Garage Conversions

Cost effective space

Most garages whether part of your existing home or as a stand-alone structure are mainly used as an overflow storage space to the main home. If you free up this space, your garage could be transformed into valuable living space.  We have converted numerous garages throughout Dublin and Wicklow and have witnessed first-hand the benefits this type of conversion can offer homeowner(s).

When compared to the cost of a typical new extension, converting your garage can prove to be a cost-effective way of creating much needed additional living space.  We have converted garages to create various types of living spaces.

Valuable living space

For some, we have future-proofed their home by incorporating a new downstairs bedroom with en-suite and for others we have created a home office and playroom that has proved invaluable to our customers.  We have converted some garages to include a new well thought out utility space and organised storage and of course we have converted garages to create a self-contained independent living space.  There are endless options available to suit your way of living, however the key to a clever garage conversion is in the planning. 

A well planned and successful garage conversion will not only dramatically increase the value of your home, but it will allow you to enjoy the additional useable space – without the need to extend. Not all garage spaces are the same, but generally they can be similar.  For example, most usually lack insulation (if any), sufficient natural light and in many you might locate the main house boiler or fuse board here. With careful design consideration, you would be amazed with how we can optimise these spaces.

Conversion process

Once we survey your garage, depending on your proposed budget, we can guide you on the various options available to you.  We will look at the roof and floor structure and consider how best to insulate these spaces and solutions to provide sufficient natural light.  We will carefully consider what services are readily available in this space and if how we can introduce new services as required.

For some conversions, we may suggest raising the height of the floor and/or raising the height of the roof.  We may suggest the introduction of roof lights or new window(s) or door.

How much can a typical garage conversion cost?

The cost of converting a garage will depend on some key determining factors. Not all garages are the same in terms of size, the services that are readily available and their overall structure.  Your plans for your conversion will have a significant impact on the overall budget.  For example, a simple new playroom or home office is going to require less outlay than that of a new utility or wet room in this space. For a simple straight forward garage conversion to a high standard, it could be anything in the region of €20K - €30K and for something more elaborate in terms of scale and finishes it could more in the region of €30K - €50K.

Is planning permission required to convert my garage?

You should have a conversation with your local authority regarding possible planning implications. If you are proposing any changes to the front of your garage, for example replacing the garage door with a window or door and if this is clearly visible from a public road - planning permission may be required.  Likewise, if you were consider altering the roof structure (raising it) or incorporating windows into the side where you have a neighboring property – it is advisable that you discuss this with your local authority. If you are planning on changing the use, for example making this living space, you should also discuss "change of use" of your garage with your local planning authority as the original grant of planning was more than likely for use as a garage only.  These types of planning permits are normally processed much quicker than that of a standard planning application.

How long will it take to convert a garage?

Once we have carefully considered the design and layout of your garage conversion, our team could typically turn it around in two to four weeks depending on the scale and specification of same.

For more on Garage Conversions check out our useful garage conversion tips and ideas blog post