Midland Garage Conversions

Claire Pigeon

Working from Home

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Working from home has become increasingly popular since the pandemic. While it began as a temporary solution for many, it has become the norm for a large percentage of the population. In 2023 research from The Home Office Life showed 85% of office workers were taking a hybrid approach to work, with at least some days a week working from home.

In the early days of the pandemic when many people were forced to work from home for the first time, people had to adapt quickly. Dining room tables were taken over with laptops and spare bedrooms were hastily rearranged to accommodate desks and phones. However, now this is becoming a more permanent part of our working lives people are looking for longer term solutions.

Some people are lucky enough to have an office or spare room in the first place this can work perfectly. However, if not, converting your garage can be an excellent solution. There will be an initial outlay, but the conversion will increase the value or your home significantly. This usually not only covers the original outlay but adds further value.

At Midland Garage Conversions we can convert a single garage to a home office in two weeks. We will deal with all the building control, certification and inspections on your behalf so you can sit back and let us take care of everything. Contact us for a free no obligation quote.

Is a Garage Conversion Cost Effective?

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Throughout our lives we will outgrow our home on more than one occasion. For most people the logical next step is to start the process of looking for another home. The costs involved in moving house can be eye-watering. Solicitors fees, estate agent fees, stamp duty, remortgage fees, removal companies, post redirection and other costs can all add up to five figures. This is dead money; there is nothing material to show from this, it’s just the cost of choosing to move. This is a source of real frustration for many homebuyers.

On top of the financial burden a house move creates, there are months of stress and upheaval. A house can easily take more than six months to sell, especially when there is a chain involved. An independent survey by Index Digital showed moving house is the most stressful life event according to the British public, ranking higher than a divorce or having a child.

Having a garage conversion to increase the usable space in your home can be a fantastic alternative to all this stress and financial outlay. The average cost of moving home in the UK is £10,255 in 2024 according to Homeowners Alliance. Comparably, a single garage conversion (which can be used as a bedroom/bathroom, an open plan kitchen, an office, a studio etc) will cost around £15,000 and add value of around £20,000 to your home. So for the initial outlay, the average person can make £5,000 profit from converting a garage compared to losing £10,255 on moving home. That’s is a difference of over £15,000.

Equally, the average single garage conversion takes Midland Garage Conversions just two weeks. We take care of all certification including building control and project manage everything for you. There’s no paperwork (other than our agreement) to contend with, no solicitors, estate agents or tax calculations. There is very little disruption to your main living area because we’re tucked away working in the garage. Apart from the odd cup of tea, you’ll barely know we’re there! By comparison, a house move will take anywhere between six months to a year of stress, uncertainty and disruption.

Finally the number one reason people choose to move home in the UK is they want more space. Often the emotional wrench of leaving friends, family, schools and neighbours behind is tough. Again, a garage conversion lets you expand into your own home, surrounded by the people and things you love.

If you find yourself needing more space then consider a garage conversion as an alternative to moving home. Low stress, quick and efficient and the added bonus of adding value to your home.

Curb Appeal

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Curb appeal can make a huge difference to the value of your home. Not only can a garage conversion offer you more space inside but it can vastly improve the aesthetic from the outside too. Large metal garage doors are not always the prettiest addition to the front elevation and most people prefer the neat, co-ordinated look that comes with a garage conversion.

Research conducted by Evolution Money shows that 93% of people pass judgement on a property based purely on how it looks from the outside. Whilst a fresh coat of paint and a well maintained garden are crucial to creating a good first impression, a well executed garage conversion has the power to improve a home’s curb appeal and value. It makes the living space look bigger, it neatens the aesthetic and creates continuity, with matching windows and brickwork.

At Midland Garage Conversions we seamlessly blend the existing house and your conversion so you would never know it was once a garage. We have the windows custom made, the brickwork is matched perfectly and any decoration such as cills are handmade to fit. This improves and enhances the front view considerably. Take a look at our portfolio for some examples.

Can I Create a Granny Annexe with my Garage Space?

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With adequate room the short answer is yes. This is a common conversion as ageing parents or family members may need to move in to be supported yet independent.  Having a self contained living area within your home for them eases concerns around isolation, falls, mobility and general well-being.

Deterioration in the health of a family member can be extremely stressful and private care and sheltered living arrangements are sparse in some areas. Some of the challenges can be mitigated by converting your unused space in your garage to a self contained but connected unit.

We can usually fit in a bedroom, a shower room and toilet, a small living area and even a small kitchen area if the size permits.  This means no stairs to use the bathroom facilities, everything you need within an easy distance and the support and care of your family within the same building. For the family too, the peace of mind of being able to pop your head round the door to make sure your vulnerable relative is safe and well is invaluable.

We can also adapt the garage for living space downstairs for a current member of the household who has had a change in circumstances such a progressive illness or sudden loss of mobility.  In this instance we usually create a spacious bedroom and bathroom then connect the garage with the rest of the house so it becomes a straightforward downstairs bedroom with an ensuite. 

With certain disabilities or conditions there are also grants or tax advantages available to help you adapt your home.

If you are considering your options in the face of disability or mobility issues then give us a call for a free, no obligation chat.

How to Choose Your Contractor

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There are a number of factors to consider when choosing your contractor. Most people want rapport, professionalism and trust as well as top quality workmanship. Here are some key things to look for when choosing who would work best for you.

