If you’re beginning to outgrow your current home, upping sticks and moving to a larger house isn’t your only option. Instead of relocating, perhaps you should consider converting your garage into something more useful than a haphazard storage area. It’s an often underused space that could be transformed successfully into a spare bedroom, gym, home office, art, creative studio or laundry room.
Flooring
The original floor of your garage is most likely going to be a basic poured concrete which is cold, hard and not necessarily the most attractive. The decision you make about new flooring will largely depend on your budget and whether you plan on laying it yourself or getting professionals in to do the job. If you’re confident with your DIY skills, engineered wood flooring or carpet with underlay are warm and good-looking options.
Heating
Typically, heating wouldn’t have been a consideration when a garage was constructed; the space may not have been included when your home’s central heating was installed. If you’re planning a major refit when converting your garage, installing underfloor heating would be a sensible option. If that seems like too disruptive a task, modern electric radiators that simply plug into a wall socket can be an economical alternative, costing mere pennies per hour to run.
Storage
No matter what you plan to use your garage conversion for, you’ll probably need some quantity of shelving and cupboard space. If you’re creating a laundry room, you’ll want somewhere to store and conceal your iron, ironing board, cleaning products and freshly laundered items. Every home office will need strong and practical shelves for keeping books, files and paperwork in order. A home gym comes with lots of equipment that needs a place to live; skipping ropes, weights, exercise mats and the like. To avoid them becoming tripping hazards, storing them in cupboards or lockers will keep them, and you, safe. If you’ll be storing precious or high-value items, ensure that any garage door repair work has been carried out beforehand.
Lighting
Lighting is the aspect that will ultimately set the mood and atmosphere of your new space; you don’t want to get it wrong. The usual lighting you find in a garage is those harsh fluorescent tube lights. In your new scheme, will you need bright, directional task lighting for craft working? Maybe you want warm up-lighting for a relaxed and chilled vibe. Lighting can be introduced into the room by using ceiling pendant lights, floor standing standard lamps or desk/table lamps with adjustable shades.
Furniture
This will be where you add the finishing touches to your new garage conversion. The primary use of the space will determine the items that will be needed the most. If the plan is for it to be a workspace, you will need a desk or worktop space, filing cabinet and comfortable seating. If it’s going to be a chill out room, a comfy sofa and slouchy bean bags will be top of your shopping list.
And finally, don’t forget those last little decorative details such as wall art, soft furnishings such as curtains & cushions, pottery & glassware and a selection of house plants.
Your old garage, which used to be nothing more than a dumping ground, can be transformed into a beautiful and beneficial space.
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