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What to consider when converting your garage into a home office.

What to consider when converting your garage into a home office.

Previously regarded as a bit of a luxury, a home office is the new must-have as millions of us work flexibly or exclusively from home. With space at a premium in many homes, a garage conversion can be a great way to gain that much-needed workspace. If your garage is more of a storage space (or dumping ground) than a safe place to park the car, it could be the ideal location for a home office.  

Keeping living and working areas separate

Turning a garage into a home office is useful for keeping living and work areas separate.  It is sited away from the main living areas, so if the TV is blaring in the background while you are working, it should not disturb you. A garage conversion is typically cheaper than building a new extension as the basic structure is already there, so it will not require as much building work. What’s more it won’t eat into any of your garden space. Begin by emptying out your garage to give a better idea of the size of the space.

A single garage will offer around 15m2 of floor space, more than enough for an office.  A double garage, at around 30m2, gives you more options. It could house a good-sized home office plus a shower/toilet or utility room/storage area.

Make sure it’s structurally safe

An architect or surveyor will be able to advise you whether your garage is suitable to convert, particularly the soundness of the walls, roof and foundations. Some are too poorly built or decrepit in which case it might be cheaper to knock down and replace. If your garage is constructed of block or brick and structurally sound, it should be okay but will still need an interior fit-out. Garages are not usually designed to be habitable spaces. Typically, they are built with a single skin brick or block wall and without insulation. To convert into a home office, the walls will need to be plaster boarded, insulated and decorated. The footings will also need to be inspected to make sure they are up to scratch.

Garage conversion

Photo supplied by County Garage Conversions

Plan heating, plumbing and electrics early

You will need to make sure your home office is comfortable all year round, so thoroughly plan your heating, lighting and electrics. A plumber may be able to extend your home’s central heating system. Alternatively, electric wall-mounted heaters can be relatively cheap to install. Remember to make provision for any hot and cold water supplies if you’re planning to install a toilet, baisin or shower.

Don’t forget to plan for all your tech needs and allow plenty of electrical points and a phone point near your desk, PC and base unit. Good lighting is essential for a home office. It’s important to plan early to avoid having to add cables, sockets and lights at a later stage after the plastering is done. 

Instead of moving the electricity meter or boiler, consider boxing them in with cupboards that allow easy access. It could save you thousands of pounds. If there’s a boiler in the garage, ensure you include proper carbon monoxide detection and ventilation provision in your plans.

Don’t forget the lighting

Most garages don’t have windows or only small openings, so the interior is often dark and dingy. Take the time to think about lighting and how it will feel to work in the space.  Like a dimly lit cave? If your budget can stretch, it’s a great idea to have a bigger window installed. Floor to ceiling windows or sliding doors leading to the garden could flood your workspace with natural light and totally transform the room.  Glass bricks and roof lights are other options.  Consult a structural engineer or architect before knocking a hole in the wall or roof to install glazing features.

Modern garage conversionPhoto supplied by County Garage Conversions

Check if planning permission is necessary

Formal planning consent may not be required for a garage conversion if the work is internal and you’re not extending the footprint. In some cases, such as conservation areas, or if a council has restrictions on reduced parking, Permitted Development rights for this change of use could be removed. Check with your local planning authority before you begin work. This does not rule out a garage conversion, but you will need to apply for full planning permission and put together a suitable set of drawings.  

Submitting a planning application will be necessary if you want to fill in the garage door space with bricks and possibly add a window or door. If the garage conversion affects a shared wall with an adjoining property, the Party Wall Act will also apply. Garages that are in listed buildings are less straightforward to convert and you will also need Listed Building Consent.

Don’t forget Building Regulations

In all cases, garage conversions require Building Regulations consent and sign-off to make sure the space is suitable for occupation, so you will have to notify your local authority even if the work is just interior. To comply, your home office will need to be structurally sound, have a damp-proof course, be well-insulated, energy efficient, have good ventilation and be fire proofed. All the new and existing electrics will be tested. A skilled builder or architect will be able to advise you on everything you need.

Will a garage conversion add value?

A key issue to consider is whether losing the garage would devalue your property. If parking is at a premium, for example in a city centre location, a parking space may be more valuable than the extra room. But if you have off-road parking, you may find converting a garage can significantly increase your property’s value. Ask a trusted local estate for advice on whether a garage conversion will add any extra value to your property.

What is a partial garage conversion?

A partial garage conversion offers a compromise solution. For example, retaining a garage door, so a car could still be parked inside, while fitting out the interior into a usable workspace. For those lucky enough to have a double garage, consider retaining a single parking space by building a partition wall and fitting out the rest for a home office. If you have an integral garage, you could knock through an interior wall to create a larger open plan kitchen/living room with a separate study or workplace area.

Ask the experts

The final design of your conversion will depend on how you want the space to look and function and the size of your budget.  A local builder is often the most cost-effective option for turning your ideas into reality. For higher end projects, working with an architect will maximise the potential of the space to achieve your aims and make it flow with the rest of your home. Architects can take your scheme through planning and building control as part of their fee. Another option is to use a company that specialises in the design and build of garage conversions.

Home office garage conversion

Photo supplied by County Garage Conversions

Converting your garage can be a great way to achieve the perfect home office.