What are the requirements when converting a garage into a habitable room?
We are often asked about converting a garage into a living space, perhaps for use as a spare bedroom, a playroom for the children or a home study. It is a fairly straightforward process, particularly for detached and semi-detached houses where the garage is part of the main house.
Our Belgravia Mews House project
Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion?
Not necessarily, for a straightforward project. If it is an integral garage conversion, often in the case of detached or semi-detached homes, the transformation from garage to habitable room can be an uncomplicated step. This type of garage is known as an internal garage.
If the garage is detached from the main house, for it to be a habitable room, it should be connected to the main house. So works will involve joining it to the main house. Otherwise, it is considered to be a separate dwelling. There is a succinct overview to read on the Government’s Planning Portal, Garage Conversion Planning Permission
Does a garage conversion need to adhere to Building Regulations?
Yes, it needs to be safe, habitable and converted using the appropriate materials. Power, plumbing and heating must be safe and approved and will need to be inspected upon completion of the project. A garage may have been built with little to no insulation on the outside walls and roof, i.e. where there is a covered passageway between the main house and garage. More details can be found on the Government’s Planning Portal, Garage Conversion Building Regulations
What happens to the original garage door in a conversion project?
There are many technical and practical considerations when replacing a garage door or doors. A new wall, window or possibly an entrance door will be needed. New foundations may be required, as a garage is likely to have been built on a concrete slab. Read more about the in-fill garage door options on the Government’s Planning Portal, Building Regulations In-Fill Garage Door.
What if the garage is part of a listed building?
Listed Building Consent is required for works (other than general upkeep, painting and repairs) on a listed building. Work to the exterior of a house, such as re-rendering or cladding to match the conversion to the original finishes, will also need planning approval if the home is in a Conservation Area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Broads or a National Park. Again, there is a concise summary on the Government’s Planning Portal, External Walls Planning Permission
What can a garage conversion be used for?
A garage conversion that is designed to be used as a habitable room can have many uses, from a spare bedroom to a playroom, study, or bedroom with an en-suite. It could be an extra TV or games room, or a social space for older children and their friends, or used as a gym or exercise room.
Think about a flawless integration of the conversion
The new conversion is considered to be a habitable room, and should blend easily with the rest of the ground floor layout. There should be a good flow from the main entrance to the home to the new garage conversion.
In many cases, the door to the new garage conversion could be close to the front door or hallway. If the new room is to be used as a guest bedroom, think about the journey from bedroom to bathroom and garage conversion layout ideas. Potentially, it may not be comfortable for guests to walk through the main part of the ground floor to access a bathroom.
A good-sized garage could accommodate an en-suite shower or bathroom within the conversion. At JLE Studio, our expert architects would be able to provide practical design solutions. Our team would look at the logistics of providing a new room, whatever its purpose, alongside the integration with other ground-floor spaces.
Consider the exterior style
The exterior presentation of the garage conversion should blend naturally with the frontage of the house. We can help you with garage conversion exterior ideas, too. Our architects would be considerate of the proportions and sizes of existing windows and doors, as well as the materials used.
Brickwork should be matched, as well as joinery styles, colours and finishes. The finished result should have elements of symmetry to match the existing architecture and, of course, align with nearby homes. From the exterior, the conversion should look as if it has always been a habitable room, rather than a garage!
Does converting a garage add value to a home?
It is widely acknowledged that an expertly designed garage conversion will add value to the home. It can turn a three-bedroom home into a four-bedroom home, at a relatively modest cost.
However, if converting the garage has the effect of creating parking difficulties or a huge loss of storage space, consider the alternatives carefully.
If the garage is used mainly for storing garden tools and the lawnmower and so on, can an alternative exterior storage space be found? If the garage is used for the car, will it be easy to park on the driveway (if there is one) or on the street?
Using the driveway permanently for car parking could lead to more landscaping or surfacing projects. The alternatives need careful thought and will depend on the family’s lifestyle.
Converting a garage into a living space needs careful thought, but is very likely to be a worthwhile project.
JLE Studio garage transformations
Our architects will endeavour to make the very best use of the garage space to provide a welcoming and practical new room for our clients. The aim is to design an easy-to-access room that will enhance the whole ground floor area. Contact our team to discuss the brilliant possibilities of converting a garage.