spend money on making renovations in your home. Maybe you’ve recently added to the family, and you need to make room for your new bundle of joy.
Whatever your reason, turning a garage into a spare room is relatively easy.
Is Turning Your Garage into a Spare Room a Good Idea?
If you have not been utilizing your garage, then you may be wasting a significant portion of your home. Converting your garage into a spare room, or having a professional Garage Door Installation can add a lot of square footage, especially if you have a multi-car garage. It’s also cheaper than having to build or purchase an entirely new home, and will most likely take less work.
However, the most significant problem that you’ll encounter when you convert your garage area into a spare room is that you’ll be losing a parking space. If you’re going to use your garage for something else and have previously had it transformed by The Smarter Garage, you may not end up with a space to house and protect your vehicle. You will have to give up the convenience of having a garage.
What Should You Consider When You Transform Your Garage into a Spare Room?
How much would the garage conversion cost?
A basic conversion of your garage may cost from $20,000 to $50,000, and you may have to spend more if you add a bathroom. If your garage is attached to your home, it may be cost-effective to demolish the area and replace it with a new one.
Do you need planning permission when you convert your garage?
Converting a garage is classed as development that’s permitted. However, you should still double-check with your local municipality, since there are areas that have restrictions and other guidelines in place.
You will need planning permission if you are:
Staying in a building that’s listed
Planning a conversion that will go beyond the permitted development area
Converting your garage into a business space
Living in an area with a local council restricts reductions in parking spaces. Do you need to get a building regulations approval?
The same as with other home alterations, converting your garage requires a sign-off and building regulations consent. This is why it’s essential for you to have your plans checked by your local council and get their approval before you start your work.
You may need to show them that your garage is structurally sturdy and is damp-proof. You should also upgrade your floors, roof, and walls to make them energy efficient. Lastly, you should ensure that your water lines and electrical supply are tested.
What are the different garage conversion design details?
It essential that you make your converted room look like it’s a natural part of your house. To make it look less like a transformed garage, you can make sure that:
The exterior matches the way your existing home looks.
The floor level is the same as your existing house’s floor level.
The door is positioned in the right place and works with the furniture you’ll place in your spare room.
There will be extra windows to make it feel like a real room and let natural daylight in.
The decorations in the new room are matched to the decorating basics on your existing home.
Who can convert your garage?
You should always let a professional do construction work for you. A professional has the skills and tools to ensure that everything is up to scratch and you don’t end up redoing everything because the inspection officers think that the work done is inefficient. Hire an architect to make the design for you and have a building contractor or master builder handle construction.
What are the essentials when converting a garage?
There are certain elements that you need to have when transforming your garage into a spare room. You should remember to have:
Replacement door
Upgraded roof
Additional windows
Ventilation and insulation
Heating and cooling
Additional insulated stud wall
Electrical and water supply
Give It a Thought
Before making your final decision, think of other options you may have. If you decide to pursue your plan of transforming your garage, consult a professional. However, if you choose to give your garage a repair or maybe an upgrade, get in touch with us here at garage door repair Huntersville.
Mike is a building expert who has specialised in garage construction for the past 30 years. He currently writes for My Door Pro and is dedicated to building and constructing garages for clients to the best possible standard. In his spare time, he enjoys have a coffee at the local cafe.
