It may be time to remodel your garage if it has become a cluttered storage space with no room for a car. Modifications that cost little money but add greatly to the garage’s appeal and use. It’s not a quick or cheap project to demolish an old garage and build a new one. Changing out the garage door with a fresh coat of paint or a new one is an inexpensive way to revitalise the space. Restoring concrete garage floors is as easy as painting them.
Contemporary additions, such as faux wood or barn doors, can make the garage feel more like a reflection of the homeowner’s character. Remodeling your garage can solve two problems at once: you get extra space for your automobiles and you get a larger home. If you don’t intend to stay in the house for the foreseeable future, a minimalist renovation may be the most economical option. Check everything from the floor to the ceiling to ensure that nothing has been missed. Although building a new garage can be costly, it is important that it be done in a way that minimises its impact on the environment and saves money in the long run by utilising more energy-efficient methods and materials.
The return on investment (ROI) for a renovation of a new building could be as high as 55% to 65%. Those who choose to undertake the work themselves can save money. Garage doors, even the most well-maintained ones, eventually need to be replaced or fixed. To ensure the security of your loved ones, it is wise to lock your vehicle at all times. Material, window, and insulation quality are other crucial considerations.
A garage door should be easy to raise and lower, using only a modest amount of force. The garage door opener’s auto-reverse feature is fully operational. When the door is being lowered, the opener will sense an obstruction and reverse the process. Issues with garage door openers can range from broken springs to a fried motor to stripped gears. When kids use baseballs and other sports equipment, they often shatter the glass in garage doors.
You should probably call a professional if you’re having trouble fixing the door on your own. Damaged windows in a garage are a security risk. Due to the auto-stopping and auto-reversing characteristics of today’s automatic door openers, the occurrence of such accidents has been considerably reduced. Accidents can still happen if the door and opener aren’t properly maintained. It is recommended that homeowners engage a professional to replace garage door springs.
Door replacement is typically done when the homeowner is unhappy with the door’s aesthetics. With little planning and hard work, your new garage can become anything you can imagine. The national average is at around $25,000.
Are you planning any major renovations? Check out HP Constructions Melbourne’s extensive range of home renovations.
Demand for garage conversion
More than one-quarter of homebuyers, per NAR data, rank a garage as a must-have amenity.
If you intend to rapidly sell or rent out the property after the conversion, you will be turning away a large pool of potential buyers. Garages are in high demand everywhere, from bustling cities to quiet towns.
City dwellers have to jostle with one another for on-street parking spots and deal with various nuisances such as parking citations, dents and dings, and having their vehicles buried by the snow plough.
It’s likely that homeowners will choose less parking space to having to park somewhere, even if it means a smaller apartment. Garage space is often in demand in rural locations because of the necessity to keep multiple cars, recreational vehicles, sports equipment, and other items.
Considerations for a garage conversion
If you’ve talked to a realtor and licenced contractor and determined that the numbers make sense in your area, you’ll want to give some careful thought to a few other essential factors before moving forwards with the job.
- Even if a driveway or another covered parking place is available, losing garage access means being exposed to the weather and maybe having to compete with other cars for available parking spaces. Is it a discount that would appeal to customers in that market?
- Before resigning yourself to a life of stuffing everything into the garage, determine if there is room for it elsewhere in the house. If there is not enough space for your belongings in the home, you may want to reconsider making an offer.
- Check with the local government and neighbourhood organisation to see if garage conversion is even allowed, how much the necessary permits would cost, and what construction standards must be satisfied.
- When measuring from the finished floor to the ceiling, a room should be at least eight feet in height. If the garage has a lower ceiling or roofline, you may have to excavate the floor or elevate the roof, which may add substantial cost.
- If the garage is below the house’s grade, you’ll need to figure out a way to waterproof it and make sure it drains properly.
- What are your choices for plumbing if you want to add a bathroom or kitchen as part of the conversion but the garage doesn’t already have it?
