Ready to improve your home and boost its value too? Whether your garage is sitting empty or you're dreaming of a brand-new entertainment space for your family, a conversion project could be the right idea. But with so many options and possibilities to choose from, you'll want to make a sensible choice for your household.
If you're ready to transform your garage from basic to extraordinary, we've got you. From trendy games rooms to extended living spaces, we've covered some of the most popular, practical and unbeatable garage conversion ideas.
Why should I convert my garage?
A professional garage conversion is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to increase your living space and add value to your home. According to the online trade platform Checkatrade, a garage conversion could boost the value of your property by up to 20%.
Is your garage living up to its potential or is it a clutter magnet? With creativity and careful planning, you can convert your garage into a functional and inviting space. From a home office to your own gym, there are many possibilities for tailoring your garage conversion to suit your lifestyle.
Here’s the inspiration you’ve been looking for to help you start feeling proud of your garage!
Our top 7 garage conversion ideas
Utility room
This is a very simple and cost-effective way of converting your garage and is perfect for homeowners with pets too. Whether you're trying to keep those muddy pawprints out of the house or you'd prefer separate storage space for your shoes, a utility room could do the trick.
This space-saving project is one of our favourite small garage conversion ideas, since you won't need a huge space for a functional utility. It means you can place washers, dryers, ironing boards, and cleaning supplies in one place and free up more space in your home, particularly your kitchen.
If your garage is near your kitchen, you could also put in a back door and W/C out there too. It could be handy when you’re outside doing garden work or hosting family and friends for a gathering:
Our utility room garage door recommendation: Transform
Games room and entertaining space
Converting your garage into a games room is a great way to create a convenient, cosy and private social area for your family or friends. The best part is you can tailor it to your liking, adding personalised décor and design elements while keeping the existing space in mind.
It may also be worth considering soundproofing your garage if you're choosing this project. This can be completed professionally for full peace of mind, or if you're on a budget, there are plenty of DIY soundproofing techniques too.
In this area, you could add a pool table or one for table tennis, a large table for card games and board games, or even a mini bar to take your house parties to the next level. But remember, if you're completing your garage games room with high-spec equipment, security is a top concern.
Our games room garage door recommendation: Titan
Office garage conversion
One of the best and most popular single-car garage conversion ideas is to turn it into your own workspace or office.
For this conversion, it's crucial to keep the aesthetics and mapping of your garage in mind. From the décor to the electrical challenges that might occur, you'll need to consider the best place to set up your desk and route electrical wiring.
Once you know the most sensible area for your desk and wires from it, it's time to start thinking about creating a comfortable and productive work environment. This could mean adding shelves and handy storage boxes for your work. Depending on space, you might also want to install a TV, and windows to add more natural light.
Once you've sorted the essentials for your working environment, you can decorate it in whichever way suits you. If you'd like a coffee machine, put one in there for unlimited hot drinks! This is your study space, so make it personal.
Our home office garage door recommendation: Transform Pro
Garage gym
If you're looking to invest in your health, a private gym could be the perfect garage makeover.
This is one of the most functional ways to convert your garage while using most of the space you have available. Depending on the gym equipment you'd like to install, you may want to organise your garage into specific zones for exercise. For example, you could keep your bench with free weights on one side and a treadmill on the other.
You usually won't need to make any structural changes to your garage, and you can convert it with very little effort – new flooring and mirrors are usually the biggest changes. It's what makes a home gym one of the most popular garage design ideas.
Simply clear out your garage space and replace it with your gym gear. The bulk of the cost will come from the additional gym equipment you may need to purchase.
Our home gym garage door recommendation: Titan
Extended living space
This garage conversion can be a bit costly and may depend on the layout of your property. However, if you have a garage that's right next to your living space, you can extend those rooms to your garage.
For example, if your garage is close to your kitchen, you could knock down the walls in between and expand your living space. It's important to note that this is one of the most involved detached garage conversion ideas, so you'll need to consult trade professionals. If you're changing the structure of your home, you may also need planning permission.
You can then either turn this into a spacious open-plan dining room with a large table, or you could add a HD TV and more seating. It is up to you how you want your living space to be improved. You could even add an island table to modernise your home. If you're extending your living space into the garage, a roller garage door might not be the most suitable option. We recommend replacing the larger front-facing door with a smaller side door or tall, double-glazed windows
Children's playroom
Turn your garage into a playroom for your children to enjoy and create more space for your family. For this one, it's important to assess the space and remove anything potentially harmful.
Depending on the age of your children, you could add another TV and new games consoles, so your children have their own hangout space. Simply adding comfy chairs and puzzle games could be enough to let them laugh and play without disturbing your household. You can also childproof your garage if they are younger by adding a carpet and installing higher shelves to keep fragile items away from curious hands.
Why not ask your children if they'd like to help decorate your garage? They can choose the paint, colour and layout, then fill the garage with toys and games of their choice. It could become a haven for your kids and maybe adults too!
Our playroom garage door recommendation: Transform Pro
Garage cinema room
A cinema room is one of our favourite garage remodel ideas. You can have some creative license for how you'd like your cinema room to look. For seating, you could buy beanbag chairs and plush sofas to give your cinema room a modern and cosy feel.
