Converting your garage into an office

Having a home office was once the stuff of luxury but has now become essential for the many people who work from home. Converting a garage is ideal for properties with limited space. It could be the perfect location for your home office if your garage is used more as a storage area (or dumping ground) than a place to safely park the vehicle.

Keeping work and home life separate

Separating living and work areas

It is useful to separate the living and working areas by converting a garage. The garage is located away from the main living area, so the TV will not bother you while you work. It is usually cheaper to convert a garage than build a new addition because the structure is already in place. It won’t take up any garden space. Start by clearing out your garage so you can get a better sense of its size. For Exeter Builders, visit www.silverferndevelopments.co.uk/exeter-builders

Checking the garage is structurally sound

Ensure it is structurally sound

A surveyor or architect can tell you if your garage is ready to be converted, based on the condition of its walls, roof, and foundations. It may be more cost-effective to demolish and rebuild if the garage is too old or poorly constructed. It is okay if your garage was built of brick or block and it’s structurally sound. However, you will need to fit out the interior. Garages aren’t usually intended to be habitable. They are usually built with a brick or block wall that is only one skin thick and does not have insulation. The walls must be plasterboarded, insulated, and decorated to convert them into a home-office. It is also necessary to check the footings to ensure they are in good condition.

Planning services early

Plan your heating, plumbing and electrical systems early

Plan your lighting, heating and electrical systems carefully to ensure your home office will be comfortable throughout the year. If you plan to install a shower, toilet or basin, make sure to include hot and cold water supply.

Summary

Looks at converting a garage into a home office, noting the benefits of separating work from living space and the lower cost compared with building a new extension, the importance of having a surveyor or architect check the garage’s walls, roof and foundations are sound before converting, and the need to plan heating, plumbing and electrics early.

Questions this article raises

• How much does a typical garage-to-office conversion cost compared with an extension?
• What planning permission is needed to convert a garage into a home office?
• How is a garage conversion insulated to a comfortable working standard?