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Original poster

To think we can have ‘utility room’ in garage

64 replies

Newmumin23 · 23/08/2024 11:44

We’re about to convert our garage to give us more living space downstairs , we also thought we would add in a utility room.
The current plan is to 3rd the garage which would contain larger living space, into utility room and then small area at front left for storage and garage door.

I’m thinking to make the living space larger we could just make 2 rooms which would be larger living space with door into ‘utility/garage’ so essentially the utility units would be in the garage area. It would be done properly so proper flooring, walls boarded out etc so it was a room, it would just have a garage door on the front.

Am I missing anything? Husband thinks resale people might be put off having utility in the garage area, but we’re probably going to be here another 5+ years and the extra living space would be more beneficial to us, utility space is really a bonus.

Is my idea silly? Has anyone done anything similar?

OP posts:
Oldinjuryhelp111037 · 23/08/2024 12:13

We have our washing machine and tumble dryer in our garage.

The only risk is that machines tend to last for less years due to it weigh cold and draughty. But we didn't have a choice because that's where the connection for the water is and we rent. But we have been here 3 nearly 4 years. My washing machine is 5 years old. My tumble dryer died after a year though.

So if you can make It draught proof. I don't see why not.

CaurnieBred · 23/08/2024 12:05

We have a rather large garage attached to our house. Our boiler, washing machine, tumble dryer, fridge freezer and another single freezer are all out there, along the wall of the garage. There is a bit of worktop and shelves over the washing machine and tumble dryer. It is not fancy. It is still the garage floor and breeze block walls.

But we still have room for our garden stuff and our car.

Original poster
Newmumin23 · 23/08/2024 12:03

@LlynTegid we have a drive already so won’t have any impact on that thanks for pointing out though

OP posts:
Original poster
Newmumin23 · 23/08/2024 12:02

Thanks for replies . I do understand losing the garage but ours is literally full of junk (that we are getting rid of). We are boarding out the roof space in the garage to create loft storage which will hopefully mitigate some loss of storage. We also have a large garden so we’re adding storage for any of the outdoor things (kids toys, lawn mower etc) to accommodate that.

All work is being done properly through building control and necessary planning etc so will be fully signed off and compliant but thanks for pointing out @ButtSurgery
@markzily

OP posts:
HelterSkelter224 · 23/08/2024 12:01

My parents did exactly this. They split their garage into a utility room and toilet, plus a small study at the front of the house, it's actually a really good use of the space

markzily · 23/08/2024 11:59

This reply has been deleted

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Butterflyfern · 23/08/2024 11:58

For me it would depend on what you use your garage for and how much of a dumping ground is it? And how easy access is from the house.

For example, if it will be a place to store bikes and DIY kit, are the bikes neatly mounted on the wall, with DIY kit organised neatly on racking / shelves? In that scenario, I think it could work. You'd basically need to think of turning the garage storage into something that you want in your house.

If a dumping ground for crap, then are you really going to want to be folding washing / storing food etc in there?

ALovelyCupOfNameChange · 23/08/2024 11:57

Remember it needs to be warm enough for heat pump tumble dryers and fridge / freezers to work optimally

LlynTegid · 23/08/2024 11:56

I don't think you should keep the garage door, but replace it.

If you have a car, please don't pave over the entire front garden to accommodate it. Lack of grass/earth for drainage is not good and could cause flooding.

ButtSurgery · 23/08/2024 11:55

As a current prospective house buyer, the loss of the garage would be far more of an issue and I wouldn't be interested in your house at all.... I love a utility, but a garage is more important for us.

Also badly done self-conversions (like my neighbours) with inappropriate insulation including in the roof make the place freezing cold and unusable in winter.

The neighbour's house sale has fallen through three times in the past few years because the buyers survey exposes the problems, including the lack of fire proofing (the garage is adjacent to other garages and has open joists!) and insufficient windows (ie none). They refuse to spend money to bring it up to standard and seem to be hoping to fool someone who only has a valuation survey not a proper one.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 23/08/2024 11:53

I would much rather have a utility in the garage than no utility room.
Unless a garage is vital then they tend to get used for storage or junk . It is so much quieter having a separate space .
Some people have a second dishwasher in the utility

washing machine , tumble dryer, space for a heated airer., maybe an overhead one if there’s headroom.
And storage for laundry / cleaning items, your vacuum, steamer ,, mop.
Any big electronics that you use but need storage
Pet food, bin bags , maybe recycling bin.
Some industrial strong shelves for storage

You can tell I’ve thought of this 😂
I have a Utility Cupboard. The WM and TD are stacked and I have storage shelves . I wouldn’t like the WM in a kitchen now

lazyarse123 · 23/08/2024 11:50

Would your layout work to have utility at the other end and replace garage door with either a full wall or another outside door? Sorry don't know how practical or expensive that would be.

Chocolateorange22 · 23/08/2024 11:49

I think on the lines of your DH generally on resale value etc. However I moved a lot as a child/teen and during our relationship so it's kind of ingrained in me. However he stresses to me that our home is our safe space, we live in it so has to suit our purpose and not people who would buy it. For that reason I'd do the utility, having the extra space is so handy. I never had one before this house and would always have one now. It's my one organised space in the house that bizarrely nobody goes in to mess up. Strange that...

Jeezitneverends · 23/08/2024 11:47

Sounds like a good plan as long as you still have plenty living space. I love my utility