Convert your garage
Ideal Home UK|April 2022
CREATE A NEW ROOM AND ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME BY TRANSFORMING THIS SPACE
AMY CUTMORE
Convert your garage

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.

Esta historia es de la edición April 2022 de Ideal Home UK.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición April 2022 de Ideal Home UK.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE IDEAL HOME UKVer todo
Maximise Outdoor Dining Space - If your outside eating area is a little cramped, follow these tricks to make the most of what you do have
Ideal Home UK

Maximise Outdoor Dining Space - If your outside eating area is a little cramped, follow these tricks to make the most of what you do have

If your outside eating area is a little cramped, follow these tricks to make the most of what you do have. We asked a host of garden experts to share their top tips on making the most of a small space, whether you're hosting friends and family for a special occasion, relaxing at the end of the day or enjoying your morning coffee.

time-read
4 minutos  |
August 2024
hometruths
Ideal Home UK

hometruths

KELVIN AND LIZ FLETCHER GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THEIR HOME

time-read
2 minutos  |
August 2024
Fresh & delicious
Ideal Home UK

Fresh & delicious

Chicken traybake with garlic & cherry tomatoes

time-read
4 minutos  |
August 2024
NATURAL habitat
Ideal Home UK

NATURAL habitat

KERRY HARRIS' EAST LONDON HOME IS A LESSON IN BLURRING THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN INSIDE AND OUT

time-read
4 minutos  |
August 2024
"WE AREN'T traditional"
Ideal Home UK

"WE AREN'T traditional"

RACHAEL AND ALEX'S RELAXED FUNCTIONAL HOME IS A BLEND OF VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE, MID-CENTURY MODERN AND PALM SPRINGS SHADES

time-read
3 minutos  |
August 2024
GROWING up
Ideal Home UK

GROWING up

ARCHITECT ROB AND WIFE EMMA HAVE TRANSFORMED A 1970S HOUSE, GIVING.THEM MORE SPACE FOR THEIR FAMILY

time-read
4 minutos  |
August 2024
The shortlist PARASOLS
Ideal Home UK

The shortlist PARASOLS

Create a cool spot with these dazzling sunshades

time-read
1 min  |
August 2024
Weekend decorator
Ideal Home UK

Weekend decorator

CLEVER TRICKS TO MINI DECOR PROJECTS... WE ROUND UP THE SIMPLEST, QUICKEST WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE BEAUTIFUL NOW

time-read
3 minutos  |
August 2024
The shortlist PICNICWARE
Ideal Home UK

The shortlist PICNICWARE

Everything you need for the perfect spread

time-read
1 min  |
August 2024
PLAN THE PERFECT - Outdoor living room
Ideal Home UK

PLAN THE PERFECT - Outdoor living room

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN BY CREATING A DEDICATED SPACE FOR RELAXATION, SAY OUR EXPERTS

time-read
5 minutos  |
August 2024