Perhaps the best thing about owning a garage is the versatility it offers you. Though it’s easy to think of a garage as simply a place to keep your car or space for all the childhood possessions you can’t quite bring yourself to throw away, the reality is far different. In truth, a garage has so many potential alternative uses that the only real limits are your imagination and your budget – and even then, it’s surprisingly easy to transform your garage without breaking the bank.
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Can I turn my garage into a gym?
One of the more popular ways to repurpose a concrete garage is as a home gym – after all, it’s easier to find the motivation to keep yourself in shape when you don’t have to leave your home or fork out for a monthly subscription.
Why convert your garage into a home gym?
There are some excellent benefits to having a home gym such as:
- There’s no excuse for not going when you have all the fitness equipment you need right at home
- You never need to wait for the equipment you want to be free
- No more awkward changing room situations
- Save money on gym membership and travelling there and back
- Workouts can be whenever you want and not around gym opening hours
How to convert your garage into a gym
Whether you’re planning a full-scale renovation or something a little more modest, here are some things to think about before converting your garage into a gym.
Decluttering & planning
If you’re currently using your garage space for storage, you need to think about what will happen when you plan your home gym. Will the garage still be used for storage or are you going to dedicate it solely to your new exercise space? This is important to consider when you’re looking to renovate the garage, as then you’ll be able to plan the floor space properly.
This is also important as you’ll be able to plan the electrics for the space. Some of the new fitness equipment will need a plug socket but there might be other electrical items in your garage such as a fridge or washing machine that also need power (don’t forget to clean the garage too!). These things are vital to think through so that you get the full effect.
Equipment & flooring
Are you looking to make a gym that is weights focused, or are you looking to do more of a cardio workout? If you’re looking for rowing and running machines, the concrete floor is a good solid base for this. However, if you’re looking for more weights, a supportive floor will be worthwhile investing in. A recycled rubber floor will be a perfect addition – just like the health clubs have fitted. Not only is it useful, but it’s also a green option.
Finishing touches
Once you’ve tidied up the space and chosen your equipment, it’s time to finish the décor. As your garage probably won’t offer the best lighting, adding mirrors to the walls will be a great advantage to make the space seem lighter and brighter. It will also be great to see your progress as you’re working out!
What to consider before you convert your garage
Any sort of renovation project comes with other important considerations, a few of which we’ve highlighted below.
Building regulations
The government’s building regulations cover the construction and extension of properties. Depending on how big an overhaul you’re looking to carry out, you may have to consider these regulations. Failure to do so could prove costly for you and any tradesman you hire to do the work, and will also cause issues if you later attempt to sell the property as you won’t have the compliance certificates necessary for the sale.
If all you want to do is buy a treadmill for your garage, then you won’t have to worry. However, if you want to extend your garage or make additions like air conditioning or heating systems, you’ll likely need to apply for approval from a local or private building control body.
Planning permission
Planning permission is separate to building regulations but similar in that the extent to which it will affect your project will be determined by the scale of your plans. You will typically not have to seek planning permission for internal work on a garage unless your home is a listed property or occupies a conservation area since the size and structure of the building will remain the same.
Do I need planning permission to convert a garage into a gym?
If your house benefits from permitted development rights then you may be exempt from planning permission, but depending on the nature of the conversion it’s worth checking with your local planning authority. Applications can be made online and are usually resolved within eight weeks, so make sure you’re certain one way or the other before you begin any work.
Other considerations
- If you’re set on a bigger conversion involving possible extensions or redesigns, you may want to enlist an architect to help plan the design and layout
- Your garage’s concrete floor might be ideal for housing cars and boxes, but not necessarily for strenuous exercise – a carpet, rubber or epoxy floor would be more suitable for your new-look gym
- Make sure your garage doors are functioning correctly and keep the garage insulated to help with temperatures and noise filtering
Dencroft Garages is one of the UK’s most experienced garage designers and manufacturers, so whatever purpose you have in mind for your garage, we’re here to help. To find out more about our quality garages or our other services including repairs and free site surveys, give us a call on 0800 1182547, email your queries to sales@dencroft.athenastudios.co.uk or fill in our simple contact form.
