Should I Convert my Garage into an Apartment?

COVID19 has been the catalyst for change in every area of our lives, including how we use our homes.  

Many North Londoners have faced challenges in the last 12 months that they’ve never come up against before, and in the UK, there’s a definite trend emerging – home renovation fever is in the air!

Across North London, garage conversions are becoming popular as folks look at ways to maximize their living space and better provide for their families. 

Young people who had left the family nest are returning to live with their parents again, which is emphasising the need for extra elbow room.

Converting garage into apartment isn’t as hard as it might seem. And it can literally transform the functionality of your home. 

Convert Garage to Living Space - garageconversion.org

At Combit Constructions, specialist builders in North London, we understand what it takes to transform your garage space into a beautiful apartment. And that’s why we’ve decided to share some of our top tips with you here:

Reasons to Convert my Garage Space

If you’re looking for a way to create more space without changing the footprint of your home, a garage conversion might be your answer!  

Here are just a few of the reasons that garage conversions are so popular in North London:

Cost

Generally speaking, garage conversions London, are far less costly than adding a whole new room to the property. And, with the help of a specialist team, they can be blended seamlessly into the rest of the house to provide the extra room without breaking the bank.

Extra Space

We live in an era when an entertainment room, teenagers retreat, home office or rumpus room is a standard inclusion on most new builds.  Converting your garage into an apartment is a great way to achieve that extra space you and your family so desperately need.

Extra Income

Wanting to rent out a room?  Your garage conversion could be a great way to boost your income (and the rent will help to pay for the remodel costs too!).

extra income from garage

Step #1 – Planning

Planning is essential to ensure that your garage conversion is 100% successful.  

Firstly, it’s important to have a clear vision for your project. Consider the needs of the people who will be using this space and design your renovation accordingly.

Involve the experts from the get-go: a specialized team can take your garage conversion from good to great, and help you maximize your investment.

Things to Consider 

It’s the little things that count; the attention to detail that can make or break it your project.

Here are a few points to consider before you get your hands dirty:

Bring in the Light

Flooding your space with natural light can transform your garage into a light, bright and airy apartment.

Adding external windows will involve a bit of structural work, however, it’ll be worth the effort. If this wall windows won’t work for you, consider using skylights or Velux windows to bring in the light.

Ensure that you allow sufficient electric lighting too – there’s nothing glam about a dingy, poorly lit apartment!

Opt for a light colour palette – light colours can help to make a space feel bigger than it really is.

Doors

The wide, front door of your garage will probably be too big for an everyday access to your new apartment, but it’s not hard to change it for some large windows or sliding doors, or work around it as an architectural feature.

In fact, depending on your local council’s regulations, you may be required to maintain the original look from the outside and leave the garage door intact.  

Your garage will require at least one personal access door, so consider using a glass door to bring in more natural light.

Insulation and Thermal control

Maintaining an even internal temperature is one of the major considerations with a garage conversion.  

Excellent wall and ceiling insulation is a must, and if you’re raising the floor, you can add a layer of insulation underfoot too.

Double glazed windows and glass doors, and efficient window treatments will also help with thermal control.

Talk to your specialist renovation team about other ways to maintain an even inside temperature all year round.

Plumbing and Electrical

Bringing the basic utilities to your new apartment is probably the costliest part of the whole renovation project. 

If your garage is attached to the main body of the house, it should be possible to tap into the existing plumbing and electrical plans, but if yours is a detached garage, you will need to run new pipes and wires to the new apartment.

Creating Home Harmony

Creating that perfect harmony between your new apartment and your existing home is no job for a novice. It requires the experience, creativity, and innovation of a specialized team such as Combit Constructions, North London.

It’s important to remember that any home renovation project needs to be done in a way that adds value to the property, so the extra pounds you spend involving the experts are well worth it!

Igor and the team at Combit Constructions can help you every step of the way to a successful and beautiful garage conversion.  Contact us today on +4402084572772.