Let’s be honest, who uses a garage for its intended purpose? Most people use their garages for storage and leave their cars outside. Have you ever considered a garage conversion to create that extra space you require at home? This could be the ideal option for anyone needing;
- A second living room space. Perfect for a children’s playroom or as a teenage retreat
- A place to run your business or have set up as your home office
- A studio space where you can pursue your music or art passion
- Additional workshop space
- An extra bedroom or guest room which could double as Airbnb accommodation
- Granny flat or self-contained living quarters that allows you to earn an additional income
Converting a garage can be an inexpensive way of getting the extra room you need, but there's more to it than removing your car and adding some furnishings and fixtures. Here's what you need to know about a garage conversion:
Council Approval
Because you're converting a non-habitable space into a habitable room, you will need council approval to convert your garage in most states and territories. This will probably start with development approval. Council will want to know that the work you have done will meet Building Code Australia (BCA) standards for dwellings and any additional council requirements. If you're thinking of converting a garage into a granny flat, you also need to know about Granny Flat Regulations.
To get approval, you will need to supply council with preliminary and final plans. A good drafter can provide you with the plans and may be able to help you through the approval process.
Garage Conversion Essentials
The typical garage has a concrete floor, outer walls, a roof and usually a window. In order to convert it into a habitable dwelling, it will need more. You will need to replace your garage door with a more appropriate replacement door for starters, and for light and ventilation, you will also want more windows. Other things that you will probably need to include in your costings are:
- Flooring
- Waterproofing
- Insulation
- Interior walls
- A ceiling or roof interior lining
- Heating and cooling
- Lighting
Since garage floors are not elevated, you will also have to make sure water cannot enter the converted space. You may need to install an elevated floor and get a drainage expert to divert water away from the interior.
The driveway leading to your converted garage will probably look out of place. A little landscaping can help with this and you may also want to consider diverting your existing driveway to a designated parking space and installing a carport.
Whether you're going to be using your garage as a spare bedroom or home office, you will need an electrician to install power points and lighting fixtures. If you are converting the garage into a granny flat or want it to be a self-contained living space, you will also need to have plumbing installed. If you are going to rent it out as a granny flat, it will need to have a bathroom and cooking facilities as well.
Done right, a garage can become a wonderful living or working space and can even provide you with added income if you convert it into a granny flat. Just be sure you get professional help and do the job right. It will be worth the extra expense if you don't cut corners by leaving out the inclusions that make it safe, comfortable and hygienic.