If you have a garage at home that does little more than collect dust then you may want to think about transforming this space into an extra room.

There are lots of good uses for a garage, such as a home office, gym, playroom or an entertainment room. So, how can you go about transforming this space?

Regulations & Permissions

It is likely that you will not have to obtain any kind of permit if you are converting your garage as they usually fall under Permitted Development. It is a good idea to check with your local council, though, especially if you live in a conservation area or listed building where you will require some kind of permission before commencing work.

Costs

Converting a garage will be cheaper than having an extension built, but it can still be a major cost and more than converting a typical room in a home because you will have to think about electricity, heating and insulation. This can all add up, but often this will increase the value of the property so it could be a smart use of money particularly if you plan on selling down the line. It will obviously depend on the project and amount of work required, but the average cost of a garage conversion is £6,300.

Insulation & Heating

Following this point, insulation and heating are major factors that you will need to consider as if you are going to be spending time in this space then you will need to make it more comfortable. Electric radiators from places like City Plumbing can be a good solution and make it much easier to keep the space warm. In terms of insulation, insulated plasterboard is a quick and easy method which will help to keep the space warm and comfortable.

Pipes & Plumbing

In terms of plumbing, you will want to make a survey of the plumbing in the home and garage and locate the main outflows for water and soil outflow if you plan to install a toilet. This will put additional strain on the boiler, which means that you may have to upgrade your unit which will add a fair amount to your overall costs.

Converting a garage can be a great way to improve your living space and add value to your property, especially if it is used for little more than storage. There are many options for ways to use this space and converting it does not have to be a huge headache when you know what to expect.