Converting a garage into living space: what should you consider?

Converting a garage into living space is a smart way to gain extra room without building an extension. An attached garage already has foundations, walls and a roof. Even so, it is more than just closing up the door. A garage is often uninsulated, the floor is lower than in the house and there is little daylight. The use also changes, and the council may have a view on that. With the right approach, the garage becomes a warm bedroom, study or home office.

Do you need a permit to convert a garage?

The alteration itself is often permit free, especially if the external dimensions stay the same. The use, however, changes from storage to living space. Whether that is allowed is set out in your council's environmental plan. Sometimes an environmental permit is needed for it, particularly with a detached garage.

If you replace the garage door with a wall and a frame, the appearance changes as well. At the front, the council may set requirements for that. Read more in the permit for a renovation and check in the Omgevingsloket.

How do you insulate a garage into a warm room?

A garage is usually built as an unheated space. Floor, walls and roof have little or no insulation. For living space the building envelope has to reach the level the building rules require for a renovation. In practice that means insulating the floor, walls and roof.

With a single-skin wall, an insulated stud wall is often added on the inside. The roof is insulated on the inside or outside. You can read more background in insulating an extension and sustainable renovation and insulation.

• Insulate the floor and raise it to the level of the house
• Insulated stud wall against single-skin walls
• Insulate the roof and recover it where needed
• Airtight finish, with attention to the junctions

What happens to the garage door?

The garage door usually makes way for a wall with a window or a frame with a door. The brickwork is filled in with a brick that matches the house. Afterwards it looks as though it has always been that way.

The new frame brings daylight into the room, which a habitable room needs. We fit it in uPVC, timber or aluminium, see window and door frames.

What should you watch with the floor, ventilation and services?

The garage floor is often lower than the floor of the house and sometimes slopes towards the door. An insulated screed brings everything to one level, without a step. That is also the moment to include underfloor heating or pipework.

Living space needs ventilation, for example through vents in the frame and an extract. Also think about heating, extra sockets and lighting. That way it becomes a proper room rather than a tidied-up storage space.

When is converting a garage into living space smarter than extending?

Converting is often quicker and cheaper than building a new garage or extension, because the foundations and walls are already there. You do give up storage space. Where will the bikes, the tools or the car go? Think about that in advance.

If you want more space than the garage offers, a combination with an extension or a renovation of the house can be the answer. We are happy to look at what suits your budget best.

Frequently asked questions