Every homeowner wants more living space at some point. One way to do that is to convert your garage into a new room.
Depending on the condition of your garage, this is a very good DIY project. But it’s best to hire a professional construction service if you need windows, plumbing, or electrical work done.
We have gathered all the information about garage conversions in Cork and Galway, Ireland. This practical how-to guide will help you during the garage conversion project.
Does a Garage Conversion Require Planning Permission?
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If you are a homeowner in Cork and Galway, you need to consider specific things before you start converting a garage.
Typically, you don’t need special permission or a building notice for your garage conversion, but there are exceptions. Based on information from the Citizens Information website in Ireland, you can convert the space to domestic use if the garage floor area is less than 40 square metres.
If you want to build an entirely new structure, one of the conditions of the new space is that it must not be lived in.
Other than that, there’s no need for a special planning permission to convert your existing garage space into a liveable space.
What Spaces Can You Turn Your Garage Into
When you plan on converting your garage, there are a number of ways you can transform the space. Here we have gathered all the ways you can utilise the valuable living space, so you have a lot of ideas from the start of the project.
Laundry Room
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A laundry and utility room is a perfect way to utilise the new space from the garage. Adding a laundry room will lead to less clutter in the house.
You can plan for built-in storage solutions, so all of the necessary detergents and laundry items are neatly put away. You can even have a storage space for your linens and towels.
One thing you have to consider with this type of conversion is whether your existing structure has plumbing installed. If not, you have to carefully plan that process with the help of master builders.
Spare Bedroom
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Adding a new guest bedroom to the home can significantly influence the value of the property. Not only that, you will have enough extra living space for friends and family to visit. Converting the garage into a spare bedroom will provide an intimate atmosphere both for you as a homeowner and your guests.
Make sure that the design of the new ensuite bedroom blends with the existing design of your home. Consider leaving the access to the backyard in the new bedroom, as it will add more character to the room.
Home Office
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If you work from home, especially if you have kids, you know the challenges. The home is always too loud, and you can’t get anything done. If your newly converted space is a home office, however, you will have a space dedicated only to focus and productivity.
One of the most important things in any working space is the light. If you don’t have windows in the garage, consult a professional on fitting ones. That way you will make the room more inviting and cosier.
Play Room
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Adding a play room for you children is one of the most effective ways to defeat clutter in your home. Light and floor insulation are key for the play room. Making the space more inviting to little ones can be achieved with bold colours and patterns.
Consider adding a lot of built-in storage for all the toys and games that have to be put away at the end of the day. You can even add a day bed if one of the kids wants a nap after playing.
Library and Reading Space
In the past few years, there’s been an ongoing trend of designing home libraries. The garage is a perfect space to do that. You can do this even on a detached garage.
For an inviting converted garage, you need a lot of light. You can add windows and skylights in the room to provide that extra light.
Built-in bookcases are a practical and beautiful way to utilize all the space in the garage. The bookcases will add a lot of character to the space.
Don’t forget to include a large chair or comfy sofa for those long hours of reading.
Family Room
If you have a more formal living room in the main house, you can use your garage as an extra comfortable living space to relax with your family.
Depending on the function of the room, you can decide if you need additional windows. If you plan on having a more relaxed atmosphere, somewhere you can watch movies with your loved ones, maybe the missing light can be a plus. Be sure to consider storage options for the space.
Also, you will need a very good plan if you’re going to add an electrical system in the room. This part is done best by a qualified professional.
How to Convert Your Garage: Key Steps
If you plan on converting your garage, there are some key steps you have to consider. Here we have gathered the most important parts of any garage conversion.
Check Your Floor Foundation
One of the first things you have to do is check the garage’s existing foundations to see if it’s on the ground floor. This step can seriously influence the outcome of the whole garage conversion.
Inspect the space for cracks or uneven surfaces. This may point to a structural problem with the flooring. Many garages are constructed with lower-quality or uninsulated concrete slabs for floors.
One other thing to check is if there’s any dampness on the floor. That way, you will know if you need to install new flooring or if you can use the current one. It’s best if you install a damp proof membrane between the concrete floor and the ground.
Insulate the Roof and Walls Well
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After you are done with the floor, you need to check the roof and the walls of your garage. Most garages have a very straightforward construction without insulation.
Garage walls are usually single-skin, so internal insulation is often needed for a habitable space. You can insulate the space with insulated plasterboard or timber stud walls with mineral wool.
You have to make sure that the roof is well insulated. If the garage roof is pitched, you have to add insulation between and over the rafters, but if you have a flat roof, then it’s important to consult a professional. The reason is that it will hold more water during the rainy part of the year, leading to leaks or mould problems.
Adding walls and roof insulation to your garage suitable will also help your heating bills when you start using the space.
Upgrade the Garage Door
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One of the key things you have to decide is whether to keep the existing garage door.
Suppose you decide to keep it, it’s best if you install a new door. Choose a high-quality insulated door if you want to keep the opening. There are homeowners who install a glass door leading to the space in the adjacent yard.
If you decide to close of the door, its best if you replace it with a solid wall. This also a good moment to add a window if your garage doesn’t have one. The solid wall is often done with a matching brick or block wall.
One thing you have to consider is that significant external changes to the existing garage may require planning permission.
Check the Plumbing, Heating and Electrical Systems
Depending on the type of conversion you’re doing, you will need to check the plumbing, heating and electrical systems.
Often, garages don’t have running water or heating before a conversion is done. If you want to add a kitchen, a shower room or a laundry room in the new space, you will probably have to break through the concrete floor to install waste pipes. If there’s no running water in the garage, water pipes should also be installed. For the best results, you can enlist the help of a plumbing professional.
For the heating, it’s best to extend your central heating system or install electric radiators or underfloor heating in the garage conversion space.
You have to make sure that any heating system complies with energy efficiency standards.
For the electrical its best if you upgrade all sockets and lighting. The electrical system in garages is oftentimes old and neglected, so hiring a specialist is probably the best way to go. The electrical system must also be certified by a registered electrician.
Optimise the Garage Lighting
The lighting is really important when you’re upgrading your garage.
To ensure more natural light in the space, you have to install new windows or glazed doors. This may be subject to planning rules, so you have to check with your local authorities.
For the artificial lighting use different types – overhead lighting for an ambient atmosphere, task lighting for desks, and accent lighting for the aesthetics of the space.
How much will a garage conversion cost?
Most garage conversions cost varies depending on many factors. Things to consider are the size of the space, intended use, and finish quality. Depending on those, your cost may vary from 10,000–21,000 pounds to above 50,000 pounds if you decide on a full renovation with high-end materials.
Factors that influence the cost of a successful garage conversion are:
- Structural modifications – changes to the foundations, walls, or roof structures can increase the cost of the build.
- Utilities – plumbing, electrical and heating systems can lead to a serious price increase.
- Insulation and ventilation are important for the overall quality of the garage conversion.
- Finishes and fixtures – choice of materials for flooring, windows, and doors affects the overall budget.
- Professional fees – if you require assistance from licensed professionals, the cost will be greater.
Even if the cost of the garage conversion is significant, you need to remember that a well-executed one can add up more value to your property.
If the garage conversion seems a great undertaking for you, you can always call a professional construction service like IVCG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permission to convert to a garage in Cork or Galway?
You don’t need permission if the floor space is under 40 square metres.
My concrete slab in the garage has cracks. What should I do?
In this case, it’s best to consult a professional. Probably you will need a new concrete slab.
What is the price of a basic garage conversion?
The price of a basic garage conversion ranges between 10,000 and 20,000 pounds.
