Do you want to do more with your garage than just park your car and random stuff? In 2024, there are tons of cool things you could turn that neglected space into— plus make it worth more money. You might even say it could become a hotbed for new ideas!

Luckily converting garages is easier than ever these days. Whether you need an extra bedroom or have always dreamed about having a home gym, here are 10 garage conversion ideas for this year!

Kitchen Extension

A popular choice is to convert your garage into an extension of the kitchen. Knocking down walls to enlarge the dining area creates an open-plan living space that many buyers want. This kind of renovation introduces industrial designs and can make your home even more appealing on the market.

When planning such a renovation, it is important to think about thermal performance, flooring options and– if you are making any structural changes– building regulations. If you are moving your kitchen into the garage, remember that plumbing and gas lines will need to be considered as well.

Second Living Room

Another idea is to have a second living room– a creative way for families to use the garage space. Parents will appreciate having two different areas where they can relax or watch TV; children will have somewhere to play (and make as much noise as they like). And when it comes time to sell up and move on, don’t forget: potential buyers might offer more money if there is an extra living room in their new house!

However (just as with the kitchen extension idea), check out what local authority rules apply before starting work on things like walls, windows or doors; electrical installations; gas systems etc. By following rules and guidelines you can make sure your conversion goes smoothly– and is safe.

Home Office

Remote work is on the rise as we head into 2024, with increasing numbers of individuals opting to work from home. So, if you require somewhere peaceful where you can knuckle down and be productive, transforming your garage into a home office could be worth considering.

Having lots of windows will provide plenty of natural daylight so that you don’t feel like you’re toiling away in a dark cave; what’s more, being around such brightness has been shown to promote feelings of happiness as well as aid concentration.

Home Gym

Fitness fanatics or those simply keen to get in shape might like to use their garage for working out in. Turning this space into an exercise area is relatively easy: you can buy the necessary equipment and install it with little fuss.

However, you need to ponder about certain practicalities– for example making sure there are enough plug sockets for everything and perhaps putting in a window or two so that you don’t freeze half to death during winter while feeling too hot and sweaty come summer.

Having your own gym at home removes all those reasons/excuses (like pricey memberships or feeling time-crunched) we come up with for not exercising!

Playroom

Are you tired of stepping on toys all over your house? Maybe your kids need their own space. A playroom is an excellent addition to any home with young children because it lets you create a room specifically for them– where they can play and learn.

Children’s bedrooms often become messy and chaotic as they fill up with toys, books and art supplies. If this sounds familiar, a playroom could be the solution. Apart from keeping their stuff organized, it provides an area where kids can play freely (and sometimes noisily!) without you worrying about them making a mess elsewhere.

Decorating playrooms is great fun. You can paint bright murals on the walls, lay squishy carpets on the floor and fix play equipment to the walls in unusual ways. And when your children grow too old for dolls and toy cars? Well, the same space can turn into a second sitting room for everyone to enjoy!

Home Cinema

How about watching films with surround sound on a big screen in your own living room? It’s possible if you convert your garage into a home cinema– and such a makeover may also impress friends who come round to visit.

However, before starting work on this exciting project though, think carefully about insulation materials that muffle loud noises: you don’t want planes flying overhead to drown out dialogue from ‘dinner party’ scenes. Blackout blinds or curtains are essential for daytime viewing too.

An Annex

Detached garages are becoming increasingly popular in 2024. If you’re looking for some extra space, why not transform yours into a living area separate from the main house? An annex could be perfect for anyone in your household who wants their own room– like older kids or elderly relatives– or if you fancy making money on Airbnb by renting to strangers.

This kind of conversion might be expensive and hard work: getting power and water to an outbuilding is no small job, nor is making sure it’s warm enough in winter. But persevere! When it comes to selling up, estate agents say a smart one could add over £100,000 to the value in sought-after areas such as west London.

Bedroom

Another great use for a garage is creating an extra bedroom. Because they have such simple shapes, these conversions are usually quite easy: think about walls, windows, floors and furniture before anything else. Just bear in mind that lots of plug sockets will mean upgrading your fuse-box too!

Adding a bedroom is one of the most profitable home improvements you can make. However, downstairs ones tend to be worth less than those up a flight of stairs. There is a clever trick though: if possible, fit French windows to the new room so that they open directly into a garden or terrace. Buyers love this feature and might even overlook the fact it isn’t on the first floor– especially if there is nothing but flowerbeds beneath those doors.

Bathroom

Due to the ongoing bathroom shortage in many households, turning your garage into an additional bathroom could be a great idea– especially if you often have visitors. A downstairs loo doesn’t just mean friends and family can powder their noses in private; it also stops your own lot trekking up and down stairs when they need to go. This could cut the number of accidents that happen and save on washing the stair carpets too!

But remember: plumbing is complicated and expensive. So, plan carefully and budget for this if you decide to go ahead. And don’t forget: you’ll probably need a building regulation approval before you can start any construction work (even if a planning permission is not usually required).

Studio

If you fancy doing as little work as possible but want to change your garage to follow your passion, think about creating a studio. The word “studio” covers a lot of different activities– everything from yoga and art through to making things out of wood. Adapting your garage so you can indulge in your passion could give you lots of pleasure and make your free time more enjoyable.

Also, turning a garage into a studio is pretty darn easy! You might even be able to keep the doors as they are if you don’t mind having a space that’s slightly colder than the rest of your home. So, why not have a go at transforming your garage from a place where cars stand around doing nothing much into somewhere you can enjoy your hobby– or hobbies– to the full?

Get in Touch With Us

If you think turning your garage into usable space is a great idea but don’t know how to start, why not contact us? When you get in touch with Architect7, we’ll give you a free consultation.

Our experts will talk about what could be done with the space, tell you how long it might take and give you an idea of the costs– including builders, architects and other professionals. Book your free consultation now and let us help you make the most of your home!