Reclaim your garage! 15 incredible garage conversion ideas for your garage
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Is your garage more of a storage dungeon than a functional space? It's time to reclaim it! Dive into our curated list of the top 15 garage conversion ideas that will transform your space into something spectacular. Whether you're dreaming of a cozy home office, a stylish gym, or an inviting guest suite, we've got the inspiration you need to turn your garage into the ultimate asset. Get ready to reimagine what your garage can be!
In this guide we will cover the following topics:
- Could your empty garage give your home the extra space you need?
- The garage conversion process
- Garage conversion: Costs
- Garage conversion projects: Inspirational ideas to reclaim your garage
- Office conversion
- Playroom conversion
- Home gym conversions
- Craft room conversion
- Changing room / playroom conversion
- Annexe conversion
- Split room conversion
- False wall room conversion
- Kitchen utility room conversion
- Boot room conversion
- Dining room conversion
- Extra living space conversion
- Cinema room conversion
- Home pub conversion
- Office and home school conversion
Could your empty garage give your home the extra space you need?
While many UK homes have a garage, it’s rare that anyone uses them to house a car. In fact, recent statistics show that more than half (53 per cent) of garages are not used for their intended purpose.
Instead, they often become extra storage areas or dumping grounds, when they could be used to create a room in your home. Attached garages can be perfect additions as a separate dining room, playroom or boot room, while detached garages can make perfect home offices or gyms.
Research from our insight team at MyBuilder.com found that many UK residents were considering renovating or extending their home rather than moving, with a third (33 per cent) choosing to extend, renovate, or generally improve their existing home.
So could your garage be the perfect opportunity for you to improve your home?
Andy Simms, from MyBuilder.com, said that the rise in popularity of garage conversions is not surprising.
“Garage conversions can be remarkably versatile, and actually extremely affordable. In terms of extending your home, it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to gain extra space at a reasonable cost.
Depending on where the garage is located in comparison to the rest of your rooms, they can provide a multitude of great spaces as well as provide extra storage."
If you’re considering converting your garage, we’d advise to get an expert garage conversion specialist in to advise as to whether you need planning, what an approximate cost would be, and even give you inspiration as to what your new room could be.
The garage conversion process: How long does it take?
A garage conversion can be turned around in a relatively quick time period - sometimes just two or three weeks. Once the garage is empty, the work tends to be quite unobtrusive.
The garage will be prepared with studwork insulation for the walls, with an electrician needed to install wiring for the required amount of sockets. Depending on the use, a plumber might be needed to install pipework and a radiator for heating.
To finish off the conversion, there may be a door knocked through to existing accommodation, plasterboards and plaster will be applied to the walls, skirting boards will be fitted with any new windows and flooring.
Here is an overview of the essential steps to carry out a garage conversion:
- Plan and Design: Determine the best use of the space and create a design plan.
- Prepare and Permit: Clear out the garage and obtain necessary permits.
- Install Utilities: Set up electrical, plumbing, and insulation.
- Finish Interior: Install flooring, walls, windows, and doors.
- Decorate and Enjoy: Add final touches, decorate, and start using your new space.
Garage conversion: Expect these costs
A garage conversion is likely going to cost in the region of £15-20k for most parts of the country and around £25k for London and surrounding areas.
You do not need planning permission for most conversions, but you’ll face roughly a £500 fee from your local Building Control for your application and an inspection fee to sign off your conversion project.
Check out our comprehensive guide to find out more about the cost for a garage conversion in the UK.
Did you know?: A typical garage in the UK is 5.5m in length and 2.7m wide, which is a small space for modern cars. This space is the perfect area to expand a home and we take a look at some ideas to help you plan your garage conversion.
Garage conversion projects: Inspirational ideas to reclaim your garage
Experts from MyBuilder.com have put together a list of potential layouts for your converted garage, along with approximate costs for the work. From gyms, to studies, to playrooms, there is an option to suit everyone - and it can be surprisingly affordable.
1. Office conversion: Your garage as your new home office
While garden rooms became popular during the pandemic as people worked from home, many of us are still using a spare bedroom as an office.
A garage conversion is the perfect space for an office, with plenty of room for a permanent desk, storage for files, and a comfortable chair. Costs can start from as little as £15,000.
A lovely example of an office garage conversion can be seen from @the_living_house on Instagram.
This stunning office space has space for Sophie’s deck, storage and comfy armchair.
2. Playroom conversion: Extra space for your kids
Most parents will testify that having the space to keep the kids’ toys out of sight seems a luxury. Few of us have a dedicated playroom for the children, but it could be a solution for the permanent clutter that comes with parenthood.
Many attached garages meet the house in the kitchen or living area, meaning that any conversion would be conveniently located for keeping an eye on the little ones while enjoying quieter spaces. Costs start at around £15,000.
3. Getting fit at home: Home gym conversions
Finding the time to get to a gym can be difficult, so what better way to use your garage than as a home fitness studio?
It’s the perfect space to fit a treadmill, bike and some weight machines. The only problem is you won’t be able to make any excuses not to exercise. Costs start at £15,000.
The team at @hokodesignltd helped create this amazing gym space.
4. Craft room conversion: A dedicated space for your hobbies
The pandemic led to a rise in “side hustles” with many people indulging their creative sides and earning a little extra money at the same time. Having a dedicated space for your creative projects may seem like a luxury, but if crafting is your thing then a garage conversion can work perfectly.
There’s enough space to store any equipment, having a table and chair for working on your projects, and you can close the door on any mess in the meantime. Conversion costs for a craft room are around £20,000 with bespoke storage.
