Four inspiring garage conversion ideas

 

Many homes have a ‘spare’ room that has morphed into the junk room, or a garage that houses everything but a car. However, with some creative planning and off-the-rack materials, these dumping grounds can be repurposed or changed into a garage conversion. Make Father’s Day the catalyst to rethink spaces with quality family time in mind – it might be a shared hobby space, a beautifully organised workshop or a workout zone. Start by sorting then selling or donating those odds and ends, then measure up and get everyone on the tools. It’s time to create more room for family fun.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

What do I need to consider when creating a garage conversion?

• Do garage conversions require planning permission? Always check local regulations regarding garage or other dwelling transformations, as depending on what it is they may require a permit.
• Take a look at electrical and lighting needs: Do you have enough natural or artificial light for your converted space?
• Flooring: Do you really want to do sit-ups in your new gym conversion on concrete? Make sure you have the most appropriate flooring option for your new space.
• How are the climate control and moisture levels? A general garage space isn’t designed for comfort – so consider ventilation, insulation or heating/cooling requirements as necessary for your space.

Garage conversion #1: Create a music room in your home

Indulge Dad’s rocker past with a bespoke music room that the kids can take over too. Consider lining your composer, rock star or DJ’s music room with wall and ceiling panelling that has acoustic properties, helping to reduce noise in other areas. The panels used here also help to reduce echo and reverberation in the room, improving sound quality. Adding a durable rug can have a similar effect, plus provide underfoot comfort. Displaying instruments is both decorative and practical – just ensure the hooks you use are suitable for the weight of the instruments and your type of wall surface.

Music room pro tips

• Less is more: A compact electronic keyboard is a practical and portable alternative to a full-size piano. Choose a model that has headphone compatibility for soundless sessions.
• Shelving: Elevate a cube unit on brackets to create a floating console. It’s ideal for storing – and showing off – a collection of vinyl.
• Create more space: Hang instruments on heavy-duty hooks to free up floor space.

Garage conversion #2: Tool wall

For D.I.Y. dads, maker mums and tinkering teens, a well-organised workshop is a dream come true. Invest in a hardwearing storage system with components that seamlessly cater to your needs, creating a bespoke fit-out that looks deluxe! Quality tools which multitask or share the same battery and charger will help set you up for project success.

Tool wall pro tips

• Trace tools: Trace around tools with a fluoro marker so you can return them to the right spot.
• Get hooked: Use double and single prong pegboard hooks and tool holders to organise your gear.
• Storage hack: Repurpose a paper towel holder to keep your tapes organised.

Tip: Make your own D.I.Y. magnetic tool holder in a jiffy with this quick guide.

Garage conversion #3: Home gym

Garage storage elements such as pegboards and wall storage products are ideal for corralling weighty gym equipment, while a cushioned seat makes a comfy spot to rest between reps.

Home gym pro tips

• Flatplack power: Create stylish seating and storage with a flatpack that doubles as both.
• Shelving: Use practical heavy-duty shelving to hold weights, shoes, yoga mats and more. Ours hold up to 15kg.
• Flooring: Lay multi-purpose slip-resistant rubber flooring mats in your home gyms space.

Tip: Have a shed that could use a revamp? Check out our guide to transforming a shed into a yoga studio or home gym.

Garage conversion #4: Mini basketball court

Rain won’t stop play when you have an indoor mini hoop court! We’ve made a basketball set-up, but this project would work just as well for a netball hoop with a stand. Acoustic wall panels behind help dull the sound of the action.

Mini ball court pro tips

• Safe landing: Reduce the risk of injury with non-slip rubber flooring.
• Take aim: Add definition to the backboard with luminescent tape.
• Stick it: Use anti-slip tape to mark the lines on the mini court.

Tip: To bring this mini ball court to life check out our step-by-step guide.

Keep in mind...

When wall-mounting storage systems, panels and a basketball hoop, follow the manufacturers’ instructions and use fixings suitable for your wall type and the weight of the load. Slam dunks and dangerous play are not recommended.

Need acoustic wall panels?

See how easy it is to install acoustic wall panels with this guide.

 

Photo credit: Jonny Valiant.