You may have a garage that you use for storage, or it might be more than just an extra room. For example, if your garage is too small to park in, you can convert it into something else. This blog post will talk about the different conversions that are possible and what they entail.
We have picked out some fantastic garage conversions to give you some ideas of how to make use of your garage! In addition, there are some massive renovations, including some fabulous playrooms, utility rooms and kitchen extensions which will give you some great garage conversion ideas.
If you are thinking about a garage conversion shortly and need some help finding an architect or architectural designer, we can match you with the most suitable ones for your project. Garage Storage Solutions features an innovative wall system with heavy-duty sliding wall components such as hooks, garage shelving and stylish, durable steel cabinets designed to hold your gear securely and neatly in place.
Garage Conversion Ideas
A Well Proportioned Study
A great way to make the most out of your garage conversion is to split it into a couple of efficient rooms.
Often garages can be pretty narrow in space and were never functional for a car but instead as storage. So turning it into a study or utility is the best way to make the most out of the original garage.
We love this garage conversion idea by Architect Your Home, where part of this small garage conversion has been transformed into a study.
The room is made to feel more comprehensive than the white finished walls and ample roof light. We also love the patio doors leading out to the garden, which further maximise the space.
The front end of the garage conversion has been used as a laundry and shower room, which is
a great garage conversion idea if you have a long narrow space.
A Working Studio
With more and more of us working from home, converting your garage into your workspace is such a fantastic garage conversion idea.
So whether it’s converted to a study, like the home above, or into a working studio for a creative job.
A Perfectly Organised Playroom
If you have small children, it’s a great idea to turn your garage into a playroom to keep all toys in one place.
A Luxurious Media Room
It’s such a fantastic idea to turn an old garage into a media room where you can relax and watch a film.
If you are lucky enough that you don’t need any more living space in your home but have a wasted garage, it’s a great idea to transform your garage into something enjoyable. We also love the decor, which makes the whole space feel luxurious.
An Annex For Family And Friends
If you have many family and friends visiting, good use of an empty garage is to turn it into a guest annex where they can have their bathroom too.
A Family Snug
Having another living space is perfect in any home, particularly if teenagers like their own space.
Creating a snug also works so well if most of your home is open plan; it gives you such a lovely quiet place to relax in the evening.
Create One Large Spacious Kitchen
If you desperately need a larger kitchen, it’s worthwhile considering converting your garage to give you the additional space that you need.
We also love the units’ colour and matching brass handles to give this traditional shaker kitchen a modern twist.
A Practical Utility Room
If you still need part of your garage to use as storage, it’s a great idea to convert part of it into usable utility space.
A utility room is a great way to keep all of the mess out of the rest of your home. For example, if your utility is in the garage, then the noise of the washing machine will be far away from the main living space, perfect if your home is the open plan!
A Fun Snug & Playroom
Since converting a garage to a playroom is one of the most popular garage conversion ideas, we wanted to add another!
Garage conversions are typically narrow, so a sizeable l-shaped sofa works so well here as it uses the space to its full potential. It’s a playroom that adults would be happy to chill out in when the kids have gone to bed too!
Do I Need Planning Permission To Convert A Garage?
Permission isn’t usually required for a garage conversion, provided the work is internal and doesn’t involve enlarging the building. However, you must check with your local authority’s planning department first.
Garages that are listed or located in conservation areas will be less straightforward to convert.
In all cases, your conversion will have to comply with Building Regulations, so speak to your council’s building control department before you begin. Some boards will also require Planning Permission if you’ll be substantially changing the exterior of your house.
Should I Convert My Garage?
Before getting too excited about the extra space, consider whether losing your garage will devalue your home.
A garage will be more valuable than an extra room for two-car families in an area where parking is zoned or at a premium.
But if you have plenty of space off-road to park your car and the job is well done, converting your garage will pay dividends.
Do I Need To Convert My Whole Garage?
A standard single garage is approximately 150 sq ft, which is too small to fit a family sitting room and open the doors.
However, that’s a lot of extra living space if you convert it into an open-plan part of your house.
For those with a double garage, the perfect solution may lie in what we call a “part conversion”, where typically the front or rear of the garage might be retained to house the lawnmower or your bicycle whilst the rest of the garage is converted into a usable room.
More Things To Consider Before Converting A Garage
The Build Quality Of Your Garage
Not all garages can be converted – some are old, shoddily built and could be asbestos ridden.
However, if yours was professionally built in the last 25 years, is made of brick or block and is structurally sound, there’s a good chance you could convert it with very little fuss. Start by getting advice from a surveyor at the Building Control department of your local council.
