Garage Conversions –  The Endless Possibilities & Things To Consider

Garage conversions are becoming increasingly popular in the UK as they are one of the simplest ways of increasing living space without having to go through the many planning-related hurdles of traditional housing extensions. Garage conversions are also a very economical option with the average conversion costing around £5,000/£6,000 compared to the price of a similar sized extension being roughly about £14,000. With no planning permission required, the possibilities are endless whether you aspire to create an office/study space, gym or even a lounge area. Whatever garage conversion you decide to go for, securing the contents of your new living space is more vital than ever as valuables like computers, TVs, exercise equipment or tools make for an easy win for intruders prepared to use force.

As one of Cardiff and South Wales’ most popular garage door and garage door repair companies, we have helped countless clients secure their new garage conversions with high-quality and reliable door systems.

A garage door that was perfectly adequate when the space was used for parking or storage may behave very differently once the garage becomes an office, gym or other regularly occupied room. Small gaps around the opening, an uneven floor or a poorly sealing bottom edge that previously went unnoticed can become much more obvious when you are trying to retain warmth, reduce draughts and protect valuable equipment inside. Access Garage Doors has years of experience installing, repairing and maintaining garage door systems across Cardiff and South Wales. Our practical experience means our team can assess your existing opening as well as your door itself. Depending on the conversion, factors such as available headroom, threshold condition, automation, insulation, and how frequently your entrance will be used can all influence which door system is appropriate. Double-skinned roller shutters can provide additional insulation and weather resistance, while other layouts may be better suited to sectional or alternative door systems. Considering these details before the conversion is completed can prevent security, access, and thermal-performance problems from becoming expensive alterations later.

 

Using your garage as office space is a great move because the separation between your property and the garage ensures a quiet and peaceful environment for work or study. According to the BBC the number of self-employed workers in the UK has increased from 3.3 million in 2001 to 4.8 million in 2017 prompting a rise in home office conversions. One of the most important aspects of turning a garage into a place of work is lighting. Many garages will have limited natural light, therefore, it is vital that the kind of lighting set-up you choose is conducive to what you are trying to achieve with your garage conversion. For an office or a workshop, we would recommend a cool focused light perhaps either LED or fluorescent. To be productive you need to be comfortable and any garage office space needs to hold on to heat. Double skin roller shutter garage doors have fantastic insulation qualities which can make your office habitable and save you money.

There’s nothing more frustrating than a busy gym where every piece of equipment is in use and you are forced to wait until it becomes available. If you are passionate about fitness then it makes sense to use your garage space as a personalised gym studio complete with weights, cardio machines and floor space. As per office conversions, you will need to consider a similar kind of focus lighting to create the right environment for a good workout. You will also need a rubber matt tiles to create a suitable flooring option. Depending on how many electrically powered machines you wish to use you will also need extra wiring so that your gym has enough plug sockets. Security is also essential and if you are planning your own home gym then you’ll be aware of how much gym equipment costs. For example:

Concept 2 Rowing Machine – £849.99

X3 tier dumbell rack –  £601.99

Bodymax Bar – £200

Kettlebell rack (8 kettlebells) – £599.99

Nordic Track C Treadmill – £599.99

Secure and insulated garage doors are absolutely essential in safeguarding your converted garage living space. To find out more about our range of garage doors visit our website and enquire today. We also provide a reliable garage door maintenance and repair service.