Are you planning to convert your garage into a room, gym, or any other functional space? Then you most likely have many questions running through your mind like how beneficial this can be to you.
This article brings you the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about garage conversion, alongside all the answers that you need. This will serve to aid your decision-making process if you are considering converting your garage.
- Should I convert my garage?
While converting your garage can be a critical step, it potentially adds about 10-15% value to the property. This can be seen, especially when you are turning it into a living space. It would then offer you more functional space without putting your home through so much technical planning. And the lower the expenses and labor, the greater the value-added.
- How much would it cost to convert my garage?
Converting a two-car garage (measuring 24 sq. ft.) into a fully functional living space in the US would really depend on the area you live. It can range from $15,000 to upwards of $300,000. However, the price depends on what kind of custom components you are incorporating. Consequently, adding complex structures like lofts may push the final price up to even more.
- Must I obtain planning permission before carrying out a garage conversion?
Since you are making a significant change to an existing real property, you would have to seek permission from the local authorities if they usually require this. This is to avoid future problems. You will probably need permits from the local city council and a contractor will be able to do that for you very quickly.
- Should I convert my garage or just move into another property?
You have to weigh the price of converting your garage against buying and moving into a new property. There are so many expenses and challenges when it comes to moving. But if your garage conversion still may not offer you enough space as you’d need, then maybe you should consider moving out.
- I just discovered garage conversion was done on the property I just bought. What should I do?
Inquire from your local council if the former resident had acquired planning permission before altering the structure.
- How do you convert a garage?
You can carry out garage conversion in the following steps:
- Include shelves and hooks on the wall for storage.
- Change the door.
- Install windows.
- Garages usually allow too much heat loss, so you should install insulation to make it more habitable during the winter and summer.
- Install heaters and coolers if the insulation doesn’t suffice.
- Tile up the floor to enhance aesthetics, rather than leaving bare the dull concrete.
- Paint the walls.
- Place a foot mat at the door to keep the mud out.
- If you desire to create more living space while still having a space for a car, you can simply partition the garage—that’s if it’s large enough.
- Where do I park my car after a garage conversion?
Some people ask this question, but the answer gives rise to another question: what is your reason for converting the garage in the first place? If you’re converting your garage, it most likely means you have no need for it, meaning parking your car—if any—may not be a problem. Otherwise, you could include a shed or simply partition the garage if all you need is a little space for your vehicle.
- What can you turn your garage into?
You can change your garage into a:
- Bedroom, guestroom, or any other living space
- Gym
- Kitchen diner
- Playspace
- Wrapping station
- Home office
- Storage room
- Entertainment area
- Carpentry workshop.
- Can I convert a detached garage into a home?
Of course, you can convert a detached garage into a full living space. You can make it a guest quarter or accessory living room with a toilet but no kitchen. You just have to include windows, change doors, and add custom features to create a more functional living space rather than a spacious garage.
- How much would it cost to convert an already converted garage back into a garage?
The amount is more or less the equivalent to when you are converting the garage. Depending on the structures already present, you would be spending anything within $21,000-$50,000.
- How much space is created by garage conversion?
You would have more living space in your home equivalent to the original size of the garage. The standard length of a single (one-car) garage is 12 feet wide by 22 feet deep. This will create enough space for a small bedroom or home office. In contrast, a two-car garage of 20 or 24 sq. ft. will give you enough space for a spacious kitchen, master’s bedroom, or living room. On the other hand, a more massive three-car garage can potentially give you enough space as an entertainment center or a family space.
- What specific approval would I need before carrying out garage conversion?
As have been said, you may or may not be requiring planning permission. This, you would determine after contacting the local authority.
Nevertheless, you could also do well to submit a building notice or apply for full-plan building regulation. But this will only be effective if your plan meets up with the local laid down building regulations. If it fails to comply, you might be penalized, leading to more cost.
- How can I prepare my full-plans application?
To do this, you must submit the technical plan of the garage conversion, the current state, and what you intend for it to become. You must do that long before the project commences. The building inspector will check your plans for approval. If they fall short, then they can ask you to effect the desired changes.
- Will there be a formal inspection when carrying out my garage conversion?
Yes, an inspection would be carried out by the building inspector. After checking your proposed plans, they will still have to monitor the job periodically to see if the construction is going according to what’s on paper.
- Who should I call to convert my garage?
Any builder or architect with an appealing portfolio and recognized qualification can carry out your garage conversion.
- How can I trim down costs?
As stated earlier, you might be spending up to $100,000 on your garage conversion project. But the ideal method to determine the exact amount you’d be spending is by obtaining accurate quotes from different builders/companies. Alongside the quotes, ensure they write out the full details of their work process to have no hidden or contingency costs. Do not get estimates but quotes, so that you know just exactly what your budget will be.
- How long will my garage conversion take?
Converting a one-car garage would take anything from 7-30 days. For a more massive garage and more intricate detailing, it typically concludes within 4-5 weeks. Just ensure the project flows continuously, and that the experts are always on ground.
- Is my garage large enough for a conversion?
It all rests on what you intend to turn the garage into. You can turn a one-car garage into a small bedroom, whereas a double garage would make for a living room and so on. You could also ask those who had done a similar project in the past.
- Does this affect my insurance?
If there is insurance covering your property, then you have to inform the company so they can effect all necessary changes.
- How long before I get my building approval?
Most local authorities would issue you a response at most 2 months after you submit your application. It usually takes a few days, however.
- Will the new brickwork match my existing brickwork?
If you desire the new work to blend with the current structure, simply request this from your building company. Having matching brickwork creates a more beautiful finish.
- How is garage conversion beneficial to me?
As a homeowner, you can choose to turn your garage into a space to rent out. You may decide to turn a detached garage into a studio, office, or gymnasium, and the rent becomes a steady source of income for you. The mortgage becomes so much easier to pay.
- Can I convert my garage all by myself?
You should only attempt to go it all alone if there are no actual construction requirements. Possibly you just need to change the interior, and you could save cost by DIY-ing.
- Would I be given a certificate or license after converting my garage?
The company you’re working with will in turn, liaise with the inspector. In the end, you would be awarded a certificate of completion.
- What if I still need some actual garage space?
If you own just one car but own a double garage, simply convert it into a one-car garage, and then use the remaining space as storage or office space. A partial garage conversion is excellent if you are a cyclist.