The Practicalities Of The Job
Garages are often on a different level from the house, so you may need to raise or lower floors or ceilings if you want your new room to flow on from the rest of your home.
The garage door will need to be replaced with a window and matching bricks, so make sure your builder has access to materials that blend in with the rest of your house.
You’ll need heating and insulation to make it usable all year round; plumbing, lighting and security also need to be assessed.
How Will You Use The Space?
If you’ve earmarked the new room as an office or a hobby room, you may want to keep it separate from your main living space; if it’s going to be a living area or kitchen, it will need to flow seamlessly from the rest of the house, so you may need to knock through an interior wall.
Will You Need To Move A Boiler Or Electricity Meter?
Moving the boiler or electricity meter to another room adds thousands of pounds to the cost, so box them in with pale-painted wooden units.
Using a pale cream colour on the boxing avoids the stark, narrow feel some garages can suffer from.
Will I Spoil The Exterior Of My House?
You could, so it’s worth careful consideration. For example, bricks and windows need to be matched as closely as possible to the rest of the house.
Garage Conversion Ideas To Consider
The Pros And Cons
Like any other home renovation or remodelling you could pursue, garage conversion has its benefits and drawbacks.
If you want to increase the livable space, you have, converting your garage is much cheaper than moving or building a brand-new addition.
This bonus room will be fantastic for your family, whether you’re watching movies together or using it to do laundry. Then, when you’re ready to sell down the line, it could raise your property value.
Besides losing a spot to store your landscaping equipment, if you convert the space while most of the houses in your neighbourhood have garages, others could start to look at your home unfavourably.
Depending on where you live, not having a dedicated area for your car could lead to break-ins, theft, difficulty ploughing your driveway when it snows and even the premature aging of your vehicle.
Not to mention, if you try to complete the job yourself without the proper training or tools, it might become a DIY nightmare. However, if the pros outweigh the cons, there’s no reason you shouldn’t convert your garage.
The First Steps
If you don’t have a car, don’t use it very often, or need some extra living space, and don’t have the yard or budget to build an extension, your garage could be a great way to expand.
Creating a self-sufficient living space could also open your property for short-term rentals to bring in some extra cash.
Converting your garage into a living space goes beyond basic decoration. Begin the process by drawing up architectural plans.
Before you start browsing furniture and buying wall hangings, you need a solid foundation in place.
Follow your local zoning laws and acquire a building permit immediately. You should be able to show that the structure is up to code and submit detailed construction plans.
Then, it’s time to hire an experienced contractor to take on the job. After all, it takes a lot of work to make your garage comparable to the rest of your home. Here are just a few of the tasks at the top of your conversion checklist.
Walls and ceiling: Most garages don’t meet the same construction standards as the rest of the house.
To make the space feel livable, you’ll need to fully insulate the walls and ceiling to protect it from the elements.
You’ll also need to put up drywall. For example, if you want the garage to be an extension of a neighbouring room or have full access from your house, you might choose to open up the partition wall between your home and the garage. Removing the wall will create an open floor plan.
Flooring: Just as with the walls, you’ll need to insulate the floor and install flooring above the concrete slab.
Adding insulation and tiles, linoleum or hardwood will raise your floor from its original height. You’ll want to maintain a distance of at least seven and a half feet between the finished floor and the ceiling.
Windows: Depending on the design of your garage, you may need to add windows to provide more natural light and air. Your local zoning office will have information on the number of windows you need to add.
Electrical: You’ll need enough wall outlets, so no cord has to stretch more than six feet to reach an outlet.
While your garage probably has one overhead light and a wall switch, you may want to add more or update the one you have to make the space well-lit. In addition, you’ll need to do electrical wiring and consider upgrading your electric service to handle the more significant load.
Heating and cooling: For year-round comfort, you have several options for your heating and cooling. Tie into your home’s HVAC unit, invest in an independent system or purchase a garage heater.
Plumbing: If you plan to have a home bar, bathroom or kitchen, you’ll need new plumbing. Connect to the existing pipes or install a new water line and drains. Complete your garage organisation plan by getting your gear off the floor with Garage Storage Solutions’ smart shelving and basket storage.
Finishing: To make a garage look like a living space rather than a garage, you’ll want to upgrade the room’s appearance. Add non-load-bearing walls to cover up any unsightly pipes. Then, finish up any carpentry and paint the interior.
Design elements: An architect can help you design an area that looks like it has always been a living space. Windows, especially dormer windows, can go a long way toward sprucing up a garage.
An attractive, insulated garage door can help you preserve the comfortable temperatures inside your garage and provide outdoor access without detracting from the home-like design and decor you bring into space.
