Guide to Converting Your Garage Into A Usable Space

There are many reasons to consider converting your garage into usable space, whether for a workshop, a home office, or a small rental.

Here we will discuss the important steps to converting your garage and making the most of this space.

Consider the Cost

The first step to any work on your property should, of course, be the cost. It can vary greatly depending on whether you are planning something simple like a home office or if you are fitting out your garage as an Airbnb space. If the latter, the best thing to do is get some advice from an expert. A mortgage adviser like Trussle, for example, gives you access to over 90 lenders. With an online remortgage calculator, you can see how much you could borrow and save when switching to a new mortgage deal. Carefully consider all costs involved in converting your garage space, especially if your plan is to make it a liveable space, including legal fees, planning applications, installing utilities, furniture, and fittings.

Clearing Your Garage Clutter

Once you are ready to convert your garage, it’s time to get rid of the unnecessary clutter. If you are like most of us, you may have lost track of what is even in your garage anymore. Start by selling tools and other objects that are taking up valuable space you want to get rid of. That way, you will be left with only what you absolutely need and what is useful, including garden tools, DIY tools, etc. Carefully sorting and taking time to understand what you can sell means you could offset some of the costs of fitting out your garage.

Plan and Design Your Garage Conversion

Now that you know how much space you have available for your garage, you can define your design needs. Obviously, you will not need as detailed and elaborate a plan as what you would need for a home build, but you do need to make a well-thought-out plan to make the most of your space.

To get an overall view of your garage, start by measuring the ceiling height, width, and length of the room, taking into account the different corners. Then use these measurements to draw up a plan. Once you’ve drawn up your garage plan, you’ll know how much space you have available to fit out. There are now great online design planning programs, such as SketchUp. With such 3D modeling software, create detailed and accurate plans and interior designs for your garage design, helping you optimize the space.

Start Your Renovation Works

An important step, especially if you own an older building, is to examine the condition of your garage, paying particular attention to mold or asbestos. Consider hard-wearing and easy-to-maintain floorings, such as tiles, wood, or PVC.

Have a qualified electrician carry out the new electrical installation. Natural light must enter if you are converting your garage into a livable space, such as an Airbnb rental. Luckily your garage will have at least one opening, so you can easily replace the garage door with a large bay window but consider any potential privacy problems. Ventilation is another important consideration, especially if installing a small kitchen or bathroom.