Did you know that a garage conversion is probably the cheapest way of extending your home in Lyme Regis? And if your garage is sitting empty, it makes sense to transform it into usable space!
Of the approximately eleven million garages in the UK, more than half are never used to store a car - which is, after all, their primary purpose. Instead, most become a storage space for lawnmowers, tools, bikes, and all the old junk that can't be stored elsewhere.
So, why not take the plunge and create more living space with a stunning garage conversion from Loft Crew?
Our amazing Lyme Regis team is always ready to fill in the details, but you'll find most of what you need to know right here.
A converted garage is a fantastic method of increasing floor space on a budget. This in itself is incentive enough for thousands of people to take the plunge and choose a garage conversion, although there are a whole load of other positives to consider:
With benefits like this, it's easy to understand why thousands of Lyme Regis homeowners are choosing to turn their garage into a habitable space!
See why hundreds have trusted us with their loft conversions. Minimal disruption, maximum satisfaction.
So, you want more space, but you're not sure what you can use your garage conversion for?
The beauty of this method is that this is an opportunity to redesign and reconfigure your home. This is the time to let your imagination flow! If you need some inspiration, here are just a few brilliant garage conversion ideas to get you started:
Escape the clutter of the kitchen or dining room table and step into a dedicated space designed for peak concentration. Built-in shelves keep your paperwork organised, while natural light floods through new windows, boosting your mood and energy levels. Say goodbye to distractions and hello to a stunning, streamlined workspace that encourages efficiency and accomplishment.
Let your artistic spirit soar in a beautiful space designed to inspire. Imagine pottery wheels humming, sewing machines whirring, and paintbrushes swirling across the canvas. Proper ventilation draws away any creative dust or fumes, while clever storage solutions keep chaos well under control. This is your personal realm, where you can express yourself and enjoy your freedom!
Forget the limitations of your living room TV! Plush armchairs beckon you into a world of cinematic immersion. A projector screen paints larger-than-life images on the wall, while surround sound engulfs you in the action. Prepare the popcorn and get ready for a night at the cinema, without leaving your home!
Whether you've got kids or you're just young at heart, a games room is the perfect addition! You could add a pool table, dart board, games console and gaming chairs, a comfy board game area - whatever takes your fancy! For a grown-up twist, how about putting in a home bar in your new living space?
Ditch the crowded gym and create a sanctuary tailored to your fitness goals. Fill this space with all your favourite equipment; treadmills, rowing machines, weights, and yoga mats – let your imagination go! This is your personal fitness haven, so you make the rules. After a hard workout session, you could use your new shower room to freshen up.
How about an impressive dining space to show off to your friends? It's a popular garage conversion idea, creating a separate room for entertaining guests or enjoying a family get-together. Imagine this room filled with laughter and conversation as you play the perfect host!
Use your new space to create that beautiful kitchen you always dreamed of! Sleek cabinets and long counters offer ample room for culinary creativity. Ambient lighting adds to the seductiveness and sensory experience, along with soft music from hidden speakers.
Finally, a practical space to deal with those domestic chores! Hide the laundry, washing machine, drier, clothes airers, etc. in this handy new room where they can be contained. No more wet washing or dirty laundry making the house damp or untidy.
Imagine carving out a personal oasis, a refuge from the daily hustle. Picture a spa-inspired haven bathed in soothing, ambient lighting, where a luxurious bathtub beckons you to unwind. Calming decor melts away stress, and the gentle hum of relaxation fills the air. This is your sanctuary, a space for quiet moments and self-care rituals, where you can chill out and be yourself.
Welcome friends and loved ones with open arms and offer them a haven away from home. Imagine a self-contained guest bedroom, complete with a plush bed for restful nights, a private en suite bathroom for convenience, and ample storage for their belongings. The beautiful design and elegant decor create a warm and inviting atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression of your hospitality.
With our ingenuity and your ideas, we will create a space that adapts to your ever-changing needs. This could include fold-away beds that tuck away seamlessly, modular furniture that reconfigures effortlessly, and designated areas for work, hobbies, or relaxation. This is your dynamic, flexible, liveable space, where one moment you're immersed in creative pursuits, the next you're unwinding with a good book, and all without ever leaving your door!
Treat your children to a space of their own, where fun and creativity reign. This is a dedicated playroom brimming with possibilities; climbing structures promise daring adventures, forts become secret hideaways, and ample storage keeps the fun organised. This is their domain, a land of endless possibilities where childhood memories are made, and little minds are inspired.
These suggestions should spark your imagination and get you thinking about how you can make the most of this valuable extra space.
While many garage conversions fall under Permitted Development, meaning you don't need formal permission to convert it into a habitable room, there are several factors to consider.
Windows are usually allowed under the Permitted Development rights, but they should generally be situated in the section where the garage door used to be.
