Grant Crossley: The Garage vs Extra Living Space
In the fourth of his series, Grant Crossley chats about the two outer-suburban heavyweights, The Garage vs Extra Living Space
Garage or Ga-raaage as our Yankee chums would likely pronounce it, so they say, had originated from the French term ‘Garer’; meaning to shelter.
The structures, often but not always attached to the house, are traditionally built using basic construction techniques, and initially designed for keeping the car safe at night.
But more often than not I’ve found the space within is wasted and neglected – honestly, the number of homes I’ve inspected and I don’t ever recall seeing a car parked in the garage!
With cars so big these days, a garage is usually no longer adequate for parking a vehicle in. As a result, the space has evolved into a household dumping ground; jam-packed with bric-a-brac, empty paint pots, damaged garden furniture and occasionally the other-half’s make-shift workshop – all festering amongst the cobwebs.
If you can easily park on the street then converting your garage from a wasted space into a habitable room may be an economical way to add value to your home and increase its footprint. [Before you think about conversion, speak with your local estate agent to establish whether the conversion would increase or on the other hand decrease the value of your property].
Here are my tips on how to transform your neglected garage into your own grand design:
Pull on those Marigolds
Stop being a hoarder. If Kim and Aggie can do it, so can you. Pull on those Marigolds and have a good spring clean – you will be surprised by the amount of space you’ve got.
Plan how to use your space
Think about how you and your family would benefit from the extra living space. For example, do you need a larger kitchen, utility room, additional bedroom, games room or home office?
Call in the professionals
Again, hire a local Chartered Surveyor or Architect. They will assist in the preparation of architectural drawings, advise on budget costs, prepare schedules of work, and obtain the necessary Building Regulations and Planning Permission consent.
Another level
If your budget can stretch further, it would be worth considering the option of a two-storey extension. Typically, this would be determined by the location and configuration of your garage, and obviously local authority approval.
Establish a building contractor
Find an established builder that you trust, is reliable, and has a good track record.
For more information surrounding renovation tips, revert to the subject of my earlier column – Grant’s top 10 tips for a successful renovation project.
In summary, if you want to increase extra living space with the potential of adding value to your home? Then think outside the box – there is space beyond your original four walls!
grant_crossley@msn.com
Follow me: @MrGrantCrossley
