What would you say is the most neglected area of your home? For many, it’s the garage. The Garage Conversion Pros and Cons – Best Exterior Ideas can help guide you through the decision-making process of turning that often overlooked space into a useful part of your home. This small building is often left untouched while the rest of the house receives fresh paint or some much-needed care. The garage, meanwhile, tends to be overlooked and frequently becomes a storage space for old boxes. However, if you’re seeking additional living space in your home, you may be sitting on the perfect solution. Converting your garage into a new room or living area can be a fantastic option for many homeowners, but is a garage conversion the right choice for you?
At KT5 Construction, a trusted builder based in Surrey, Covers all nearby areas of M25 and London. we specialise in high-quality conversions and renovations. In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of garage conversions and provide you with the best exterior ideas to ensure your conversion blends seamlessly with your home.
Pros
Relatively Cheap
It costs less than some other conversions. The average cost in the UK for a garage conversion is around £7000 to turn it from a cold, dusty unloved space into a new liveable room that you can be proud of. This is a great way of getting that extra space that won’t break the bank and will potentially add value to your house.
Quick & Easy
You’re never in the garage as long as you think you are, as a result when work begins it won’t interrupt your daily life too much. Not only this but the work can be completed in only a few weeks. The speediness and ease of installation are two big benefits that you will get than This is a great bonus if you’re on a budget as you won’t have to pay out as much for labour costs. It’s also really good if you want the work doing quickly because you want/need to use it straight away.
Brand New Living Space
This may be an obvious answer but it’s probably the main benefit to you. A garage conversion will give you more space. They can become a lot of things – gym, office, bedroom, you name it, it can be done! And as a result that can give you a bump in your home’s value. This is especially true if you still have off-road parking available post-conversion.
Not Sacrificing Space
Even if planning permission is needed to change the exterior, you can still do the inside whilst you’re waiting for it to come through – you don’t need it to do the interior.The space already exists. You don’t have to lose your garden to add a room. You may not have the space to legally expand beyond the existing home’s footprint. The garage may be the only area that you can expand into.
Cons
You’re Not Guaranteed A Bump in Value
Most renovations and updates you do to your home will add value to your house. The garage is no exception, however, just as it could add value to your home it could also lower the value of your home. This most commonly happens when you live on a very busy street and you don’t have a dedicated driveway. If there is a lack of car parking, then converting your garage may not be the best option for you. You could always give up some front garden space if possible but if not, it could seriously impact the value of your home when it comes time to sell up. It may also affect your council tax as this would count as an extra room. This is definitely something you should investigate and see whether you can afford the changes.
You Do Lose Some Space!
If you’re anything like us, your garage is used partly as car storage and partly as storage for everything else that doesn’t fit in the house. The trade-off you have to make is will you give up the storage space for a living space.
Buy Cheap Buy Twice
This little maxim is very true. Your garage probably doesn’t have the same standards of quality as the rest of your home. So, if you are going to convert it, make sure you pay for good quality. Particularly with insulation. If you don’t get good insulation, it could become cold and damp quite quickly costing you more money to fix the issue.
Best Garage Conversion Exterior Ideas
Converting your garage into a new living space can significantly enhance both the functionality and value of your home. While the interior transformation is essential, the exterior design plays an equally important role in ensuring the conversion blends seamlessly with the rest of your property. Here are some of the best exterior ideas to make sure your garage conversion not only looks great but complements the overall aesthetic of your home.
1. Matching Materials and Finishes
One of the most effective ways to ensure your garage conversion exterior blends with your home is by using matching materials and finishes. Whether your house is built of brick, render, or wood, using similar or complementary materials for the garage conversion will help achieve a cohesive look. This ensures the conversion appears as an integrated part of the property rather than a separate structure.
If your home has traditional brickwork, continue the theme with the garage. Alternatively, for modern homes with sleek finishes, a rendered garage exterior in neutral tones can create a contemporary look. The key is to match or complement your home’s existing facade so that the garage conversion does not appear out of place.
2. Installing Large Windows and Doors
A great way to enhance the exterior of your garage conversion is by installing large windows and doors. These additions can completely transform the look, giving it a modern and open feel while allowing natural light to flood the interior. Consider options such as floor-to-ceiling windows, bi-fold doors, or sliding glass doors, especially if the garage leads to a garden or patio area.
Glass panel doors are also a popular choice for creating a bright, airy atmosphere. They not only modernise the exterior but also connect the indoor space to the outdoor area seamlessly.
3. Incorporating a Porch or Canopy
A porch or canopy can add a welcoming touch to your garage conversion. This feature not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the exterior but also provides practical benefits by offering shelter from the elements. A porch can give the conversion a homely feel, while a sleek canopy might work well for modern properties, adding an impressive architectural feature. Porches can be built with pillars and a roof extension to match the original house design, offering both visual appeal and functionality.
4. Greenery and Landscaping
The surroundings of your garage conversion play a vital role in the overall exterior look. Incorporating greenery and landscaping can soften the appearance of the conversion and help it blend more naturally with the environment. Planting shrubs, climbing plants, or even installing a green roof can create a harmonious connection between the building and its surroundings. Consider adding a small garden area or raised flower beds to the front or side of the garage conversion. These additions make the space look more inviting and can enhance the curb appeal of your home.
5. Creative Lighting Solutions
Exterior lighting can significantly improve the appearance of your garage conversion, especially during the evening. Wall-mounted lights, ground lights, or motion sensor lights can highlight architectural features and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Choose lighting that complements the style of your home – modern lights for contemporary designs or lantern-style lights for more traditional properties. Consider adding pathway lighting leading up to the garage or recessed lighting along the facade to accentuate the design features.
6. Converting Garage Doors into Stylish Entrances
One of the most significant changes in a garage conversion is often the removal or transformation of the garage door. Instead of leaving it as it is, consider converting it into a stylish entrance. You could install a new front door with side panels, opt for French doors, or create a unique architectural feature that draws attention to the entrance of the new space.
Planning Permission Hassles
Getting planning permission is always a bit of a hassle and can be a headache if the neighbours object to the work. Admittedly this would only be needed if you planned on changing the exterior of the garage, but always worth considering.
Converting a garage may seem like a great idea, but be sure to weigh the pros and cons before starting any project on your home. If everything except the lack of space is perfect, it may be better simply to move, or it may save you the hassle of relocating.
If you want to convert your garage and would like some advice, please consult an expert opinion and speak with us today. Click for contact >
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