When you are in need of some additional living space in your home, then you should consider doing an attic or a garage conversion. Apart from being a very attractive and functional solution, these conversions also come as highly cost-effective home remodelling projects.
Creating a new room out of a previously unused space or out of a space that was used for another, less important purpose, can breathe new life into your entire home and completely transform the way you live.
You can gain more space by simply repurposing the space you already have.
However, garage and attic conversions are also projects that require careful planning as they can include serious and important aspects such as heating, insulation, floors, etc.
Therefore, before you start off with your project, ask yourself the following questions and make sure that everything goes according to plan.
1. Is an Attic or a Garage Conversion a Good Idea for You?
The first and most important question to consider is whether or not this conversion project is a good idea for you and your home.
Naturally, most homeowners will answer “yes” without hesitation. However, in order to really understand the project and be completely honest with yourself, there are several aspects that can help you determine if the conversion is a good option or not.
When it comes to a garage conversion, it will be a good option if you have proper storage and parking space available elsewhere. You have to keep in mind that if you have a car, you have to think about other parking options and whether losing the existing garage space will be worth it.
Another important thing to consider is the plumbing. This will depend mostly on the type of room you plan to have. If you are converting your attic or a garage into a kitchen or a bathroom, then the first thing to do is contact a professional and determine whether you can add plumbing lines and whether this will fit into your budget.
Apply similar principles when considering heating and cooling needs. Will your existing HVAC system be able to cover the new space or will you have to install an additional one? Will it fit into your budget?
Finally, once you’ve covered the specifics and the functionality of your project, think about it in general terms and consider everything that you will be losing and gaining with this converted space to see whether or not it is worth it.
2. Do You Need a Permit or a Planning Permission?
Once you have decided that additional living space is important or if you need it for some specific reasons, the next step is to inquire whether or not you will need a permit or a planning/building permission for the renovation project.
Your building specialists and contractors will be able to help you with this step or even take care of it completely, but it is important for you to know it as well so that you can double check it and, eventually, pay for it.
Attic and garage conversion project sometimes require building permits and sometimes they don’t. It will largely depend on your area and the type and extent of your conversion. The important thing to emphasize here is that you should never assume anything or start building before you’ve found out, as you can be faced with heavy fines.
Building codes and local ordinances usually outline the number of exits that are needed in spaces of specific sizes, the height of ceilings, number of windows, outlets, and similar aspects, depending on the project. If your space can meet all the requirements then you will have no problem in acquiring the permit.
Once you have your permit in hand, you and your building contractors can start working on your conversion.
3. What Kind of Room Do You Want?
An important thing to resolve and determine is what kind of space you want to create. What do you need or for whom do you need it?
Do your kids need a playroom or a study room? Do you need an additional bathroom, a workspace for yourself, an art studio, office?
The good thing about attic and garage conversion is that they can be completely customized to your needs and wishes into a space of your choosing.
But you have to choose it and plan it all out before the conversion starts, so that the project can start and move smoothly, so that the contractors can give you an accurate estimate, and so that they can purchase all the materials they need.
4. Will the Conversion Add Value to Your Home?
Adding more living space and functional space in your home will undoubtedly add value to your home. It is one of the most cost-effective home renovation projects that increase the resale value of your property.
When talking about it in terms of selling and buying the property, potential homebuyers will be willing to pay more money for a home with more living and usable space, i.e. you can increase your asking price based on that.
The only time the conversion will not add value to your home is if it’s not done according to building codes and local ordinances, i.e. when you have not obtained the proper permits. Therefore, in order to avoid additional expenses, fines, and wasted money, always make sure to acquire the needed permits.
5. Can You Afford It?
The financial aspect of any home remodelling project is always the toughest and most complex one. We have to weigh everything into the decision of converting a space and decide whether it will pay off and determine if we have the needed budget.
The good news is that with careful planning and budgeting, you will most likely be able to afford it. The most important thing is to create a list of priorities, outline each step of the project, and assign the needed amount of money to it.
This way, you will be in control of your budget and always know where you stand and how much you can afford to spend. The money will be allocated wisely and you will spend it according to plan.
Conclusion
If you have successfully answered these questions and if you are satisfied with your answers, then you are more than ready to start your attic or garage conversion. You probably already have a plan in your head and now you can start turning it into reality.
Contact your best garage and attic conversion company in Dublin and let’s create a beautiful and functional new space together.