Before Converting Your Garage, Consult a Real Estate Agent, Your Local Municipality, and a Licenced Contractor.
It’s crucial to be sure you’ll get your money’s worth from a garage conversion before choosing if it’s the right choice for your next investment.
It’s a lot more difficult to decide between this and, example, updating the kitchen or installing new air conditioning. Your garage remodel must look good for potential buyers, be legal to prevent fines and problems at closing, and be affordable for you.
Achieving these goals will safeguard your investment’s profitability.
Do Garage Conversions Add Value?
Value can be defined in a variety of ways, but one crucial consideration is how this effort might enhance the rest of your life.
Having a place to retreat to with your loved ones may be more valuable to you than any amount of cash in the bank if you have a large family.
Or, if you’re trying to implement some feng shui principles in your home, you may construct a playroom for your children to store their toys in a designated area separate from the main living space.
A few more points of view on worth: Garages were originally designed to house cars, so if you don’t use yours for that purpose, you’re not making the most of your investment in it.
Thereby, you would be doing more good for your loved ones if you transformed your garage into, say, a studio apartment for your parents.
If either of your parents or your spouse’s parents can visit without permanently relocating in with you, it may allow your children to spend more time with their grandparents.
You and your in-laws would benefit from having some physical distance between you by sleeping in separate bedrooms. Maybe we can both benefit from this.
Ways to Use Your Converted Garage
Whether your garage is attached to your home or stands on its own will have some bearing on how you put the space to better use. Perhaps you might turn a portion of your attached garage into a habitable space.
Depending on your needs, you may convert this area into a game room, a gym, a home theatre, a guest bedroom, a place to host gatherings, or any number of other uses.
The kitchen may be expanded into a lavish home cook’s paradise or a fantasy dining room might be constructed if it were connected to an adjacent garage.
A detached garage could be renovated into a studio apartment for your grown child, a home office could be set up in the space, and you could start working from the comfort of your own home, eliminating the need to ever leave the house again.
Garage Conversion to Apartment
Whether you wish to convert your garage into living quarters for an elderly relative or a college-aged child, you should check with the local planning commision to see if any permits are needed. (Make sure you know if you’re just doing minor repairs or whether you’re going all out and turning your garage into a live/work space.)
Before beginning a renovation, you may want to consider what you’ll do with the items currently stored in your garage.
Where will the remaining items go when you’ve done your purging (via trash and donations)? What should be stored in the attic and the basement, and what shouldn’t? Is there anything you might do to make those spaces more suitable for storing things? Those ideas could be added to the list of potential options for this renovation.
Is storing things in your garage something you intend to keep doing? As such, how do you intend to partition off that space so that the rest of the garage retains its presentable appearance?
If you no longer wish to use your garage as storage following the conversion, you may wish to build a shed in which to put the items you wish to keep.
Looking for Melbourne garage renovations? Look no further. Hitch Property Constructions has you covered.
Floors and Doors
Incorporating new flooring and doors are crucial steps towards a successful remodel’s final outcome. Your garage floor, like the floors of most garages, is probably a cold, hard slab of concrete.
Plus, the garage floor could be several feet lower than the rest of your home’s flooring, with a slope that ends at a floor drain or the garage’s door. Consequently, floor levelling may wind up being crucial to this transformation.
The garage door is located just beyond that. There will be a lot more room once you dispose of it. How might you answer that? If you want more light in your home, you may either instal a patio door or construct a new wall with a wide bay window.
How you proceed may depend on whether or not you want a new front door installed in the spot where the garage door used to be.
Plan out where the entrances will be before beginning the conversion so that you don’t have to make do with what you already have.
Attempt to put yourself in the shoes of someone who has just moved into a brand new, immaculately decorated room or apartment, only to discover that the door is in the worst conceivable location.
Roofing, Ventilation, and Insulation
You need to make sure that your garage’s roof is totally watertight. If that’s the case, you may want to think about getting a new roof.
