Converting a Garage into a Living Space in Christchurch

Garage conversions come in all shapes and sizes. Bedrooms, rumpus rooms, extra bedrooms, even fully self-contained flats! But what does it take to get from a cold, damp garage to a cosy, comfortable living area? Let’s explore together!

Is it worth it to convert your garage to a living space?

Whenever you're trying to figure out whether a renovation is worth it or not, you have to consider value in two ways: financially and practically. For example, highly personalised renovations, like a game room or reformer Pilates studio, typically don’t generate as much value financially as more universal ones like an extra bedroom or finished storage space. However, if that’s something that will make a significant difference in your family’s day-to-day life, then its value is immeasurable. 

Garage conversion costs

Converting your garage to a self-contained flat, home office, guest house, or granny flat could cost anywhere from $35,000 to more than $200,000. It depends completely on the scope of your project. 

Increasing your Christchurch property value

While gaining an additional bedroom or extra living space is likely to increase your property’s value, going from garage to income-generating rental unit is the fastest and most effective way to see a return on your investment. 

Garage conversions are different from a typical renovation

Expanding a kitchen or updating a bathroom are fairly straightforward projects (with exceptions, of course). But garage conversions are unique in the sense that you’re taking what is typically a semi-outdoor space and turning it into a warm, habitable, interior living area, and that’s not as simple as putting up GIB and calling it a day. 

Fire safety measures

Changing from a storage or car park facility into a sleep out or guest suite comes with more robust building code requirements, including fire safety measures. 

Energy efficiency

Odds are, energy efficiency was never top of mind when your garage was first erected, so these components will be important to implement during your renovation. Assessing insulation, double-glazed windows, and heating systems is a good place to start. 

Healthy Homes

The Healthy Homes initiative requires minimum safety and comfort standards for habitable units including heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping. And while these standards were put into place to help create safer rental properties, these guidelines are a great place to start when considering what needs to be done to make your garage conversion comfortable. 

Permits

Unlike a typical home renovation, you’ll need to obtain a “Change of Use” permit from the Christchurch council. Failure to do so could result in a $5,000 fine! If you want to avoid liaising with the council all together, working with the garage conversion specialists at Refresh is the way to go.

Consider these things before deciding to convert your garage

Where will you park your car?

This may seem obvious, but for some, it can become a problem. Make yourself familiar with the parking restrictions in your immediate area and whether or not the council has plans to make changes to them. 

Do you have alternative storage?

Aside from parking the car, most homeowners utilise a garage as additional storage. As essential as an extra bedroom may be, you may encounter more trouble than you bargained for if you don’t plan ahead for your displaced items before converting your garage. 

Does your home’s exterior need an update as well?

Garage conversions often include exterior changes, whether it’s adding a window, replacing the door, or installing an alternative entryway. Do you have the budget to embark on an exterior renovation too?

Converting your garage with the team at Refresh Renovations Christchurch

At Refresh, you’re in control of your renovation, but our team’s the one leading it! A dedicated Renovation Consultant will work hard on your behalf, scheduling inspections, coordinating tradespeople, ordering supplies, and making sure it all comes together on time. 

If you’ve been wanting to take advantage of the unused space that is your garage, get in touch with a Renovation Consultant to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation so you can discuss the best way to take back your space!