With interest rates rising and living costs increasing, now may not be the ideal time to move home. However, if your home has a garage and you desperately need more space, consider converting it to give you extra room in your home. It can be a cost-effective way of increasing your home’s useable living space and giving you the added space that you need so much. Below is a quick guide of what you need to do when converting your garage to help you start planning the conversion.

Planning Permission

One of the first things you must do is ascertain whether you will require planning permission to convert your garage. If you are converting the garage internally and not expanding the size of your home, planning permission is not usually needed. However, if you have an external garage not connected to your home that you want to convert, you may need to seek planning permission from your local council. Either way, double-check whether you require planning permission before converting your garage.

Install A Suitable Window

You will also need to remove the garage door, which is the ideal spot to install a window in your garage conversion. You can choose to install a standard window and then brick up the rest of the opening, or you can also decide to install a patio window or bifold doors if you prefer. Ensure that the window or door you install is double-glazed, which will help keep your garage conversion at a comfortable temperature throughout the year.

Make It Comfortable

When your garage was built, it was not designed to have someone living in it, so there is no insulation in it. You will need to ensure that you install plenty of quality insulation to help you regulate the temperature in your garage conversion. Once you have enough insulation in the walls of your garage, you will need to seal them using insulated plasterboard, which will give you a surface that is ready for decorating.

Think About the Flooring

Garage floors are usually made of concrete, which is not ideal for living spaces. Consider replacing the flooring with something more comfortable and practical, such as hardwood, laminate, or carpet. If you are on a budget, consider painting the concrete floor or using interlocking tiles. Choosing the best flooring material for your garage conversion can help ensure a comfortable area year-round once the work is complete.

Add Electrical Outlets

Garages are typically not designed for habitation, so you must add electrical outlets to power your appliances and devices. Depending on the size of your space, you may need to install additional outlets and circuits to ensure that you have enough power. Ensure you use the services of a qualified electrician, and they can help get your garage conversion ready for habitation.

Converting your garage into a liveable space is a great way to add extra living space to your home. However, it requires careful planning and execution to ensure that you end up with a functional and comfortable living space. Following these tips, you can successfully convert your garage and negate the need to move to a larger home during these challenging economic times.