Millions of garage spaces in the UK now lie in a state of neglect. They might be too small to accommodate a modern car. Or, they might have accumulated mountains of junk over the years – to the point that the homeowner would rather not think about them.
This is often a major loss, because the right garage space can be a wonderful source of fulfilment and utility. Let’s take a look at a few of the ways in which you might get a little bit more from yours!
Convert the Garage into a Functional Room
If you can make the necessary modifications, there’s no end to the possibilities when it comes to repurposing a garage space. In the modern hybrid-working era, garages are often converted into home offices. But they might just as easily serve as a gym, a child’s playroom, or an extra spare bedroom.
The role played by this space might change depending on your preferences, and the layout of your home. If you want to set up a home recording studio, or a rehearsal space, then the little bit of extra isolation provided by a garage might be exactly what’s called for.
DIY Essentials: Insulation, Flooring, Lighting, and Building Regs
For a garage space to be fit for human habitation, it will need to be appropriately insulated, heated, and protected against problems like damp. You’ll also need to ensure that the new room is adequately ventilated. In most cases, you won’t need to obtain planning permission, but for the avoidance of doubt, it’s often a good idea to seek it, anyway.
Creative Layouts & Multi-Purpose Designs: Flexibility for Changing Needs
It might be that you aren’t quite sure what purpose you’d like your garage to ultimately serve, or that you’d like to keep it as versatile as possible, so that it can serve many different purposes. Through the use of built-in storage and room dividers, you might turn a home office into an extra spare bedroom, or a gym into a laundry space.
The strength of a garage is its ability to store away large quantities of junk – and if you can include the right storage furniture in your plans, you might find it easier to deal with clutter elsewhere in the home.
Photos by Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. on Unsplash
Exterior & Access Considerations: Doors, Windows, and Security for a Smooth Conversion
Roller garage doors often make a great addition to a garage conversion. They insulate much more capably than sheet metal ones. At the same time, you might brick up the entrance entirely, and install a new window or two.
You’ll want to think about how you’re going to modify the outside of the building, too. In many cases, skylights and windows can be a legal requirement – but they might also help to make the space easier, and more pleasant, to work within. This goes especially for long, narrow spaces that light might not easily penetrate.
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