Convert your garage

CREATE A NEW ROOM AND ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME BY TRANSFORMING THIS SPACE

- AMY CUTMORE

LIGHT AND AIRY ROOM

A new kitchen in a converted garage works well with an apex roof, adding height and character

Dubbed the new loft, the garage is the latest area of the house that is being considered for conversion by families who are running out of space, but who can’t – or don’t want to – move. Recent research* reveals that you could add an average of £45,000 to the value of your home if you decide to convert your garage and you don’t always need planning permission.

But before getting too excited about gaining all that extra space, do consider whether losing your garage will devalue your home. ‘For two-car families in an area where parking is zoned, with resident permits, or availability is at a premium, a garage will be more valuable to you than an extra room,’ says a spokesperson for Rightmove (rightmove.co.uk). ‘But if you have plenty of space off road to park your car (or cars) and the job is well done, converting your garage will pay dividends.’

Transforming a garage into a practical living space that can be used as a home office, den, bedroom or gym is an affordable and relatively simple job. But before you start, there are a number of factors that you need to consider.

ASSESS THE BUILDING

Not all garages can be converted – some are too old or shoddily built and could be riddled with asbestos. However, if your garage was professionally built in the last 25 years, is made of brick or blocks and is structurally sound, there’s a good chance that you could convert it into a family living space with very little fuss. Start by getting advice from a surveyor at the building control department of your local council.