Tips for Converting a Garage into a Living Space

The only constant in life is change and as cliched as that sounds, it is certainly true. One day you are living with your parents, the next you are in a university dorm and then you’re in your own home with your own family. However, as your family grows or ages, you may require additional living space. If you find yourself in need of converting your garage into a granny flat or a living room to accommodate your growing family, you can take the following tips into consideration.

Clear Out the Garage

Before the conversion on your garage can begin, you will need to clear it out and consider clearing out the adjacent room to for construction purposes. Hire a small skip to throw unwanted or broken items into as you will need the skip anyway for the conversion. Donate items in your garage that you no longer want or use and pack the rest up for self-storage.  Most cities and large towns in the UK have small flats and houses, so your garage might have more clutter than you think.  Even towns like Slough – that aren’t in the centre of London can be short in space.  Find a cheap self storage facility in Slough, Birmingham, and Manchester that are close to your house for ease of access and convenience.

Find self-storage Manchester companies that are close to your house for ease of access and convenience. A great storage concept offered by PODS combines a moving and storage service into one. PODS aim to make the moving and storage activity a stress-free one so you can focus on the things that need your attention. Once you have cleared out your garage and adjacent living room, you can start the conversion confidently knowing your belongings are safe and out of harm’s way.

Find Out if You Require Planning Permission

Before commencing with any conversion or renovation, first check with your local authority if you require planning permission. Find out what other requirements need to be fulfilled in order to ensure a smooth process during the conversion. Ask about planning conditions, change of use to your home, building regulations and fire safety requirements. Discuss all of these factors with your local authority and your contractor before commencing with any building work.

Create a Budget

In order to save costs and ensure you can afford the conversion, source a few quotes from contractors before building to create a realistic budget. Stick to the budget as much as possible as costs can quickly get out of hand if you are not on top of them. Sticking to a budget will save you money which is a great help when expanding your family or living space.

Foundation and Insulation Consideration

Ensure you hire a reputable contractor with good references who will check your foundation, plumbing and electrical wiring while carrying out the conversion. The last thing you want is a costly mistake due to an inexperienced contractor which can set you back in time and money. Speak to your contractor about all these aspects and enquire about the insulation needs you may require. A good contractor will be able to answer all your questions confidently.

A garage conversion can be a great way to introduce more space into your home to suit your expanding family or living needs. By staying cognisant of these tips, your conversion should be relatively quick and painless – the way every conversion should be.

Thanks for reading xxx