Claire Pigeon

If you are converting your garage you will no doubt want to create a living space with plenty of light. Our recommendation is to brick up the lower half of the opening and add a large window at the front of the conversion. We match the bricks and windows perfectly to your existing home. By doing this you not only create curb appeal but you allow plenty of natural light into your new room.

Evidence suggests natural light contributes to an increase in productivity at work and a reduction to the risk of seasonal affective disorder. It is also easier on our eyes, giving us a healthier environment to work or live in. If you convert into a living area or bedroom it enhances the space enormously to have plenty of natural light flowing in. Not only does it make the room look bigger and more airy but it adds significant value on resale. We therefore highly recommend creating a matching window at the front of your garage to achieve all these benefits.

A recent study by the RAC stated that at least half of Britons never use their garage to park a car. Anecdotally we estimate the figure to be higher. Four in ten said they could not get their vehicle in because it was so full of junk.

The RAC considers one of the reasons to be the nature of modern cars. They are no longer so prone to rust from the elements and rarely do we have problems starting them in the morning anymore. With that in mind, most people just end up filling their garage with the overspill from their home and garden.

When making the choice between a beautiful extra room and finding another home for their clutter, most people will make the effort to have a clear out. Tools and bikes can go in a garden shed or outdoor storage cabinet. The rest is usually nothing we really need. With that in mind of you told most people they could add somewhere between 10 and 20% value on their home by converting their garage it seems a very sensible option.

A garage conversion usually falls into the category of permitted development. Permitted development rights allow householders to improve and extend their homes without the need to apply for planning permission. While the vast majority of our clients fall into this category, you will need to check there are no planning conditions attached to the use of the garage before you proceed. You will also need to check you are not in a conservation area or a listed building. Finally, if it is a stand alone garage you may need to apply for a change of use. 

Permitted developments still fall under the remit of building control and as such you will need to meet the building control criteria. This includes making a building control application, building to all current regulations and passing inspections to achieve final certification. We take care of all this for you and we ensure your project is certified at the end. This is all included in our quotation price.