If you plan on converting your garage into living space, there are a few things you should know about ventilation before you start remodelling. It’s important to insulate the ceiling, the floor, the walls, and any other necessary areas so that the finished product is not only cosy but also comfortable.
Windows and Walls
For a more streamlined look, it’s best to go with window designs that complement the existing ones in your home.
It is common practise to first instal stud framework, and then to hang drywall, when building new walls. Maybe you need to fix the wiring in the walls, check the insulation, and fix the leaky faucet in the bathroom. What would your ideal closet configuration look like here? Perhaps now is the time to properly organise them.
An easy and inexpensive approach to make a garage feel more like a room in the house is to instal windows. This means you need to think about how big the windows are and where you put them.
Mismatched window treatments on the home and the garage provide an obvious lack of unity in linked garages.
Heating, Plumbing, and Wiring
Make sure your current heating and cooling system can handle the additional square footage added by your attached garage.
During the colder months, you may want to think about putting a floor heating system, electric baseboards, a wood stove, or something similar; during the warmer months, you may want to think about installing air conditioning units.
How water will be piped into the garage and how efficiently water will be drained from the garage are both plumbing-related issues you may want to think about. Plumbing is involved in both of these projects.
One of the larger expenses could be the cost to instal plumbing in the new building.
Why convert your garage?
Adding more square footage to your home without spending a fortune is possible by transforming your garage into a habitable room. The value of your garage conversion will increase along with the value of your house, so you’ll benefit from both an enhanced quality of life and a substantial increase in your wealth if you decide to make the switch.
Converting a single-car garage can gain you about 150 square feet, while a two-car garage can add about 300.
If the garage is attached to the house, you probably won’t need to apply for a building permit, so the construction process should proceed smoothly. In addition, converting your garage can typically increase your home’s value by as much as 10%.
If you park your car in the driveway or on the street for the time being, you’ll free up valuable garage space that can be used for more productive purposes than storing your old workout equipment, empty cardboard boxes, and other assorted home junk.
You may put your garage space to greater use for a variety of purposes if you park your car in the driveway or on the street for the time being.
Converting your garage into a bedroom
One of the most prevalent justifications for turning a garage into liveable space is to create more bedroom space. Considering the rising expense of care in residential institutions, it may be more cost-effective to allow an older parent to continue living independently by changing a space in your house to fit their needs.
The savings on nursing home expenses would more than cover the initial investment in the conversion. On the opposite end of the age spectrum, more and more recent college graduates are planning to forego the communal amenities of an apartment in favour of living at home while they amass funds for a down payment on their first home.
If you want to give these people more privacy, converting your garage into a living space is a great idea. If you don’t have enough spare bedrooms, converting your garage into liveable space is a straightforward solution.
Incorporating an en suite bathroom or a wet room into any of these uses is a good idea because it will make life easier for the people living there, but it will reduce the amount of space that is really available.
However, if you give the converted space its own front door or other means of independent access, you will almost likely have to pay more in council tax.
Converting your garage into a living area
If you have enough bedrooms as it is, you can convert your garage into a second living room or a peaceful study area where you can relax or complete tasks like reading, yoga, or homework.
Since multimedia is present in everyone’s daily lives, it’s helpful to set aside a place where family members may go to get away from it all and relax in silence.
Moving can be expensive for young families, so a great alternative is to turn the garage into a playroom or office.
A new playroom not only gives the kids their own space, which can be furnished in line with their preferences, but it also keeps the rest of the house from becoming a dumping ground for their toys and games.
Considering the importance of storage in this setting, it’s wise to carefully map out the layout of the space and look into creative ways to avoid cluttering the ground.
Converting your garage into a home office
No one can deny that the advent of the information age has resulted in a shift towards more adaptable schedules. As more and more people in professional fields want to do business from home, converting a garage into a dedicated office space might be an attractive option.
It’s easy to procrastinate when working from home, tempted as you may be to use the couch or the dining room table as your office. However, it’s not good for family connections when there’s no separation between work and home. A self-contained workplace space is expected to boost efficiency.
