Reclaim your garage! 15 incredible garage conversion ideas for your garage

Is your garage more of a storage dungeon than a functional space? It's time to reclaim it! Dive into our curated list of 15 garage conversion ideas that will transform your space into something practical. Whether you're dreaming of a cozy home office, a gym, or an inviting guest suite, we've got the inspiration you need to turn your garage into a valuable 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 ideal additions as a separate dining room, playroom or boot room, while detached garages can make suitable 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 right 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 very 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 variety of useful spaces as well as provide extra storage."

If you’re considering converting your garage, we recommend you get a garage conversion specialist to advise whether you need planning permission, an approximate cost, and even inspiration for your new room.

The garage conversion process: How long does it take?

A garage conversion can be completed 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 number of sockets. Depending on the intended 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 applied to the walls, skirting boards fitted with any new windows and flooring installed.

Here is an overview of the essential steps to carry out a garage conversion:

1. Plan and Design: Determine the best use of the space and create a design plan.
2. Prepare and Permit: Clear out the garage and obtain necessary permits.
3. Install Utilities: Set up electrical, plumbing, and insulation.
4. Finish Interior: Install flooring, walls, windows, and doors.
5. Decorate and Use: 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

Professionals 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 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 a practical space for an office, with room for a permanent desk, storage for files, and a comfortable chair. Costs can start from as little as £15,000.

A good example of an office garage conversion can be seen from @the_living_house on Instagram.

This office space has room for Sophie’s desk, storage and an armchair.

2. Playroom conversion: Extra space for your kids

Most parents will appreciate that having the space to keep the kids’ toys out of sight is useful. Few of us have a dedicated playroom for the children, but it could be a solution for the 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 a suitable 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 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 some extra money at the same time. Having a dedicated space for creative projects may seem like a luxury, but if crafting is your thing then a garage conversion can work well.

There’s enough space to store equipment, have 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 extensive. From changing tables to bassinets and buggies, having a baby adds to the clutter.

Converting your garage into a custom changing/storage area, with space for a playroom for older kids, is a 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 with ageing parents who may come to visit, a downstairs annexe with bathroom and snug/sofa bed can be useful.

It’s also a suitable 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 practical example of creating space for a bedroom can be seen from @homewiththelawsons. They converted their garage into a guest bedroom and are very pleased with their project.

7. Maximise your space: The multi-purpose split room garage conversion

Many garages are 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 playroom space including TV, play area and a large amount of storage space. This was a half conversion of the original garage, turning it into a playroom for Sofia and her family.

For the other half of the garage space, they included 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 look of the front elevation - so 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 share images of their organised utility rooms or pantries, which house practical items allowing kitchens to stay clear of clutter and visually pleasing.

The reality is that most homes do not have space for such areas - unless the garage is converted. Costs start at approximately £19,000 for this type of conversion, requiring plumbing and storage.

This garage conversion from @swallows_in_the_window shows how much space can be added to a kitchen utility room.

10. Boot room conversion for outdoor lifestyles

For those with pets or outdoor hobbies, a boot room would be a practical addition.

Designed to dry out and store boots, coats and outdoor equipment, boot rooms can help keep muddiness at bay. It’s important for these rooms to be warm and dry to avoid damp. Add plumbing for a sink or even a dog shower. Conversions like this start at £20,000.

The team @fraserandfraser helped create this boot room for a busy family with four children in London. They converted the garage to create this space, storage options and use it as their utility room.

This wetroom garage conversion was created by @number5_rhosneigr and is a practical addition to this holiday rental in Wales. In their words, it’s a good place to dry wetsuits.

11. Dining room conversion: A space to bring family and friends together

While dining rooms used to be common, open plan living spaces reduced the need for separate dining areas.

However, dining rooms are becoming more popular, and a garage conversion is a suitable space to accommodate one. It’s also a relatively simple conversion, with costs starting at £15,000.

12. Extra living space conversion: For those who need more room

Depending on the garage location, it could be used to extend your existing living space.

Whether that’s a larger living room or kitchen, the extra space could give your home a new dimension. Conversions like this are slightly more expensive 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 large TVs may not be practical for everyday use in your living room, but home cinemas are a good option for movie enthusiasts or for binge-watching shows.

The large blank surface on a garage wall is suitable for a projector screen, leaving enough room for comfortable seats and tables for snacks. Conversion costs would be around £17,000.

The team at @Pro Assist helped create this cinema space. The screen offers a wide view and provides a significant upgrade for movie nights.

14. Home pub conversion: For relaxed nights and parties at home

With pub drink prices rising, why not set up a bar at home? A single garage can provide space for a home bar, seating and a darts board for an authentic feel.

It’s suitable for entertaining guests or for a break from working from home. Conversions like this will cost around £17,000.

Jemma (@travellingtwinkles) and her family converted their garage into a bar and office space. They mentioned they spend a lot of time there now; it looks like a good entertaining area.

15. Office and home school conversion

Home schooling is growing in popularity, but balancing it with your workload can be challenging. Having a combined office/home learning area is one way to manage this - and a garage conversion can provide the right space.

A temporary room divider, such as a screen, can be used when more privacy is needed, while still allowing supervision. A conversion like this is straightforward, and starts at around £15,000.

Garage conversions with MyBuilder: Create your living space now

Transform your garage into valuable living space with MyBuilder's garage conversion services. From home offices to guest rooms, reclaim your garage with our available professionals.

Discover innovative designs and practical solutions tailored to maximise your space. Whether you want a gym, studio, or playroom, MyBuilder helps ensure your garage conversion reflects your lifestyle. Take the first step towards enhancing your home with our reliable platform today!

Get a garage conversion quote now