Replacing garage with shed and greenhouse....good idea or not?

[bacchahantes]

New house has in line parking for 3 cars. Decent sized garage, probably 30 years old but in good nick.

I’d. Like to take down garage to give space for greenhouse, a bit more garden and put in a decent shed to store electric bikes.

Would that put buyers off?

The 3 car parking would stay.

Sounds good but why not make it a shed with double doors so that it could be a wooden garage in the future and a greenhouse on its short end.

Most people use their garages as a shed anyway!

I would always prefer a garage as I assume they are more secure, being built of brick !

You can do as you wish but I’d be wary as you’ll reduce the value of your house and electric bikes are a likely target for thieves. My ebike stays indoors as there are so many thefts in my area; it’s insured but only if it’s secured properly so I’d need anchor points concreted in and gold-secure rated locks
You could put a really nice lean-to greenhouse against the back wall of your garage - they don’t take lots of space but are very useful and vary in size.

My DH - and I would guess his friends - wouldn't look at a house without a garage.... (I'm not bothered though!)

We're knocking ours down in similar circumstances and I can't wait. I don't know anyone who uses them unless they've got a vintage car they tinker with. Or use it for other manly projects that a shed would be sufficient for. The days of cars needing their own little houses are bygone.

We have been very disappointed with the number of houses that have converted their garages. We both have motorbikes that need storing safely.

Also, if there is off road parking just before the converted garage / demolished space, there is never room to take a motorbike into the new shed in the garden.

Also, check insurance cover - a locked shed may not be sufficient if you insure the bins. They prefer bricks and mortar.

Garages can be used for more than motoring though - putting your washing machine, tumble dryer etc out there is ideal for noise control.

Also, given the age of it, if you do demolish it, get the roof and any ceiling boats checked for asbestos. The ceilings are commonly AIB - asbestos insulating board - which can only be removed by a licenced contractor, and costs a few £k.

We have expensive bikes (not electric but same price bracket) and they are fully insured when locked in our garage but wouldn’t be in a shed.

Most people seem to use the garage for storage rather than for a car so I don't see a problem with it. In my last house were converted the garage and bought an extra shed, it didn't seem to put buyers off at all.