Whether you're looking to add value to your property or simply need more room, a garage conversion can be an excellent solution. With many types of garage extensions available, choosing the right one can be difficult. In this blog, we'll explore various types of garage conversions to help you choose the right one for your home.
Types of Garage Extensions
Integral Garage Conversions
Integral garage conversions are the most common type, involving the transformation of a garage attached to the main house into a living space. These conversions can be full or partial, depending on the homeowner's needs and budget.
Full conversions utilise the entire garage space, maximising the potential for additional living areas. This option is ideal for those seeking substantial extra room, such as a new bedroom, home office, or playroom. Full conversions typically require more extensive work, including the removal of the garage door and its replacement with a wall, window, or French doors.
Partial conversions, on the other hand, involve converting only a portion of the garage whilst retaining some storage space. This approach is suitable for homeowners who wish to balance additional living space with the need for storage. Partial conversions often involve creating a partition wall to separate the new living area from the remaining garage space.
Advantages of integral garage conversions include cost-effectiveness, as they typically require less structural work than other types of conversions. They also tend to be quicker to complete, with full conversions taking around 10 working days and partial conversions 6-8 working days on average.
However, integral conversions may result in the loss of valuable parking space, which could potentially impact property value in areas where parking is at a premium.
Detached Garage Conversions
Detached garage conversions present unique challenges and opportunities. These standalone structures often require more extensive work to make them suitable for habitation, including improved insulation, weatherproofing, and the installation of utilities.
One key consideration for detached conversions is linking the new living space to the main house. This may involve constructing a covered walkway or a fully enclosed corridor, which can add significantly to the project's complexity and cost.
Planning permission is more likely to be required for detached garage conversions, particularly if the work involves substantial external changes or an increase in the building's height. It's important to consult with local planning authorities before commencing any work.
Despite these challenges, detached garage conversions offer greater flexibility in terms of design and use. They can be ideal for creating self-contained living spaces, such as guest accommodation or home offices, providing a degree of separation from the main house.
Double Integral Garage Conversions
Double integral garage conversions offer the most potential for creating substantial additional living space. These conversions involve transforming a two-car garage into a large, versatile area that can accommodate multiple rooms or a spacious open-plan layout.
The increased space allows for more ambitious designs, such as creating a self-contained annexe with a bedroom, living area, and bathroom. However, the scale of these conversions often results in higher costs and more complex work, including potential structural modifications to support the new layout.
Flat Roof Garage Conversions
Flat roof garage conversions present specific challenges, particularly in terms of insulation and weatherproofing. The flat structure is more prone to water ingress and heat loss, requiring careful consideration of materials and construction techniques.
Insulation is crucial in flat roof conversions to ensure the space remains comfortable year-round. This may involve installing high-performance insulation materials and creating an adequate ventilation system to prevent condensation and moisture build-up.
Structural integrity is paramount in flat roof conversions. The existing roof may need reinforcement to support additional weight from insulation and weatherproofing materials. In some cases, it may be advisable to replace the flat roof with a pitched roof, which can improve both aesthetics and functionality.
Not sure which type of garage is right for you?
Get in touch with our builders in Worsley, Wirral, Wigan and Warrington by calling us on 07429 519982 and we'll be happy to help.
