Convert the garage

If you have a garage, you already own vital extra space that could be part of your ground-floor plan. A garage can be converted into a separate room, adding living space that could be dedicated to little ones as a playroom, for adult children moving back home, a utility space, home office, or even a home cinema or gym. Equally, it could be used to enlarge current living space or create an open-plan kitchen-diner. A professional will need to assess the garage structure – and its walls, floors and ceiling must be insulated. Dampproofing, wiring, heating and, depending on use, plumbing all need to be in the project plan. Budget from around £20,000, but costs vary depending on how the new space is being joined to the house – a doorway might cost £1,000 but fully integrating with an existing room could be £4,000 – and if the structure needs improving.

Above the owners of this Bath bungalow converted their garage to extend the living space. the kitchen was moved into the former garage, also home to a utility room, leaving more generous space than before for living, dining and a study. the new kitchen...