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Converting Your Garage
Apr 22, 2009 by Jaclyn Fitzgerald
Topic: Garages
Do you need more room in your home but don’t want to go through adding an extension or addition? Consider converting your garage into a usable room. It is still quite a significant renovation, but you will benefit from having the structure already in place. You will need a professional to help you undertake this task, but we’ve put together a quick guide on what you will need to consider when converting your garage.
What Your New Room Can Be Used For
There is no limit on what your new room can be used for. It could be a family room, a bedroom, a home office or study, a dining room, a parents’ or teenagers’ retreat – the options are endless, and the choice depends on your needs and budget. However, consider converting only part of your garage, so that you still have room for storage. Double garages provide excellent flexibility as there is room to convert one half into a room while still keeping the other half for the car or storage.
Alternative Arrangements
When converting a garage, you will need to make alternative arrangements for parking your car and/or storage. Leaving the car on the street may be acceptable but it is often not a good idea as it is more exposed and less secure. One option is to build a carport so that the car is still sheltered from the elements. Check our directory for details of professionals that can help you with this. You could also consider building a new garage at the back of your property if you have good access and adequate room. This will also provide better access to gardening implements and tools as required and you have the flexibility of converting that garage to a granny flat in the future should the need arise. Alternatively, you could build a shed that is dedicated to storage.
Technical Considerations
When converting your garage, there are some things that you will need to consider in order to ensure that it is comfortable and safe to live in. These include:
- Waterproofing as required
- Insulating the roof as garages are usually un-insulated and therefore hotter than the rest of the house
- Laying flooring as the floor is usually bare concrete
- Cleaning and fumigating the garage
- Heating and cooling requirements
- Ventilation – new windows may need to be installed
- The garage doors will need to be removed and replaced with more suitable doors or alternatively closed in
You may also need to do something about the driveway – remove or disguise it somehow – as it may look awkward, especially if you have closed in the existing garage doors (see brochures on garage doors)
You will also need to lodge a development application with your local council in order to be able to convert your garage, especially if major work is being undertaken such as converting it into a bedroom or other similar living space. A professional will be able to help you with this. Find a garage builder in your local area.
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