You can increase the size of your home by simply converting your garage into a living space. If you wonder about the cost of a garage conversion and where it is worth it, read this guide.
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Benefits Of Garage Conversion
Do you have a garage, which is almost useless for the sole purpose of having it? Perhaps you need more space for your daily needs or you just need to generate some extra income by renting out a room from your property. When this is the case, it’s wise to think about garage conversion.
There are many benefits of garage conversion, the most important ones are:
- It is easier to convert a garage than to convert an attic, loft or basement area.
- The costs of a garage conversion are lower than other loft conversion projects.
- You will save money by garage conversion comparing other options.
- A garage conversion increases the resale value of your property by adding extra space to your home.
3 Different Types of Garage
The cost of a garage conversion will depend on the type and size of the existing garage.
Here are the three most common types of garage:
Integral Garage: In this case, the garage is inside the house and is the cheapest one to convert.
Attached Garage: An attached garage will have its own roof and several outer walls that will need insulating and/or reinforcing. These garages are the next most expensive option.
Detached Garage: Detached garages are different from the primary residence and will certainly be the most costly to transform. It is better to build a new garage rather than use the old one.
Depending on the structure, you’ll probably need to add an extra wall to each side, insulate it, convert it to a tiled roof if it’s flat, and install piping for fresh and wastewater. The amount of work involved with detached garage conversions makes them prohibitively expensive.
Architects & Structural Engineer Fees
You really don’t have to employ an architect except if the conversion project is challenging or requires significant changes to the property. Expect their fees to be between 10 -15% of the total build cost if you instruct an architect to draw up plans.
Structural engineers can give you estimations for sustaining steel joists should you knock through a supporting wall. Their fees vary but for simple projects such as this one, expect to pay between £250 and £370. For much bigger projects that involve considerable remodeling of the existing floor space and several steel joists, expect to pay over ₤ 500.
Because you’re working with an existing structure, building costs for a garage conversion are minimal. There will be some major alterations to make, so consider some of the following points before you start gathering quotes.
Average Cost of Garage Conversion – things to consider
But how much is a garage conversion? Well, there’s no absolute way of knowing without a proper and thorough assessment of your property. Still, generally speaking, the final cost of a garage conversion will depend on several different factors, including the following:
The condition of the existing structure: If you need to modify the wall and/or the frame attaching the garage to the home, this may increase the conversion cost by £5,000.
The room you want your garage converted into: The less expensive rooms are living rooms and bedrooms because they require fewer additional fittings and fixtures. On the contrary, new kitchens, bathrooms, or utility rooms are much more expensive because access to water and electricity is more important.
The size of your garage: The larger the garage space you are converting, the higher the cost as more materials and days of work are needed.
Hiring a project manager or an architect for your project: It might seem a pretty expensive option, but true experts can help keep your garage conversion project on track, provide useful advice and help you save money.
The materials and/or labor you purchase and hire: It is also essential to hire a reputable company that can advise you to buy the number of materials for your conversion project.
The height of the existing floor: If this is lower or not on the same gradient as the main section of the property, it will need to be adjusted accordingly, either with an extra layer of flooring (i.e., a cement layer) or via the installation of steps.
Walls: In most cases, who will build an internal structure of stud walls inside your garage to create your new room. Furthermore, to make the existing structure more energy-efficient, who will add insulation between these walls. The average cost of a stud wall comes to £750, and your build costs will be determined by the number of walls you need.
Windows: Windows and doors are vital parts of making your garage feel like an extension of your house. The size, aspect, and location of the room will find out how many are needed. On average, the cost of a door or window comes to £500 – £600, though you may pay more if you’re looking for high and bespoke premium quality finishes.
Floor covering: Even if you desire a luxurious carpet or are going to set up a wonderfully tiled flooring, you’ll most likely need to lay some brand-new concrete. This is usually required for old garages that the flooring’s unequal. Expect to pay around £1,000.
The position of existing utilities: One factor that might increase the project’s cost is having to run new utilities to your own conversion. Many garages have power, but most will not have water or gas. If you are changing your garage into a bedroom or living area, you will need to include a few more outlets into your budget.
But if you are arranging a brand new kitchen or bathroom, then gas and plumbing pipes might have to be set up. Including a brand-new electrical socket should not cost more than ₤ 100, but you can work out how to reduce the expenses if more work is needed. Integrating gas or water pipes can end up being more costly, and if you require moving pipelines, the cost will be between ₤ 1,000 and ₤ 3,000.
Using Garage Conversion Space
This is the first question that you need to ask yourself before you begin planning your garage conversion project is what you are planning to convert the garage to, as this decision will affect the duration and cost of the home improvement project.
Also, garages always require modifications compared to other rooms in the house, as they are usually very long. Who can usually solve this problem by adding a new stud wall down the length of the wall? The new internal stud wall comes around to £800 + the costs of the doors.
The resulting space can be turned into a toilet or shower or use as storage space; who can use the main area of the as:
- Office
- Playground for kids
- Gym
- Reading corner
- Lounge with a bar
- Sleeping loft
- Romantic retreat
- Mancave
What`s Involved in Converting A Garage?
You must consult with a conversion specialist about the different requirements of your project at the very beginning of the planning phase, as there might be building regulations that you need to comply with.
Safety issues are a significant concern when starting a garage conversion. Use a professional conversion specialist to avoid having any safety concerns and to make sure that your family’s health will not be affected in any way.
Garage Conversion Cost, Savings, and Maintenance
The exact cost will vary a lot depending on many different factors, such as the area you live in, the size and the plan of the project, the materials, and the contractor you have hired. The typical cost of a garage conversion in the UK will be from £5,000 – £7,000.
Comparing to the traditional house extension, the difference between costs is remarkable. For instance, a new three-by-four meter extension could cost as much as £13,000 or more. The garage conversion is a very compatible option for your needs.
You can save thousands when you choose the integral garage conversion instead of a completely new extension. Plus, you can save even more money by selecting the best contractor for your project and by shopping around through conversion specialists and research the different garage conversion prices on offer.
Garage conversions require the same level of maintenance as any other part of your house. To keep the costs to a minimum, ensure that the space is properly insulated, that the right type of windows are installed, and that light fixture are fitted with energy-efficient lights.
Who must do the conversion in an energy-efficient way? Your constructor will advise you on the best practices to ensure that your garage conversion remains in the best possible condition and how to avoid any further expenses.