Why Garage Conversions are not a Cheap Fix
We are increasingly receiving a high volume of enquiries from homeowners across Perth asking whether they can convert their garage into an additional room. Perhaps for another bedroom or even to create space to rent out during the current housing crisis.
It’s easy to see why this might seem like a good idea. The structure already exists, and many think that enclosing a garage is a quick, easy and low-cost way to gain an extra bedroom, study or living area.
However, in Western Australia, converting a garage is a much more complex project than it appears at face value. These type of projects are ALWAYS more costly than homeowners anticipate.
At Amerex Renovations, we specialise in designing and building high quality major renovations, extensions and second-storey additions. Garage conversion do not fit with our quality focused approach and as such we do not undertake garage-to-room conversions. Keep reading to learn more about what is involved and why we don’t do these!
Garages in WA were Never Designed to be Habitable Spaces
Most garages in Western Australia are constructed to a very different standard than the rest of the home. While they may be attached to the house, they are typically built as non-habitable structures and do not meet the requirements of the NCC (National Construction Code) for living areas.
Some of the most common issues we see include:
External Walls That Don’t Meet Habitable Standards
Garage walls are often constructed as:
- Single thickness brickwork with attached piers
- Walls without the correct vapour barriers or weatherproofing
In WA’s climate, habitable rooms require insulated external walls that meet energy efficiency requirements. Retro-fitting garage walls to achieve this usually involves major reconstruction, not just internal lining.
Lower Ceiling Heights
Garages frequently have lower ceiling heights than habitable rooms. Once insulation, ceiling linings, lighting and services are added, the finished height can fall below minimum compliance levels. This alone can make a conversion unviable without structural changes.
Slab Design, Levels and Moisture Protection
Garage slabs in WA are often:
- Lower than the main house floor
- Sloped toward the garage door
- Constructed without moisture membranes suitable for living areas
Older garages lack compliant termite protection, which is a critical requirement for habitable spaces in Western Australia. Correcting these slab issues can be fiddly and costly.
Energy Efficiency Compliance (NCC & WA Requirements)
If a garage is to become a habitable room, it must comply with current energy efficiency standards, including:
- Insulated walls and ceilings
- Compliant glazing/windows
- Sealing and thermal performance requirements
Achieving compliance in an existing garage can require extensive upgrades that homeowners don’t initially anticipate, which of course contributes to cost.
Fire Separation and Safety
Garages are typically designed with different fire separation rules than habitable rooms, particularly where they adjoin the main dwelling. Converting the garage space is likely to trigger additional fire-rated construction and detailing. Again, this adds to cost.
Services and Amenity
In addition, garages generally lack:
- Adequate electrical layouts
- Heating and cooling, including insulation
- Windows, natural light and ventilation suitable for living rooms. Council approval is also required to convert a garage and if the existing garage wall is on the boundary, it is unlikely you will get approval to install a window.
- If plumbing is required e.g. shower, toilet then there is considerable cost to lay pipes, buy fixtures, install etc..
By the time these elements are added, the scope and cost of the project can be the same as that of a properly designed home extension.
The Cost Reality in WA
Many homeowners assume a garage conversion will be a “budget” renovation. In reality, by the time you factor in:
- Structural works
- Insulation and energy compliance
- Concrete Slab rectification
- Fire and termite protection measures
- Electrical, lighting and climate control upgrades
- Floor levels that often do not align with the rest of the house
…the cost can be substantial. In many cases, it approaches, and can exceed, the cost of rebuilding the space properly.
Why Amerex Don’t Undertake Garage Conversion Projects
At Amerex, we specialise in high quality major renovations, home extensions and second-storey additions. We do not undertake garage conversions.
To convert a garage to a habitable space is always a significantly more involved and expensive exercise than most people expect. We find that retro-fitting usually results in a ‘make-do’ outcome which does not align with our quality focused approach.
Instead, when we create a renovation or extension design that includes using the space where a garage once existed, we typically demolish and rebuild to ensure the structure meets modern standards and is designed to integrate properly into the current floorplan of the home.
A Better Long-Term Approach
If you’re looking to gain more space, a properly designed extension or rebuild allows for:
- Correct ceiling heights and floor levels
- Full compliance with WA building requirements
- Better thermal performance and comfort
- A result that adds genuine long-term value to your home
Contact Us
If you are looking for a quality home extension that does not take short-cuts, and focuses on delivering quality outcomes, you are in the right place. Contact us today to discuss your project.