As an added bonus, after the workday is done, you may simply lock the door and ‘leave’ the office. Self-employed persons often convert a garage into a makeshift office, where they may conduct business away from the distractions of the home and where they can host clients for meetings or video chats in a more formal environment than their kitchen table.
Cinemas, gymnasiums, craft rooms and more…
On the glitzier side of things, the dimensions and layout of a single garage are perfect for a home theatre. However, soundproofing should be looked into if you don’t want the noise to spread through the rest of the house.
However, by improving your WiFi connection and skilfully concealing wires and cords, you may create the ambience of a movie theatre in the comfort of your own home.
If you struggle to muster the willpower to leave the house in order to get your workout in, you may want to consider transforming your garage into a home gym. Actually, there’s enough space for a bathing area, many types of fitness equipment, and a workout space.
If you need a quiet space to work on projects without interruption, turning your garage into a workshop could be the perfect solution.
This is especially the case if the garage’s primary entrance is converted into a big window that floods the space with light. You’ll always have a quiet, well-organized space to work on your latest painting, stitch your latest garment, or stock up on cardstock for your next batch of handmade cards.
As an alternative to cramming a washing machine and dryer into your little kitchen, you may turn your garage into a utility room if your demands are more pragmatic.
You’ll be able to maximise the living area that you have. Additionally, reorganising your garage into a clean, odor-free storage area will help you breathe easier.
And because it’s easy to lose track of vital documents amidst all the chaos, a designated storage space can help cut down on the time wasted digging through disorganised stacks of paper in search of the one you need.
We have an extensive range of home repairs Melbourne services at Hitch Property Constructions.
Should I Convert my Garage?
Converting your garage is usually a great method to increase your home’s living space and resale value, but there are times when it’s either not a good idea or causes more problems than it’s worth. Before deciding whether or not to continue with this endeavour, consider the following details:
- Will renovations make it so that some of the rooms are off-limits for an extended period of time?
- Don’t forget that you’re ultimately responsible for making sure any changes made to your property are within the law. It will take a lot of time and effort to supervise the job, be there to enable the tradespeople access, and make design and other decisions.
- However, this raises the question of whether or not planning clearance will be given. Is the home located in a certain neighbourhood, or does it appear on any lists?
- You may find that you have to spend more money than you had planned in order to complete necessary repairs (such as shoring up the building’s foundations, replacing the roof, etc.).
Converting a garage doesn’t automatically lower a home’s resale value; on the contrary, the extra space is often desirable by buyers and can boost your home’s worth.
Given the ever-changing nature of the housing market, there is no one correct solution when it comes to garage conversions.
Any choice you make should be based on your specific needs, but a reputable contracting firm will help you weigh your options and decide whether or not transforming your garage would be the best course of action.
However, if you adhere to the aforementioned guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to completing your garage conversion without compromising the value of your property.
Conclusion
If you’ve let your garage become a dumping ground, you might want to consider giving it a facelift. Improvements that are inexpensive to do but have a significant impact on the garage’s liveability and utility. For minimal cost, you may give your garage a new look by painting or replacing the door. A garage is a highly sought-after amenity in both crowded cities and sleepy suburbs. Your new garage can be transformed into anything you can envision with some forethought and effort.
The feasibility of converting a garage and the associated costs should be taken into account. There must to be a minimum of eight feet of headroom in a given space. There may be a need to excavate the floor or raise the roof of the garage if it currently has a lower ceiling or roofline than the rest of the house. Not using a garage for its intended function is wasting space and money. How you can best make use of your garage depends on whether or not it is attached to your house or is freestanding.
If you have a detached garage, you can consider converting it into a home office or studio apartment for your adult child. It is possible to have a garage floor that is several feet lower than the rest of your home’s flooring, with a slope that stops at a floor drain or the garage door. Installing a patio door or building a new wall with a large bay window is one way to let in more natural light into your home. Verify that your existing heating and cooling system can accommodate the extra square footage introduced by the attached garage. There likely won’t be a requirement to obtain a constructing permission if the garage is connected to the house.
