Renovating your Garage – a Chic-ster’s Guide

The garage. Easily one of the most underutilised spaces in UK domestic property history, even if only for the fact that more of us use it to hide our Christmas decorations and other seasonal junk than to actually park a car. These domestic no-man’s-lands represent a huge amount of potential for any home, but that potential can only be realised with a good plan, and with the wherewithal to see it through. If you’re tired of your tired-looking garage, what can you do to make it something exceptional? 

Assessing the purpose of your garage renovation

So, first of all – we’re acknowledging that some renovation is going to happen. You’re transforming your garage, not just de-cluttering it! In order to transform it, though, you need to have something to transform it into. What does your house need that it doesn’t have? What would you love to have that you don’t?

Common garage conversions simply create new utility space; people might put washing machines and dryers in there, build extra storage for aforementioned seasonal junk, or even put a workbench in to make at-home DIY that little bit easier. 

With a little more love, you could build an at-home gym, or even put your dream WFH office in there. Unless you really need this kind of space though, it’s too boring to conscion here. What about an arcade or rec room? A huge walk-in wardrobe for your ever-growing collection of boutique nightgowns? The decision is yours, anyway.

Planning and design considerations

Whatever you settle on, it’s time to plan. Before you get too excited about your plans, make sure you’re not falling foul of any planning permission regulation! Most garage conversions need no permission whatsoever, but this changes if you live in a listed building or have intentions of turning your garage into a separate domicile. While you’re at it, check if there are any building regulations you need to comply with during your build.

Boring stuff out of the way, you can now start to develop a comprehensive plan that includes layout, lighting, ventilation, and insulation. Insulation is a big essential here, as garages are not renowned for their heat-retentive capabilities. Even just incorporating insulated garage doors in your design can significantly improve your comfort, to say nothing of the money you’ll save on energy. 

Implementing the renovation: Practical steps

Comprehensive plan – ideally drawn up to scale – in hand, you can now start thinking about getting the thing done. Though it could be feasible to DIY it, you might as well get some quotes from professionals who could do it for you. In fact, you should do that anyway, particularly if you have any structural modifications or electrical installations to complete. 

The interior finishing, though, can be all yours if you wish. This is where the fun begins, as you have complete control over what your finished space actually looks like. A little inspiration goes a long way, but what better way than to follow your nose?!

Top photo by Travel-Cents on Unsplash