If you're in dire need of additional space in your home and you're considering converting your garage into an extra room, here are a few tips which should help you with this process.

Replace the door

Replacing the garage door is an essential step in any garage conversion, both for practical and aesthetic reasons.  A typical aluminium roller door which needs to be pulled up and down will detract from the appearance of the new living space and also serve as a somewhat inconvenient and cumbersome method of entering and exiting the room.

Instead of having a door with an overhead hinge, it might be better to choose a side-hinged model, which will not only be easier to use but also considerably more attractive than a traditionally-hinged model. Because its appearance is similar to that of a standard interior door, it will also help to make the room feel like a 'real' living space, rather than just a garage with furniture in it.

To ensure that the space has an adequate amount of natural lighting, you should opt for a garage door with window panels. Whilst you can choose have windows installed into the roof or walls of the garage instead, these structural changes are a lot more complex and costly than simply purchasing a door with built-in windows.

In terms of materials, solid timber is an excellent choice for garage conversions; in addition to being visually appealing, it's also durable and a natural insulator (the latter is a particularly important point to keep in mind, as garages can be prone to dampness).

Speak to a garage door service company in your area about what type of door would best suit your needs; they may have specific styles in stock which will work well with the architectural design of your house.

Understand the importance of aesthetic continuity

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when converting their garages is failing to prioritise aesthetic continuity; this usually leaves them with an extra room that looks completely out of place and thus spoils the overall look of their property.  Ideally, the living space you create should blend in seamlessly with the construction style and decorative theme of your home. In short, it should look as though it has always been a part of the house.

To achieve this, evaluate your existing property; make note of the general colour palettes and style of materials used.  If you have a mostly neutral colour scheme in your home, it's best to stick to neutral tones in your converted garage too. Likewise, if your home is quite old and has a number of historic features, such as hardwood floors or ornate cornices, for example, try to incorporate a similar feature or pattern into your new space.   If you do decide to use wooden flooring in your garage, it's important to note that, if the existing floor is made of concrete, you will need to apply a liquid damp-proofing membrane to prevent the wood from warping or rotting.

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