Undertaking a garage conversion can be an enjoyable and very cost-effective solution for creating more room for your cars or building a new office, study or storage area. Before starting your garage conversion, itâs important to understand what you can and canât do with the structure youâre working with. You will need to assess the current foundations and structure of the garage (or house youâre building onto) to ensure your proposed plans can be applied.
We have outlined seven âmust-doâs before you start converting your garage into your ideal space.
1. Check if you require planning permission
The first port of call is ensuring youâre complying with garage conversion planning permission guidelines.
Fortunately, itâs very unlikely that you will need to secure planning permission for your garage or garage extension. The reason being that garages, porches and outbuildings usually are allowed on the basis of permitted development.
However, if your garage is of a considerable size and exceeds four metres in height and the maximum eaves height of the garage is over 2.5 metres, you may require planning permission. If you are ever unsure, we strongly advise seeking advice from your local council. You donât want to complete your garage renovation only to find it breaches planning permission guidelines or your appeal is rejected.
If you are struggling to get your planning permission accepted, our team has a 99% success rate in doing this. Please do not hesitate to get in touch for more information.
2. Price up your garage conversion
How much does a garage conversion cost? Well, that depends on a variety of factors.
First, what do you plan on doing with your garage conversion? Do you want a small or single garage conversion? Are you going to be buying a kit (such as an oak framed garage kit) and if so, do you have the experience and required materials? Or are you simply installing a brand new garage?
You may then want to consider labour costs and whether or not you require insulation. If your conversion is simply a renovation of the garage (as opposed to converting the garage into an office or kitchen for example) then you may not need to consider plumbing, heating and electrics.
You can build your own garage conversion using one of our oak framed kits, but to do this you will need to have a good understanding of construction and a group of helpers to aid in the construction process. If you opt for us to build it, you can expect the garage to be completed in approximately 10 days. Please bear in mind that any additions such as insulation may take slightly longer.
* Remember, these prices are only an approximation as each design is different and weâre not taking labour costs into account. For a bespoke quote on a single or double garage conversion, or to upload your own bespoke designs, please contact us today.
3. Consider if itâs possible to build it yourself
Most garage conversions would require an experienced architect or carpenter to build and oversee the project. However, if youâre looking to keep your garage conversion budget to a minimum, why not consider an oak framed garage? Not only are they incredibly cost-effective but they last a lifetime and offer an authentic, timeless appearance and come with a 10-year guarantee.
We offer the tools and instruction to oversee and build your garage in your own time. We will supply all the necessary instructions and timbers to get your conversion underway. All you will require is a small group or team to help you assemble the garage.
4. Pick a garage building and stick with it
Do your research and select a garage conversion that suits your budget, space requirements and time. Donât try chopping and changing your design ideas mid-way through as this will likely increase labour time and impact your budget. You may want to speak with an architect or a garage conversion specialist to ensure your project is progressing as it should.
Once youâre happy with the proposed plans, you can get started!
5. Talk your garage conversion ideas through with a professional
If you are looking for a second opinion on your garage conversion, our team would be more than happy to help. Our oak framed garage kits are designed for fast and easy assembly, so if itâs speed, aesthetics and durability youâre looking for, we can help.
We can construct your garage on-site or deliver the timber and easy-to-follow instructions to allow you to build it yourself. When you purchase an oak framed garage from us, we will always be on-hand to provide construction advice and all buildings come with a 10-year guarantee for peace of mind.
6. Do your research
Take some inspiration from garage conversion designers online and look at what building material best suits your current property. At EHB, all buildings are built to match existing contemporary properties, meaning that your garage will merge seamlessly with your current propertyâs design.
You can explore our garage options by visiting our oak framed garage page.
7. Have fun and learn something!
Whether youâre a novice DIYer attempting your first project or you’re working with an experienced carpenter, you can learn a lot overseeing and getting involved in a conversion project. Garage conversions provide a great foundation for you to experiment and learn more about construction and if you do require help, weâre only a phone call away.
Explore our huge collection of oak framed garages
Need inspiration for your garage conversion? Explore our building types to get a better idea of what youâd like your garage to look like. Alternatively, if youâre looking for a bespoke design we can accommodate this need at no extra cost.
Simply upload your preferred garage design here or speak with us directly via phone or email.
