In most cases, yes. A converted detached garage can add up to 20 percent to your home’s value. You can convert a garage into a valuable room for more space. The conversion of a garage is a great way to add value to your home and make better use of this space.
It’s important to consider the location and what you want to do with the space. For example, turning a detached garage into a bathroom or laundry wouldn’t be practical, but converting it to a movie room or playroom is more likely to work.
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Is My Garage Suitable for Conversion?
You must consider several factors to move forward, especially when delivering the desired result. First, you should consider the garage’s construction and its intended use. Decisions like that can impact the conversion cost and determine whether yours is suitable for modification.
Are you looking for a playroom, an office, or a gym? If you have things already in your garage, you will need to find another place to go before starting the renovation.
Converting your garage is a great way to add space and enhance the value of your home. However, there are certain situations where there may be a better option or result in more significant complications.
What Can A Garage Be Converted Into?
There are endless possibilities for what you can use the garage for. There isn’t a right or wrong answer here. Just take into consideration if you are going to add or lose value.
Here we mention a few:
- Studio
- Indoor plant room
- Kitchen
- Games room
- Theatre room
- Office
- Playroom
- Making a space more accessible to people with disabilities.
Do I Need Planning Permission
In most cases, you don’t need planning permission for garage conversions since all work is done inside the garage. However, planning permission may still be required if you live in an area zoned as conservation or if the garage is detached from the house.
You may also be required to get planning permission if you move the garage door or remove it altogether. It’s best to seek professional advice if you’re unsure. Converting your garage won’t add any excess onto your council taxes either.
What to Consider When Converting Your Detached Garage
The Electrical Wiring
Suppose electrical demand is expected to increase substantially in the converted space. In that case, you should install at least one new circuit of 20 amps. There is usually only one lighting circuit in a garage, and rooms such as an office require a significant amount of electricity.
The same goes if you use it as a kitchen with appliances like a kettle, toaster, and microwave; it would be necessary to add several additional circuits. Likewise, for detached garages to be converted into living spaces, underground conduits can run additional wiring.
Why is My Garage Door Making Sounds? Causes & Fixes
The Garage Door
The garage door poses the biggest challenge to most garage conversions.
After removing the door, it’s necessary to fill in the vacant space to blend in with the rest of the house and provide a helpful function.
Creating a large picture window or bay window or installing a patio door are possible options. Where the garage door once stood, some homeowners made entirely new entryways.
The Plumbing
For some rooms, like a playroom, you might not be concerned about water, but you will need plumbing for a kitchen or office with a toilet.
Garage conversions are notoriously difficult due to this issue. In the garage, accessing water may be fine; however, drainage can be problematic. Seek professional advice about this to ensure you get proper drainage.
Turning it into a bathroom might be possible, depending on whether the garage is connected to the house. The most expensive part of a garage conversion is usually adding plumbing lines.
Does a Detached Garage Conversion Add Value?
You can increase the value of your home by converting a detached garage, but only if you are cautious in your approach. For example, a detached garage can be converted into a guest house, allowing family members and friends to stay in privacy. Something like this can add value.
Whenever you are planning to convert a detached garage, install a covered walkway between it and the house. Rain or other weather problems won’t be a problem when people enter the main house via a covered walkway.
No one wants to walk out to another room in harsh weather conditions.
Will a Garage Conversion Devalue My House?
When you build a room that isn’t functional or doesn’t include things like plumbing or a bathroom, your home may lose value. Another thing to take into consideration that can reduce value is the parking. Since there is no garage to park in now, you need sufficient parking within the property or on the street.
A garage conversion that looks great integrates well into the house and has a high level of finish and construction will add value to the home.
An excellent renovation and an extra room will appeal to buyers. However, it’s best to speak to a real estate consultant who can advise you on planning the conversion to retain value.
Is It Safe to Leave Car Running in Garage? How Long
Garage Conversion Ideas Before and After?
These before and after pictures prove how good and functional your garage conversion can be. From a playroom to an office, the possibilities are endless. Unfortunately, both garages were not used to store cars, so these families found a better way to use the space.
Before:
After:
There was once a dreary detached garage with plenty of wasted space. The family needed more space for the children to play.
From drab to fab, it’s a playroom. We included a table for the parents to work or enjoy a coffee with children in full view.
If you work from home but need more space, you can convert a garage into a home office. An idea that helps keep the work separate from the family home and gives you an area dedicated to everything you need, just like this family has done here.
