Garage conversion ideas to maximise your space

You’ve got a garage but you park on the drive and really need more living space – we’ve eleven garage conversion ideas to inspire you and make the most of your garage. Whether it’s a garage conversion into bedroom accommodation or a garage to office conversion, a garage gym conversion or single car garage conversion ideas you are needing, Howarth is here to help. This blog also answers questions like do garage conversions require planning permission and also explores how much does a garage conversion cost.

Let’s get two important questions out of the way first…

@at_sadieshome

Do garage conversions require planning permission?

Planning permission for a garage conversion is not normally required so long as the conversion is internal and it does not extend the building outwards. This is because it usually falls under permitted development rights. However, there are exceptions, for example, for listed buildings and properties in conservation areas, or if permitted development rights have been removed. Also, if your garage impacts on boundaries or is detached, and you are changing it into a dwelling or making structural changes, you will require a "change of use" application and potentially planning permission. All garage conversions do need to comply with your local authority’s Building Regulations.

@restoring_hillside

How much does a garage conversion cost?

The cost of a garage conversion varies from home to home and it also depends upon what its final use is. The typical garage conversion cost UK homeowners face can be anything between £7,000 and £20,000 for a single garage conversion or £15,000 to £55,000 for a double garage conversion. What you can be assured of is that because the foundations, walls and roof of the garage are already there, a garage conversion will cost considerably less than a full extension. What you do need to ensure is that there is proper insulation, lighting and ventilation.

Now, let’s open the door and see what garage conversion ideas are inside…

@tagdesignandbuildltd

Utility and Laundry Room

We start with one of the most practical of single car garage conversion ideas. Kitchens are often cluttered with large hard-working white goods, that take up valuable cabinet space, which we prefer to not see or hear. So why not move everything from the central heating boiler and washing machine to tumble drier and freezer into your single garage. Add a sink, space for hanging coats and storing shoes and you’ve a fully blown utility, laundry and boot room all in one.

@stjulienatthecoast

Garage to Office conversion

Post-pandemic, flexible and hybrid working has exploded in popularity. Rather than trying to work at the kitchen table and have home life affect your work, look into a garage to office conversion. Add windows, good sound insulation, lighting, heating, built in storage and plenty of electrical sockets to create the perfect workspace that is quiet and enables you to concentrate and focus properly. A garage to office conversion is perfect for freelance life, too.

@caerphillyhomeimprovements

Children’s Playroom garage conversion

Tired of your living spaces being taken over by pink plastic Barbie toys and constantly standing on painful Lego? Of all the garage conversion ideas, a children’s playroom has to be one of the most popular with parents. By converting your garage into a playroom, you create a safe and contained room where the kids can play to their heart’s content and keep the rest of the house clutter free. Add fun and colourful flooring, a wall mural or chalkboard wall and plenty of storage for toys and games.

@freemanhome

Kitchen extension

Rather than going to the tremendous expense and hassle of building an extension out into the side or back of your home, if your garage adjoins your kitchen, knock through into your garage and create an open plan kitchen and dining space. Having a large, open and inviting kitchen which flows into the dining area is a modern solution which adds real value to your property.

@no14hectorhouse

Home Gym garage conversion

Into fitness and want to save on the inconvenience and long-term expense of going to a gym? Why not consider garage gym conversion? Your garage is the perfect space for a gym. Kit it out with mirrors, mats, weights and cardio machines. Don’t forget to include good lighting, a sound system and ventilation plus storage racks. You could even annex a corner of your home gym and create a shower area for the full gym experience.

@cm_projects_cramlington

Workshop garage conversion

If you are a keen DIYer, crafter or have a specific hobby, you could quickly and easily convert your garage into a bespoke workshop or makerspace that contains everything you need to really excel at your hobby. Whether woodworking, pottery making, printing or just tinkering, a garage is the ideal space to hone your skills. Fit workbenches and shelving for storage. Add a tool wall to keep everything organized and easily accessible. Make sure you include plenty of power sockets and have the right specific lighting for your particular hobby.

@garage_organization

Studio garage conversion

If you are the creative type and want to take your talents to the next level, go for it and turn your garage into a dedicated studio. Whether you are a budding or established artist, musician, sculptor, a home studio is a really liberating addition to your home. If you are an artist, then light is incredibly important. Either consider fitting skylights if your garage is single story or large windows and daylight lighting. If music is your passion, invest in the best possible soundproofing you can for the sake of your family and neighbours’ sanity.

@evolve.hair.artists

Home Library garage conversion

Garages are the ideal spaces for converting into a home library. When properly soundproofed, they give you the space you need to not only store your entire book collection, they can also be an oasis of calm that enables you to completely immerse yourself in your reading. Shelving can take up entire walls to give the feel of a library and making one corner a snug area with comfortable chairs and intimate lighting that is perfect for reading.

@coppercreekhomes

Home Cinema garage conversion

Into movies? Why not create your own home cinema complex? Start by soundproofing the room and fitting a media wall, with a big screen and AV equipment on the longest wall. Decide whether you want a full-on 5.1 spatial surround system and position the speakers correctly. Consider plush comfortable seating, maybe even on 2 levels to create a raked effect. Black out blinds are a must and if you want to enjoy the full cinema experience, fit a mini fridge and snack bar in a corner.

@beyondsoundglasgow

Guest Suite or Apartment

Want an extra room for when guests visit? Need a granny flat for a parent you need to take care of and want to give them their own dedicated space and privacy? A garage to bedroom conversion enables you to host guests or look after an ageing parent. You can create a compact self-contained living area with its own ensuite bathroom and even a kitchenette. For older parents, being on the ground floor makes it safe and accessible. You could even think outside the box and if your garage is big enough, turn it into an AirBnB profit from its rental.

@luxepds

Man Cave & Games Room

If you’ve always wanted somewhere to escape to at the end of the day or invite your friends over to, one of the most popular garage conversion ideas is a Man Cave. You can really go to town on it. A bar stocked with your favourite drinks makes a brilliant centerpiece. Add a dartboard, retro video game machines and a pool table for sociable competitive evenings amongst friends. Get the lighting and soft furnishings right to make people feel relaxed. Sports fanatic? Fit a big screen to stream matches, catch all the action live and have banter with your mates.

@js_construction_ltd

Share your garage conversions ideas

If you have garage conversion idea or have just completed one, please share your ideas with us on Instagram along with any garage conversion before and after shots. Just tag us with @wearehowarth.

We’re here to help

If you have any questions about these or other garage conversion ideas and how to achieve them using our timber, insulation, roof window and flooring products, please visit your local Howarth branch, or contact our customer services on 01472 907051.