The most common inquiry we are seeing at the moment is for garage conversions, and this doesn’t come as a surprise. It is probably the easiest way to add space to your home without changing the footprint. We also converted the garage at our three-bedroom home into a bedroom and bathroom to create more space for our growing family.

If you are thinking about converting your garage you need to consider the following:

1. Firstly, you need to check the feasibility of your project. Go to the Auckland Council website and access the GIS viewer to see your property's zoning. Properties are required to have a number of parking requirements that you will need to ensure you can still fulfill.
2. You will need to reclassify your garage from a non-habitable space to a habitable space and this will require building consent.
3. If you want to add a kitchen or laundry to your garage this will be recognised as a separate dwelling and you will also need to apply for resource consent.
4. You will need to check the height of the ceiling as it needs to be a minimum of 2.1m from the finished flooring.
5. Minimum ground clearance needs to be achieved from the external entrances. Best practice is to lower the surrounding ground level and slope the ground away from the garage or increase the finished floor level.

Converting a garage can be a great way to add space, and increase equity and rental income potential. Whatever the reason, it is important to do your numbers and get a good idea of the costs to convert your garage. Most conversions will sit anywhere from $50k-$250k plus. Although it can be daunting, it can be a valuable project.

If you need some help with the feasibility, planning, drawings and construction elements of your garage conversion, give us a call and we would be happy to have a chat with you about your options and how we can help. 

Refresh Renovations
The Crate, 28 Constellation Drive, Mairangi Bay
022 682 1237
sarah.lowe@refresh.co.nz
refresh.co.nz
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