  1. Don’t automatically choose the cheapest. Look in detail at the quote in full. Be wary of anyone who offers a cheap quote but misses vital elements out which will come later as extras e.g. VAT, building control fees etc
  2. Always check examples of previous projects. The best way to understand the quality of the work is to see it. Don’t be afraid to request a visit to a completed job. Your contractor should be happy for you to talk with previous clients openly about their work and the process.
  3. Check for testimonials. They should be able to provide recent, legitimate reviews of their work and explain the details of the job to you.
  4. Meet with them beforehand to see if you genuinely get along. Any garage conversion will mean at least a few weeks of strangers in and out of your home. During the process there may be obstacles to overcome or decisions to make and you need to be sure that your personalites work well together and you are happy to have them in your home for weeks.
  5. Be flexible with dates if you can. Although you may be excited to get the work started it is always best to wait for the right firm, rather than rush and use the wrong people. You will probably have to wait weeks or even months for some contractors but getting the job done properly by the right team will ultimately be far more important than the timing.

Understanding Building Regulations

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Building regulations are a set of requirements laid down by parliament to ensure that building work is carried out to approved standards. The considerations for these standards fall into various categories including the health safety and welfare of people in and around buildings and the conservation of fuel and energy within buildings.

As a homeowner, building regulations are there to protect you, other people and the property itself.

For a garage conversion, building regulations affect things like fire doors, vents, window and door openings. Each of these will have a standard applied which must be adhered to in order for the work to be signed off and certified. Years of research and experience goes into the building regulations to ensure the safety of the people using the buildings.

Regulation also applies to energy performance markers such as minimum insulation requirements. This protects you and the environment and these regulations are regularly updated to align with the government energy efficiency targets.

It is very rare that a garage conversion will not require building control sign off so always ensure this is part of your contractor’s pricing. They should guarantee adherence to the regulations and certification at the end as part of your contract.

Top 5 Questions To Ask Before Your Convert Your Garage

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Is Your Garage Suitable?

Firstly you should ensure that converting your garage will not create any problems for you. Have you got somewhere safe to store the belongings you keep in the garage? Do you park your car there and if so, do you have a viable alternative? For most people the space in the garage is underused and the property kept in there will fit easily into a garden shed or similar.

The second consideration is the layout. Is it attached to the main house? Will you be looking to create a bigger open plan space or just a door through to your new room? Will there still be outside access? Most garages follow a straightforward format and are easily absorbed into the the main fabric of the house but if you’re unsure then talk it through with your garage conversion specialist.

Do I need Building Control?

Usually, yes you do. In the vast majority of cases building control will be required. What this means is a certified building control officer will make an application to the council on your behalf. They will then inspect the works periodically and perform a final inspection at the end, after which you will receive your official building control certification. Your garage conversion specialist should liaise directly with the building control officers throughout the whole build to ensure all specifications and requirements are adhered to before the conversion is complete.

What other permissions do I need?

It is rare to need planning permission for a garage conversion but it is your responsibility to check with your local authority. For the most part it falls within permitted development rights and does not require planning. You should also check there are no restricted covenants on your home, although you can often overcome these for a small fee. A good contractor should be able to advise you on how to check if any of these apply to your project.

Will it add value?

Invariably the answer is yes. A habitable living space is of course more valuable than an unlivable storage space. Once you consider the cost of the conversion against the increase in value you usually find about a 25% uplift from the amount spent. Because it’s a lot cheaper than an equivalent sized extension it’s a very cost effective way to add both value and space to your home.

How do I choose my contractor?

Whilst it is possible to project manage individual trades yourself it would be advisable to get an expert in to quote for the whole project. Your contractor should have specific experience of garage conversions. They need to be completely up to date with current legislation, able to make suggestions and overcome any hitches along the way. We’d recommend someone who will deal with all the building control and electrical certification. Make sure your quote covers everything (including VAT) and is broken down into individual elements with a clear description of each stage and what it involves. If a quote is a page long it’s really not enough. Your contractor should be willing and able to answer any questions and be totally transparent about the contract before you sign.

What Can I Achieve In My Space?

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Firstly, it’s probably more than you think. When the garage is full of bikes, cement and tools it’s hard to see clearly how much space you have.

In the UK most modern houses are built with either a single or double garage. As a rule of thumb these are usually 2.5m x 5m and 5m x 5m respectively. These are both good sizes and give you plenty of space to work with.

In a single garage you can comfortably fit in a new bedroom with a small ensuite at the back. Alternatively there’s plenty of space to create an office or playroom while retaining a section at the back for utility space. You can also knock through from the main house to really open up a grand kitchen and dining space.

For a double garage you have many options. You can create a modest self contained living space, with a shower room, bedroom and small kitchen/living area. We’ve installed cinema rooms and studios or some people choose a complete house redesign. You can use the large garage as a new kitchen and dining area and utilise the previous kitchen for more living space.

By completely integrating the garage into the rest of the house we can seamlessly expand your living space and increase the value of your home. As well as getting the space up to the same standard or higher in terms of insulation and warmth we also make sure the aesthetics match. From a perfect brick and window match for the outside, to ensuring we give you the same doors, architrave and skirting boards inside, we always make sure you’d never know the garage was ever there. This gives you the same potential as an extension without the associated upheaval and cost.

Having converted over 300 garages we have experienced of all sorts of ideas, big and small. You bring the ideas and we make it happen.