Parking and storage: Once you convert your garage, you’ll lose your covered parking spots. You’ll need to designate a new area on your property where you can park your cars and store items. You can build storage into your converted garage or consider a small shed for your yard.
Once you take care of some of the fundamental steps in a garage conversion, consider the particular elements that will make your space truly your own. For example, if creating a living area for an older relative to move in, you’ll want to consider accessibility.
For a game room or a home theatre, you may need special electrical requirements. So what does your dream floor plan include? Maybe these garage conversion ideas will spark some inspiration!
Man Cave Or Mom Cave
Perhaps the most common way to use an extra room in the home is to turn it into a man cave. Your lounge can take many different forms, depending on your priorities.
If you’re a sports enthusiast, you’ll probably want a big-screen TV to watch the game on and your favourite jerseys displayed on the walls.
You can create a casino that will never lose money by setting up card tables and adding a bar. Or, replicate a lodge with a pool table, an electric fireplace and some rustic decor. It’s up to you to determine what goes in your sanctuary.
The same is true for the house woman, as “mom caves” have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Give yourself a peaceful nook to relax after a long day. Whether you unwind by working on your hobbies or curling up with a good book, design the room around it.
Be sure to include adequate lighting and a couch, comfy chair or daybed for a cozy atmosphere. Personalise your space with inspirational prints, pretty throw pillows or a smattering of colours you love if you want to get your drink on, with liquor bottles on a bar cart or tea accessories set up in a corner, a factor into your planning.
Whether you’re making a man cave or mom cave, it’s all about self-care and treating yourself.
Crafting Area
Many people yearn for a room devoted to their craft, whatever it may be. From scrapbooking and knitting to piecing together model aeroplanes and woodworking, everything is much easier if you have space to spread your materials and concentrate.
With a converted garage, you can bring your imagination to life! Just invest in a few storage containers for organising your supplies, set up a workspace such as a good-sized table, ensure that the lighting is to your liking and get started on your next pet project!
For a home art studio, the lighting is doubly crucial. Usher more sunshine into your garage by installing windows and using bright, efficient light bulbs for nighttime painting sessions.
If you’re a professional photographer, you can easily convert your garage into a photo studio. It takes no time at all to put up a backdrop and arrange your studio lighting kit, and you’ll have plenty of room to stash the furniture or props you use. Honour your muse with an area that revolves around creative pursuits.
Game Room
There are dozens of reasons you might want a game room attached to your home. Young adults may dream of a haven for competing in video games or conquering Dungeons & Dragons campaigns for hours on end.
Families with children would be interested in storing and playing board games on weekends. In any case, access to electricity and a reliable internet connection is a good start.
For tabletop gaming, make sure you have a large surface area to work with and plenty of seats.
Install shelves to hold figurines, cards, booklets, equipment and anything else you need. If you own gaming systems, pair them with a good-sized TV that has crisp picture quality.
Then, don’t forget decor based on your hobby of choice! Paint a Mario mural, hang up vintage board game advertisements or display your Pokémon toys — whatever makes it feel less like a garage and more like a gamer’s getaway!
Home Gym
Wanting to get fit is an admirable goal. Unfortunately, gym memberships can get pricey, and the weather doesn’t always cooperate for morning jogs.
If you’re struggling to stay active due to factors beyond your control, converting your garage into a home gym may be the way to go.
Cover the floor with rubber mats to aid in your workouts and decrease the risk of injury. Then, fill the room with fitness staples like dumbbells and kettlebells, jump ropes, medicine balls, and barbells with extra weight plates.
You can snag most of these items affordably and use them for a variety of regimen options. If your budget allows, you could go one step further and purchase some equipment like a treadmill, an exercise bike or a pull-up bar.
When you visit a conventional gym, what do you find besides fancy athletic machines? Full-length mirrors, access to water for keeping hydrated and maybe even motivational posters.
You could include all these things in your home gym to help you practice good form, chart your progress and encourage you to go just a few minutes longer.
Instead of relying on headphones, you may also want a stereo system to pump out your favourite high-energy tunes.
Office Space
The work-from-home trend is here to stay, and whether you’re a freelancer or starting the next big success story from your garage, you need a quiet space set apart from the rest of your house to get your daily tasks accomplished.
Aside from setting your hours and establishing boundaries with family and friends while you’re on the clock, you need a few home office essentials for success.
Start by shopping for a desk with the features you desire, whether that’s a keyboard tray, multiple drawers or the ability to convert to a standing desk.
Pick up a computer with a high-speed internet connection and a multi-functional printer, as well as your phone, if you take a lot of calls throughout the day.