5. Changing room / playroom conversion
Newborn babies may not require many toys to store, but the paraphernalia that comes with them can be vast. From changing tables to bassinets and buggies, having a baby adds to the clutter.
Converting your garage into a bespoke changing/storage area, with space for a playroom for older kids, is a great way to utilise your extra space. This conversion would cost approximately £18-20,000, including plumbing for a sink and WC.
6. Annexe conversion as a private guest room
For those of us with ageing parents who may come to visit, a downstairs annexe with bathroom and snug/sofa bed can be a game changer.
It’s also a great space for older children who may like their own space. A conversion like this could cost a little more, in the region of £20k.
A lovely example of creating space for a new bedroom can be seen from @homewiththelawsons. They converted their garage into a guest bedroom and are thrilled with how their project turned out.
7. Maximise your space: The multi-purpose split room garage conversion
Many garages are quite spacious and could be converted into two smaller rooms, allowing for a **multi-purpose function. **
One idea could be to create an office on one side, with a gaming or playroom on the other. The rooms could be split with a wall or a divider, depending on the usage. A conversion like this would cost around £18,000.
The team @harron_homes_newbuild created this amazing playroom space including TV, play area and a huge amount of much-needed storage space. This was a half conversion of the original garage, turning it into a fantastic playroom for Sofia and her family.
For the other half of the garage space, They managed to squeeze a small gym with equipment for Andy.
8. When you still need equipment storage in the garage: False wall room conversion
Many of us use our garages to store equipment such as bikes, or lawnmowers. Converting the space may therefore leave these items without a home.
On top of this, some garage conversions may require homeowners to maintain the current aesthetic of the front elevation - so that means the garage door might have to remain.
However, some conversions can create a split space that allows the front of the garage to remain as storage. The rest of the room can be used as indoor space, such as a study or cinema room. Costs start at around £16,000.
9. Kitchen pantry and utility room conversion: A practical space for laundry and food storage
Interior influencers often brag of their beautifully organised utility rooms or pantries, which house the practical items allowing their kitchens to stay clear of clutter and aesthetically pleasing.
The reality is that most homes do not have the space to facilitate such aspirational spaces - unless the garage is converted. Costs start at approximately £19,000 for this type of conversion, that would require plumbing and storage.
This garage conversion from @swallows_in_the_window shows you how much space you can add to a kitchen utility room.
10. Boot room conversion for outdoor lifestyles
For those of us with pets or outdoor pursuits as a hobby, a boot room would be a blissful luxury.
Designed to dry out and store boots, coats, and outdoor equipment, boot rooms can be beautiful spaces to keep the muddiness at bay. t’s important for these rooms to be warm and dry to keep the damp away. Add plumbing for a sink or even a dog shower. Conversions such as this one start at £20,000.
The team @raserandfraser helped create this beautiful boot room for a busy family with 4 children in London. They converted the garage to create this space, storage options and have it as their utility room.
This wetroom garage conversion was created by @number5_rhosneigr and is the perfect addition to this holiday rental in Wales. In their words, it’s the cutest spot to dry your wetsuits.
11. Dining room conversion: A space to bring family and friends together
While dining rooms used to be commonplace, open plan living spaces meant the death of a separate space for dining.
However, dining rooms are seeing a surge of popularity, and a garage conversion is the perfect space to house one. It’s also a relatively simple conversion, with costs starting at £15,000.
12. Extra living space conversion: For those who need extra space
Depending on the location of the garage, it could be used simply to extend your existing living space.
Whether that be a bigger living room or kitchen, the extra space could really give your home the wow factor. Conversions like this are slightly more costly if you need to remove walls to open up the space. Costs start at £18,500.
13. Cinema room conversion: Enjoy movies the right way
Projectors or huge TVs may not be practical for everyday use in your living room, but home cinemas are a great investment for movie lovers or for binge watching the latest season of Bridgerton in all its glory.
The large blank canvas provided by a garage wall is the perfect place for a projector screen, leaving you plenty of room for comfy seats and tables for snacks. Conversion costs would be around £17,000.
The team at @Pro Assist helped create this amazing cinema space. The screen offers a fantastic wide view and has given a family a huge upgrade for movie nights!
14. Home pub conversion: For cozy nights and parties at home
With the prices of drinks in pubs ever increasing, why not set up your own bar at home? A single garage can provide a great space for a home bar, comfortable seats and a darts board if you want to feel really authentic.
Perfect for entertaining the guests or just having a break from working from home. Conversions like this will cost around £17,000.
Jemma (@travellingtwinkles) and her family converted their garage into an amazing bar and office space. They have mentioned they spend a lot of time in here now and we don’t blame them, it looks like a fantastic entertaining space!
15. Office and home school conversion
Home schooling is increasing in popularity, but it can be hard to balance with your own workload. Having a joint office/home learning space is a great solution to this issue - and a garage conversion can provide the perfect area to make this into a reality.
A temporary room divider, such as a screen, can be used when more privacy is needed, while still keeping an eye on your children. A conversion like this is quite straightforward, and starts at around £15,000.
Garage conversions with MyBuilder: Claim your living space now
Transform your garage into valuable living space with MyBuilder's expert garage conversion services. From cozy home offices to stylish guest rooms, reclaim your garage with our skilled professionals.
Discover innovative designs and practical solutions tailored to maximize your space. Whether you envision a gym, studio, or playroom, MyBuilder ensures your garage conversion reflects your lifestyle. Take the first step towards enhancing your home with our trusted expertise today!