Garage Conversion or Garden Room: What to Consider?

Louise Jones
3 days ago
3 min read

A garage conversion is often seen as one of the most cost-effective ways to add living space to a home. The structure is already there, meaning there is no need to build an entirely new building from scratch.

For homeowners looking to create an extra room, whether that's a home office, playroom, gym or additional living room, converting a garage can seem like an obvious solution. But is it the best solution?

Could a garden room be a more practical alternative? Unlike a garage conversion, a garden room creates additional living space without sacrificing any existing space or altering the appearance of the property.

What Is Your Garage Currently Used For?

For most of us, the answer isn't cars. Garages often become home to bikes, gardening equipment, tools, sports equipment, suitcases, Christmas decorations and countless other items. When the garage becomes a room, where are you going to put them all?

How Important Is the Garage to Your Property?

Another factor is how the garage contributes to the overall appearance and functionality of the home. Some garage conversions involve replacing the garage door with brickwork and a window. This can provide plenty of natural light, but it can also alter the appearance of the front elevation. Others retain the garage door to preserve the look of the property, but this can limit natural light within the new room.

Adding Value or Not?

Additional living space can be attractive to future buyers, but garages remain a desirable or essential feature for many. Some buyers may see a converted garage as a benefit, while others may prefer the look, storage or parking that a garage provides. Removing a garage could limit a property's appeal.

By contrast, a well-designed garden room creates additional space while retaining the garage and all the benefits that come with it. For this reason, many homeowners view a garden room as an investment that enhances the property.

Cost and Value

For many homeowners, cost will play a significant role in the decision. Industry estimates suggest a typical single garage conversion costs somewhere between £10,000 and £20,000, depending on specification, location and the amount of work required.

At Cosy Garden Rooms, the average cost of a garden room is around £18,000 to £20,000, although this naturally varies depending on size, design and specification.

While a garage conversion is often perceived as the cheaper option, the difference in cost may be smaller than you think.

It's also worth remembering that the average single garage is around 15–20 square metres in size. Many garden rooms fall comfortably within this size range, although under permitted development rights it is often possible to build a garden room of up to 30 square metres, creating even more usable space.

The Benefit of Separation

One advantage often overlooked is separation. A garden room provides a dedicated space away from the main house. Whether used as a home office, gym, hobby room, entertainment space or teenage den, many homeowners appreciate this separation.

For those working from home, the ability to walk out to work in the morning and leave work behind at the end of the day can be a significant benefit.

Inside a garden room that is being used as a garden office. There is a man sat working at his desk. There is a large cupbaord. The room has a large window next to the desk.

More Than Just Extra Space

While home offices are often the first thing people think of, modern garden rooms are used for everything from gyms and playrooms to entertainment spaces, artist studios, bars, guest bedrooms and places to simply relax. A garden room can also become a feature in the garden itself. With a wide range of sizes, cladding options, colours and designs available, many homeowners view them as an enhancement to their outdoor space as much as an additional room. It can create a focal point, a wow factor and provide a space that feels more connected to the outdoors.

Which Option Is Right for You?

While a garage conversion may appear to be the cheaper option at first glance, the reality is that costs are often similar. A garden room creates an entirely new room while allowing you to retain your garage. For many homeowners, that makes it the more attractive long-term investment, adding versatile living space that can enhance the appeal, value and marketability of the property.

If you're considering a garage conversion, it's worth comparing both options before making a final decision. The cost difference may be smaller than you think, but what you gain and the value you add from a garden room could be significantly greater.

If the costs are similar, why would you give up your garage?!

If you have a potential project that you'd like to discuss contact Mark on:

📞0115 772 2715

✉️ mark@cosygardenrooms.co.uk