A comfortable chair and an ergonomic arrangement for your keyboard, mouse and monitor is an absolute necessity. Then, inject a few personal touches, like framed photographs, plants or other meaningful trinkets.
Keep a planner or notebook by your side for scheduling your days or jotting down ideas. Also, stock up on the office supplies you use frequently, so you won’t have to run out to the store all the time.
You can even try fun colours to brighten up a dull workday. Depending on your job, a paper shredder or file cabinet will come in handy, and a trash bin is always helpful to have.
Set up shelves for your inventory and create a separate work area for preparing orders if you’re selling products.
Home Theater
For film buffs or avid cinema-goers, nothing compares to the thought of having a private movie theatre.
On top of the personal satisfaction you’ll glean, family and friends will love coming over to eat popcorn and enjoy a motion picture at a fraction of the cost of the theatre in town. The key is a big screen, top-notch sound equipment and an abundance of seating.
As electronic prices continue to drop, it shouldn’t be hard to stumble upon a television or projection system suitable for your home theatre.
Hook it up to an entertainment system for audio quality that will allow even those sitting in the back to catch every word.
Whether you’re watching one flick or prepping for a movie marathon, you want to be comfortable, so don’t skimp on the armchairs or sofas you buy.
Then, give the room a minor character through touches like painting a starry ceiling or framing movie posters for your walls.
Guest Bedroom
If your parents or friends from your college days live miles away, they may visit several times throughout the year.
Instead of making them pay for a hotel, provide accommodations through your garage-turned-guest-bedroom!
The top priority is giving them a comfortable bed to rest in, followed by filling the room with cozy decor to make them feel right at home.
Budget permitting, you could go one step further and turn it into a full-on guest house or in-law apartment, complete with a separate bathroom and kitchen area.
Stay simple with a toilet, shower, compact refrigerator and microwave, or add additional amenities like a bathtub, stove and ample counter space to prepare meals.
This option, of course, requires extensive electrical wiring, running water and natural gas. However, if you’re willing to go through the trouble of such a renovation, you’ll make their time in town feel like a mini-vacation.
Playroom For The Kids
Ask any parent, and they’ll tell you that children seem to possess limitless energy. Sometimes you need to prevent them from roughhousing in the kitchen or interrupting your phone calls, which is why putting together a playroom in the garage is a tempting proposition.
You could set up a miniature city with a grocery store, restaurant and schoolhouse for hours of pretend play. However, keeping them thoroughly occupied and developing their growing brains is killing two birds with one stone.
Taking a different route, you could hang swings, install monkey bars and throw gym mats on the floor for their private playground.
Seal the deal by bringing in some of their favourite toys for when they finally tire of running around. Then, with a bit of elbow grease, you’ll have the perfect place for your little ones to get active no matter the season.
Home Brewery
Some people want more than just a typical pub atmosphere in their man cave. They want something a little refined, something that reflects their knowledge of spirits of all sorts.
For instance, you might convert the garage into premium wine storage through racks hung up on the walls or specialised wine coolers.
Then, whenever you have company, or a special occasion arises, you’ll be ready. Nothing helps you celebrate quite like optimally chilled wine.
You could also transform your garage into a part pub, part brewing station for a home brewery. After all, the federal government permits up to 200 gallons of homebrew in households with two or more residents.
Take your hobby to the next level by constructing a home brewing kit and sampling your creations once they’ve fully fermented.
Have your friends over to show off your newfound talent, and give them away to let off steam after a hard day at work.
Laundry Room Or Living Room
You may feel your house is perfect just as it is, except for one little thing. Maybe your living room is too cramped, or you don’t have a basement where you can tuck your laundry machines away. These garage conversion ideas may be enough to save the day.
A garage makes for a great laundry area, especially for families with several children. Though a laundry room isn’t the most exciting thing you can do with your garage, it’s undoubtedly among the most functional!
There’s no need to worry about finding room for bulky housing appliances or folding clean clothes.
Place your detergent, bleach, fabric softener and whatever else you need on floating shelves, and set up designated wires or drying racks for wet items.
You could even make signs with stain suggestions, wash times and other fabric care tips as a helpful reminder to yourself.
Maybe your family doesn’t play games or watch many movies, but you still want a space for entertaining — and your living room isn’t cutting it. So use your garage to craft the ideal hangout spot that was never possible before!
Your home could be a massive hit with a few sofas and loveseats and a cleverly concealed audio system.
Please don’t shy away from building a bar area because you want it to be kid-friendly. After all, the counter and refrigerator can just as efficiently serve sodas and snacks as they can alcoholic drinks. A storage solution from Garage Storage Solutions can transform your garage into a social focal point for visitors with a modern look.