Room in the garage

Many garages are simply storage places for old boxes and broken garden tools, but with some innovative thinking you could easily convert yours - and increase your living space.
Is there an apartment waiting to be discovered in your garage? Not everyone is brave enough to convert their garage, but those who do have no regrets. We take a look at four successful conversions - and help you plan yours.

Project 1: Entertainment area
Three years ago, Conrad and Marlene van Reenen of the Strand totally transformed their garage with the intention of using it as a guest apartment - although its now become their preferred entertainment area.
What they did
The building was completely dilapidated and if it had been demolished, we would not have been able to use the same foundation as the building line was in jeopardy, the couple explain. A designer refined their ideas and thereafter Conrad project managed the building himself. According to the Van Reenens, there was no foundation - just pebbles and black stone. These had to be replaced with a modern foundation by way of erosion, where builders build under the old clay brick construction.
They also replaced the roof to complement the farmhouse feel of the main house and had a lot of plasterwork done. In addition, the wall on the west side had to be damp proofed and a new layer of bricks added to strengthen the structure.
The original walls were retained, but more windows were added to allow natural light to stream in, and to complement the appearance of the rear of the main house.
The end result
Three months and R200 000 later, the flat was complete and even boasts covered parking. Now, when the Van Reenens open up their concertina doors on a summers day, they thoroughly enjoy the new space. Here guests are shaded under the new roof while they enjoy something to eat, swim, lounge about and socialise.
They say
Dont take any shortcuts and rather spend extra on durable products and good builders.
Windows allow natural light in and enhance the garden views.

Project 2: Still a winner
Who can forget our first Fix it with Flair Winners? Melissa Kretschmerand Grant Newman of Wynberg entered the competition in 2009, showing how they converted a single garage into a luxury space that opens onto a deck with a Jacuzzi. Their single garage was built as part of the main house in the early 40s but the house had already been divided when they bought it four years ago and the couple felt it hampered their homes flow. When we realised a third of our plot consisted of the driveway and garage, we decided to do something better with the space/ says Melissa.
What they did
Though they had no money for architects and engineers, the couple were lucky in that both their fathers are former engineers and an architect friend helped with ideas and advice. Melissa and Grant tackled many of the changes themselves, working every weekend for two months.
The garage door was replaced with a big double French door that swallowed more than half of the budget, new lighting was added and a bar counter and bookshelves were built in while Melissa decorated the wall with a stencil for an interesting finish. Most of the building materials were recycled; the old garage door, for instance, was cut and reused as cupboard doors.
The end result
The project cost R14 000 and the finished room is 18m2. The space we gained and the good times weve already had there has so much more benefit than a single garage for one of our cars/ says Melissa.
Since then, the couple have embarked on further renovations, creating a TV room in a loft and redecorating their bedroom, bathroom and outside area. Their next project is to install a canopy for their cars.
Melissa says
Carefully consider a safe space to park your cars and dont let your renovations put off potential buyers.

Project 3: Weekend breakaway
After converting their main house in De Kelders into a guest house, interior designer Neil Stemmet decided to transform his single garage into an apartment for him and his life partner.
It was Neils first such conversion and he was ingenious in furnishing the 21m2 space. Although the organic style of their weekend space differs from the main house, having the same colour on the walls, floors, ceiling and shelving is what pulls the two places together. There must always be a line running through a home, from the front garden through to the backyard, says Neil.
What he did
The garage door was sealed and a mezzanine sleeping area was created atop built - in shelving and storage. Unfortunately, the concrete roof is only 3.6m high. We could not lift the roof, so we have to bend when stepping into the walk - in closet and duck as we lie down on the bed - but its a small price for the luxury space, he says. Natural light streams through the window above the bed and a floor - length curtain separates the bedroom from the living area. The apartment is given breathing space with white as the base colour highlighted by bold accents.

The end result
The apartment, which cost R130 000 in total, is now their favourite place on the property, says Neil. He enjoys the privacy, the beautiful sea views, air that cross - ventilates the room, the outdoor shower and seeing the stars through the window above their bed at night.
Neil says
Build a mezzanine level and go for multipurpose furniture pieces such as a couch that can be used as a bed.

Project 4: House proud
Do you remember the two Bloemfontein architecture students who appeared in our 2009 Home Renovations guide? As newlyweds in 2007, Markoand Maxie Pretorius urgently needed a home but had little capital. So with some clever thinking they converted a 35m2 garage into an open plan home for two, complete with a dining and living room space, a sleep area and a kitchen and bathroom. At the time, it cost them a mere R20 000.
Marko says
Have a sliding door made to fit the entire garage opening - this makes it feel more spacious, adds lots of extra natural light and extends the living area into the garden.

Professional opinion
Gordons Bay architect Marcus Smit says that if you decide to convert your garage into a living space, you should take the following into consideration first:
What are your requirements; what will the space be used for and is there alternative space for your vehicle and the goods that are currently in your garage?
Is the existing structure sufficient, or will structural changes be made? Approach an architect or builder for reliable advice.
If the property is situated in a winter rainfall area, are the outer walls cavity walls? If not, consider the additional expense of damp proofing or building an extra wall inside the existing structure, depending on local building guidelines.
Is there a damp - proof layer under the floor? Often there is no damp proofing under outbuildings or older garages, and damp and moisture can move from the ground to the floor, rendering the building unfit for habitation. An extra concrete floor with damp proofing can be laid over the existing floor.
More tips
Consider dry walls and light contruction to divide spaces.
Build the doorway slightly smaller than the opening and install a double French door or make the opening wider for stacking doors and greater visual effect.
To save space, consider a sliding door for the bedroom, or built - in cupboards.
Utilise multipurpose furniture to save space; for example, a built - in couch against the wall also serves as a bed. The same goes for appliances such as an undercounter bar fridge.
Make sure there are enough windows for natural light and ventilation.
If possible, shorten the driveway and create a garden to camouflage the revamped garage look. An alternative may be to build a wall to create a small courtyard for some privacy.
Use referred, reputable, registered contractors and ask for examples of their work. If possible, talk to previous customers. Nobody wants to fix another builders blunders.
Always ensure that your building complies with municipal and building regulations and that the necessary water and electricity supplies can be linked to the existing service.