Across the UK, it is estimated that around 4.6 million garages are no longer used to store cars, with 64% of people claiming that their garage stores gardening tools that could be stored easily in a shed at the bottom of the garden. If you are looking to add more useable space to your home, a garage conversion could be a great option. Transforming your garage will gain you more space without having to extend your property or lose any of your garden. On average, the conversion of an internal and unused garage can increase property value by 10% and, planning permission is often not required. In this blog, we discuss all the potential uses/benefits of converting your internal garage into a useable space.

For many families, the national lockdown has identified many ways in which their homes are not compatible with their family's needs. However, how their homes are incompatible differs from family to family, which means the versatility of internal garage space could be the perfect solution. A garage conversion can be used for: 

• An extra lounge 
• An extra bedroom 
• Extra bathroom 
• Play-room 
• Kitchen extension 
• Home cinema 
• Home Gym 
• Home office 
• Utility room and much more. 

But what are the potential benefits over other methods of creating more space or moving to prevent the hassle? Below we list all the potential benefits of converting your garage space so you can weigh up the pros and cons and see what option is best for you! 

Planning permission 

In many cases converting your internal garage space does not require planning permission unless you are altering the architecture of the property. If the work you plan on completing is internal and does not involve any external extension then the work should be covered under ‘permitted development rights’. Planning permission may be required if you:

• Live in a listed building or area of conservation 
• Live in a new build – with some new build properties there are often terms and conditions that the garage remains as a car parking space and, in this case, an application will need to be put forward to change it. 
• If you are planning to convert a stand-alone garage. In this case, you will have to apply for a ‘change of use' planning permission to turn it into a living space such as an office. 

However, with any project, we do suggest checking with your local council before any work is completed. 

Financial savings

Converting your garage space could save you the hassle and expense of having to move to a larger property which can be tiring and a large upheaval. Additionally, upgrading to a larger property can often increase your council tax whereas, garage conversions do not affect tax bands and therefore save you further outgoings. Also, building costs are often minimal with garage conversions, due to the external structure already being built and therefore may be a cost-effective alternative to an extension.

At Arc Design Services, we specialise in architectural design, dedicated to offering a fresh and exciting approach to every project. With this in mind, Arc Design Services could help you convert your garage alongside any other renovation or extension plans to help you create a home compatible with all your family’s needs. Contact our experts today at Arc Design Services at www.arcdesignservices.net or 0161 928 4433.