While this information provides a general overview, every project is unique. With our extensive experience in this field, Loft Crew will guide you through the entire planning process as smoothly as possible as part of our garage conversion service.
The average cost to convert a garage in Lyme Regis can vary significantly depending on several factors, but here's a general breakdown:
Garage conversion costs range between £10,000 and £20,000, with an average of about £13,500.
Let's see how this compares to other options in terms of price, along with their advantages and disadvantages:
Partial garage conversions transform just a portion of your garage into a new usable space, leaving the remaining area for its original purpose or another designated use. This versatile option unlocks valuable space while retaining some garage functionality.
Benefits:
Potential drawbacks:
Examples:
It's important to understand the implications relating to the type of garage you have - that is, whether it's a detached garage or an attached garage. Also, is it an integral garage or simply attached to the side of the house? Is it a double garage or a single one?
All of this makes a difference to what you can achieve when converting a garage, and may also affect the overall cost, as well as the value you can add to your property.
Here's a quick guide to the different types and how they may impact your garage conversion project.
Size: Typically 12-16 square metres (130-170 sq ft), providing space for one car and limited storage.
A standalone structure or part of a building, usually with a single-bay garage door accessed from the front.
Benefits of single garage conversions:
Size: Typically 24-32 square metres (260-350 sq ft), accommodating two cars with additional storage or workshop area.
Similar to single garages but wider, often found in larger homes or semi-detached houses.
Benefits of double garage conversions:
Size: Varies greatly, ranging from single-bay to multi-car models offering ample space.
Stands alone, separate from the main house, often with a driveway for access.
Benefits of detached garage conversions:
Size: Varies depending on design, typically smaller than detached garages (12-20 square metres).
Shares one or more walls with the main house, often with direct access through a door to the kitchen or utility room.
Benefits of attached garage conversions:
Size: Similar to attached garages but built directly into the main house structure.
These feel like part of the house, often with internal access points and shared utilities.
Benefits of integral garage conversions:
If you need advice about any of these aspects, we are here to answer your questions.
Converting a garage with Loft Crew couldn't be easier - just contact our Lyme Regis team for a chat about your project, and we'll get started.
Here's a breakdown of how the process usually goes...
Design Stages
We begin with a free consultation, where we listen to your ideas, needs, and budget. We discuss potential layouts, functionalities, and material choices, tailoring a design that surpasses your expectations.
Planning Process
Don't worry about navigating complex regulations and planning permissions! Our experienced team handles everything, ensuring your project adheres to local guidelines and secures necessary approvals swiftly.
Transformation
With careful planning and skilled craftsmanship, our qualified professionals bring your dream to life. Here's what the construction process typically entails:
Demolition & Structural Work
Foundations & Drainage
Ensuring robust foundations and proper drainage systems are in place for long-lasting quality. This may involve adding new foundations or adapting existing ones, if necessary.
Walls & Insulation
Roofing & Waterproofing
Flooring & Electrical Work
Windows & Doors
Finishing Touches
We collaborate with you to select beautiful finishes, fixtures, and fittings that reflect your personality and enhance the space's functionality.
Finally, our after-care support ensures you enjoy your new space worry-free for years to come!
Attached garage conversions (and even detached garage conversions) offer the possibility of adding even more space to your home in the future by building another storey on top. This offers enormous potential for expansion, adding even more value to your home - provided you use a reputable company, like Loft Crew.
However, there are some points to consider before going down this route:
Structural Feasibility
Construction Methods
Several methods can be used to add an upper storey:
Key Steps Involved
Converting a garage yourself is a great option if you're on a tight budget, but there are several issues to watch out for to ensure a safe and successful garage conversion project:
Regulations and Planning Permission
Safety And Insurance
Financial Considerations
Additional Factors
Remember, while DIY garage conversions can be rewarding, they require thorough planning, realistic expectations, and a commitment to safety and quality. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and don't hesitate to seek professional help when needed.
We understand that many people need more space, but they don't want the hassle of moving house.
That's why upgrading your existing house makes so much sense! And with Loft Crew, it becomes a real possibility.
Many of our customers ask the question, "Will a garage conversion add value?".
And our reply is always the same: Yes, in terms of monetary value, and quality of life!
Both are equally important, and most garage conversions - if handled properly - will enhance your life in ways you hadn't imagined.
Why not contact the Loft Crew Lyme Regis team today to find out for yourself?
Converting your garage into living space can provide additional room for your family, increase property value, and offer a creative outlet for home design.
The cost of a garage conversion in the UK varies but typically ranges from £5,000 to £20,000, depending on the project's complexity and finishes.
Planning permission for garage conversions in the UK is not always required; however, it's important to check local regulations as permitted development rights can vary.
A garage conversion can take from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the project's scale and complexity.
Converting your garage can increase your property value by up to 20%, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking to sell in the future.
Popular garage conversion ideas include creating a home office, bedroom, gym, or additional living space, tailored to meet your personal needs or lifestyle.