The added living space created by transforming your garage can raise your home’s value by as much as 10%. Garage conversion is a simple answer to the problem of not having enough spare bedrooms. The garage might be converted into a playroom or home office for a young family. Converting a garage into an office could be a good idea for professionals who wish to work from home. The hope is that productivity will increase with the addition of a dedicated office area.
A home theatre might easily fit in a single garage because of its size and arrangement. If you can’t bring yourself to get out of the house and exercise, maybe you should convert your garage into a gym. Adding living space and increasing the value of your property can be accomplished by transforming a garage. Sometimes, though, it’s not a smart idea or causes more trouble than it’s worth. Think about the following information before determining whether or not to proceed with the change.
Content Summary
- It may be time to remodel your garage if it has become a cluttered storage space with no room for a car.
- Damaged windows in a garage are a security risk.
- If there is not enough space for your belongings in the home, you may want to reconsider making an offer.
- What are your choices for plumbing if you want to add a bathroom or kitchen as part of the conversion but the garage doesn’t already have it?
- It’s crucial to be sure you’ll get your money’s worth from a garage conversion before choosing if it’s the right choice for your next investment.
- Perhaps you might turn a portion of your attached garage into a habitable space.
- Is storing things in your garage something you intend to keep doing?
- Make sure your current heating and cooling system can handle the additional square footage added by your attached garage.
- Adding more square footage to your home without spending a fortune is possible by transforming your garage into a habitable room.
- One of the most prevalent justifications for turning a garage into liveable space is to create more bedroom space.
- The savings on nursing home expenses would more than cover the initial investment in the conversion.
- If you want to give these people more privacy, converting your garage into a living space is a great idea.
- Converting your garage into a living areaIf you have enough bedrooms as it is, you can convert your garage into a second living room or a peaceful study area where you can relax or complete tasks like reading, yoga, or homework.
- Moving can be expensive for young families, so a great alternative is to turn the garage into a playroom or office.
- A self-contained workplace space is expected to boost efficiency.
- If you need a quiet space to work on projects without interruption, turning your garage into a workshop could be the perfect solution.
- Converting your garage is usually a great method to increase your home’s living space and resale value, but there are times when it’s either not a good idea or causes more problems than it’s worth.
- However, this raises the question of whether or not planning clearance will be given.
- Any choice you make should be based on your specific needs, but a reputable contracting firm will help you weigh your options and decide whether or not transforming your garage would be the best course of action.
FAQs About Garage Renovation
How Can Someone Tell if Their Garage Is Suitable for Conversion?
Garage conversions are subject to specific building regulations.
- Maintain a strong and stable structure.
- Have a damp-proof course.
- Put insulation in the walls, the floor, and the loft to make it more energy efficient.
- Have passed a comprehensive safety inspection of the electrics.
- Be resistant to moisture and feature adequate ventilation.
- have been protected against the spread of fire and provide means of egress.
Do You Need Planning Permission to Change a Garage Door to a Window?
There is no need to get approval from the Building Regulations to instal block work or windows because the foundation of your existing garage is probably a traditional one, and you have no plans to convert the garage into a habitable space. This means that you do not need to worry about complying with the regulations.
Why Are Garages Not Insulated?
Insulation not only assists in the retention of heat but also works to prevent the infiltration of moisture. Whether or not you are aware of it, garages that do not have insulation are extremely susceptible to issues involving moisture.
Can I Sell My Garage Separate to House?
A If you have a mortgage on a property, you are not permitted to sell any portion of the property without first obtaining the approval of your lender. This is true even if the portion you wish to sell is a portion of the garden or the garage.
Can I Put a Wood Burner in My Garage?
Wood stoves have to be installed on a fireproof surface, and the ideal location for this is a concrete garage slab. The installation of the wood stove can also include the addition of a single layer of bricks, concrete pavers, or ceramic tile. This can be done to add an aesthetic detail or more definition to the installation.
