Common Mistakes Made When Renovating a Garage

There are a few frequent errors that are made when renovating garages. When it comes to renovating, there are a few parts of your home that generally receive more attention than others. For instance, homeowners frequently undertake fixer-upper tasks in the kitchen and bathroom because those rooms’ appliances and fixtures tend to seem noticeably out of date with time. 

Most of the time, there is another section of your house that could use a substantial makeover and would greatly increase the value of your home if you ever decide to sell it. I'm addressing the garage. In addition to increasing your home’s value, converting your garage into a usable space will help you fulfil the demands of contemporary living. Nowadays, the floor designs of the majority of new constructions include a study, media room, gaming room, rumpus room, or teenage retreat as standard additions. 

Cost of renovating a garage in the UK 2023

The price of garage conversion varies based on the details of your garage space. Meanwhile, Santander calculates that the average conversion, including plastering and décor, costs about £6,300. A garage conversion should cost between £5,000 and £10,000.

Factors determining the price on average for a garage renovation

• The foundation has to be strengthened
• Walls, floors and roof are in poor condition
• There will need to be an increase in ceiling height
• Applications for planning 
• Insulation needed in newer builds
• Outdoor versus internal garages – Internal garages utilise far less material because two of the walls are already part of the house. 

Building Control

Check to see if you require building control. Almost always, you will. Any reputable builder will take care of this for you, but if someone tells you that you don’t need it, proceed with extreme caution. If you plan to convert your garage into a living space, you must adhere to building control laws. A good quality builder will have their own solid relationships with the neighbourhood building control officials, and this is typically all included in the quote. At the end of your renovation, you should anticipate receiving a building control certificate as well as frequent inspections. 

Be sure to spend money wisely on insulation. Most garages have two or three exterior walls, which makes them vulnerable to frigid temperatures. Building codes will already require a high level of insulation (and all builders should be following them), but if increasing this amount is advised, do so. With lower heating expenditures, the initial cost of the insulation will be soon repaid. Additional insulation cannot be added as easily as it may be done during construction. 

Don’t undervalue the price

Your contractors must clearly and completely disclose all of the costs in their quote, including VAT, building control approval, all materials, and labour. Short quotes with scant information should raise red flags. The quote is a crucial document because it typically serves as the foundation of the contract. It is important to understand exactly what is and is not included. Before starting the job, your contractor should answer any questions you may have. An alarm should be raised if a quote is much lower than others. 

Do-It-Yourself

Don’t assume you can complete it on your own. There is a lot more work involved than most people realise, therefore friends, family, or DIYers should not attempt it. Wiring, plumbing, plastering, drainage, and health and safety laws must all be met. Typically, there will be tasks like wiring and gas work that can only be completed by a qualified individual. In the end, you’ll spend more money and take far longer than hiring a professional. 

Consider your options

Consider your options thoroughly before making a selection; don’t make hasty choices. You must determine why you require more room and the most effective way to do so. You might wish to take down walls to make an open-concept kitchen or build a modest bathroom to an additional bedroom. Any suggestions you may have, you should thoroughly go over them with your contractor. They ought to have a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share.