If you need more space in your home you have lots of options open to you. These include house extensions, loft and basement conversions, and garage conversions. If you can’t extend upwards, downwards, or outwards, a partial garage conversion could add much needed space to your home. A partial garage conversion is an excellent idea when you cannot afford to lose your off-road parking space.
Partial Garage Conversion : Considerations
If you need an off-road parking and don’t have room for a carport then you will be reluctant to take away your garage space. Cars parked on the street or even on your drive are more costly to insure. So, converting just part of your garage could be the solution you are looking for. A partial conversion is usually carried out when you have a double garage. A single garage will not provide you with anything more than a storeroom, and for this you don’t need to start building walls!
Before you start your garage conversion, you need to think about everything carefully. Where will you put everything that you have in your garage? If your garage looks like most people’s you will have a lawnmower, a collection of push bikes, and shelves full of boxes containing tools and memories. If you have a loft, then some of these could be stored there, or in your basement. But for the things you need and use, you will have to find a solution.
Making the Most of your Garage Space
When you decide to convert your garage, you will need to rethink which area will be used for what. If your garage is long but narrow, then a partition wall can be erected. A lot of garages however are wide and not long. In this case you will need to replace your double door opener with a single one for the side that you will continue to use as a garage.
The part of your garage that you will use for living space will need to be insulated, heated, and have natural light. This may involve adding a window if there isn’t one there. All this will add to the cost of your garage conversion. Think about what you will use the space for and decide what the minimum size you need is. Then calculate what is left and decide if it really is big enough for your car and everything else that must stay in the garage.
A well-thought out partial conversion gives you the best of both worlds. It will provide you with much-needed space that can be used as an office, a utility room, playroom, or even a bedroom. What you won’t be taking away however is your much needed off-road parking that could put a stop to selling your property on in the future. Always use a professional builder for your conversion. DIY projects are not advisable, and could leave you with a whole garage that is out of use for many months to come.