Creating a cinema room also removes the need to add windows, especially if you're after that multiplex pitch-black aesthetic. Installing decorative LED lights improves the atmosphere of your home cinema experience. It will be worth investing in a high-quality surround sound system for your home cinema to create a more authentic experience.
Finally, the most important addition for your home cinema garage conversion is, of course, a big screen. You could choose a large widescreen HD TV, but if you're on a budget, simply buying a good projector and white backscreen could just as easily do the job.
Our home cinema garage door recommendation: Titan
How to start planning your garage conversion
Settled on the most suitable garage conversion idea for you and your household?
Garage conversion projects offer a wealth of opportunities to personalise and tailor a typically neglected space to your specific needs and preferences. However, there are a few things to consider before you make a start.
Check your insulation
Insulation plays an important role in regulating temperature and enhancing the functionality of your converted space. Blocking the draught with insulating garage doors will help you to create a comfortable and energy-efficient environment that can be enjoyed all year.
Garolla's electric garage doors are constructed from double-skinned aluminium and insulating high-density polyurethane foam. They're available in different thicknesses up to 18mm for greater soundproofing, temperature control and durability.
Get the lighting right
Make sure you choose appropriate lighting for your garage conversion. The colour, tone and intensity of the lighting can impact the atmosphere and enhance the functionality of your space, especially if you intend to use it for work or hobbies. Don't forget you'll need to adapt the lighting according to the availability of natural light too.
Add some storage
Adequate storage is crucial for a functional and organised garage conversion. Think carefully about how you could utilise wall space and overhead space to incorporate versatile storage solutions into your design.
If you're working with an awkward space or an alcove inside your garage, fitted furniture could make a brilliant solution. When you book a survey with one of our local engineers, we'll be happy to discuss ideas for storage once your garage makeover is complete.
Make it secure
Is your garage secure enough for its intended purpose? Security measures help to protect your property and prevent unauthorised access, regardless of how you intend to use your converted space.
A modern, automatic garage door from Garolla boasts plenty of security benefits, including rigid slats, tough side guide rails, auto locks to prevent manual lifting of the door and anti-clone remote controls. If you'd like to learn more about the police-approved security upgrades available with your Garolla door, browse our cutting-edge Titan range.
To find out more about how our garage doors could seamlessly complete and protect your garage conversion, please get in touch.
Create your dream garage with Garolla
Garage conversions are about maximising space, and a Garolla garage door can help you to do so. Our modern roller garage doors open and close vertically, unlocking up to 25% more garage space so you can make every inch matter! Our stylish and secure garage doors offer a range of benefits, including:
- FREE installation and FREE 5-year warranty
- Effortless operation with remote control
- Industry-leading security features, including SafeGuard Plus
- Wide variety of styles and finishes to complement your property
With a Garolla electric garage door, plus a touch of imagination, your dream garage conversion can become a reality. Contact us today to discuss your options and start creating the perfect space for your needs. If you're ready to go ahead and choose your door, simply book a survey for a face-to-face visit from your local engineer.
Garage conversion FAQs
Can I convert my garage?
Yes. If you've got a garage, you can convert it!
Garage conversions are a brilliant way to bring a new dynamic to your home and improve your existing space. We've given you a head-start on some practical and imaginative garage design ideas, whether it be a new home office or an entertainment room for you and your family.
The first thing you need to consider is how much space you have to work with, not forgetting overhead space. Get your measuring tape out, find your garage dimensions and start planning the best way to use your garage space. Just imagine your future home renovation!
How expensive is a garage conversion?
Many people think there are always big costs when it comes to converting your garage. This isn't necessarily true. Your garage has the potential to become any space you'd like it to be – but just keep your budget in mind. You may also need to consider building regulations to see if you can convert your garage in the first place.
A basic conversion with minimal structural changes and existing plumbing or electrics will be the most cost-effective option. Based on a garage that measures 16m², the average cost for a detached garage conversion is usually at least £10,000.
Do I need climate control in my garage conversion?
The answer to this question depends on your preferences and the specifics of your garage conversion ideas too.
If you plan to use your garage conversion for working or social purposes, be sure to choose the most suitable system for your needs. If it's likely you'll be using it all year round, it's worth
installing a heating and air conditioning system. This will keep your family and friends comfortably warm in winter and cool in the warmer weather.
Do I need planning permission to convert a garage into a room
Whether you'll need planning permission will depend on what you are converting your garage to and how big you want to go with it.
It's unlikely you'll need planning permission if you are only making internal changes to your garage and not building or expanding on it. So, unless you're planning to increase the space available in your garage for your conversion, it's unlikely you'll need to ask for planning permission.
In most cases, you won't need planning permission to convert your garage, but always check with your local planning authority (LPA).
How can I get started?
A garage conversion project can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to make your home more workable and enjoyable for your family, especially when the option of moving house might be hindered by challenging market conditions.
You'll need to choose the right garage door. Start with our handy garage door builder for full customisation and bring your vision to life! You can then transform the functionality of your garage with help from experts. Our roller garage doors are strong, safe and secure.
Be sure to seek advice from qualified professionals before starting your garage conversion journey. When you book a survey with Garolla, we’ll ask what you want to use your garage for and can recommend which one of our products would be most suitable for your garage conversion project.