If your home’s garage is little more than a dark, chilly space that’s used to stash away DIY tools, garden furniture and old shoes and wellies, it’s likely that you’ve already entertained the idea of converting the space into extra living accommodation. A typical single garage serves up around 15m2 while a double garage offers a roomy 30m2, so converting the space into a habitable zone has the potential to transform the way you use your house.
But there’s a lot to consider when converting a garage, from how you plan on using the space to whether planning permission will be required. 'Garages often become popular additions like gyms, offices or nurseries,' says Mark Hood from Resi. 'I’ve also seen them become essential living areas, helping families stay in their homes by creating ground floor bedrooms and bathrooms for elderly parents.'
