Converting your garage into a home gym

What about building regulations?

Building regulations will depend on how far you want to go with your conversion.

If you’re looking a quick fix, whereby you keep the garage as it stands, but simply install some equipment, then you won’t need building regulation approval.

However, if you want to create a high end gym, or a room that could realistically become a bedroom (or other habitable space) in the future, then you’ll need to demonstrate your project meets certain building regulations to your local authority.

What will be considered…

• Ventilation
• Insulation
• Fireproofing
• Damp
• Structural safety
• Electrical work
• Access points

Seeing this list might put you off going big on your home gym, but do remember this is an investment. By taking care of these issues now, you could see the value of your property increase, as future buyers now have the possibility of using this space not only as a gym, but potentially as a bedroom or study.

Will I need an architect?

Whether you need an architect will depend on the size of your project, and whether you’re looking to do more than just add equipment to the space as it stands today.

If you want to get the best out of your project, an architect is the best place to start. Architects are masters of space, and so will be able to suggest and design a layout that means you get the most from your home. Perhaps removing a wall could add another room, perhaps storage can be cleverly hidden away.

Architects not only ensure your get the most of your project, they also ensure you add the maximum amount of value to your property. Meaning they’re an investment worth considering.

Want to know how much an architect will cost? Try our Quick Quote now.

Things to consider in your design…

When it comes to actually planning out your new gym, make sure you get the most from your space by considering these tips.

• Flooring: when it comes to protecting yourself from injury, hard concrete floors aren’t the best. Carpet is a good bet, and appealing to future buyers. You could even user rubber, foam, or something known as epoxy. This latter option isn’t the most attractive, but works well for a home gym, as it’s the most durable material on the list, and can easily be painted onto your existing garage floor.

• Equipment: you’re unlikely to have the same level of space as commercial gyms, so you’ll need to be economic in the equipment you install. Make sure you get a good balance of strength and cardio, and if you have to choose between the two, prioritise weight training equipment over cardio. Don’t forget you can still burn calories with a good jog, if you can’t fit that treadmill in!

• Your garage door: if keeping your door, make sure you add proper insulation. This will not only help you control the temperature better, but also helps reduce noise from the outside (or your own noises from the neighbours!).

• Plug sockets: If you plan on having a lot of fancy machines, you’ll need to consider where you’ll be plugging them in and whether your current setup can handle the strain. If you need to install a new circuit, you’ll need building control approval. This can be done during the building regulations phase, or you can hire a registered electrician to carry the work out.

• Head height: before you go ahead with your conversion, give the space a little tester. Do you have the head space for certain exercises, such as jumping jacks, or for when you’re bouncing on a raised treadmill? If not, and your garage has nothing above it, you could look into raising the roof - though this will be costly. If unsure how to proceed, consult an architect.

• Storage: lastly, look for clever solutions to store your new gym kit. Could your old gym be a source of inspiration? Many use a horizontal slat wall, as this allows racks, bags, and baskets to hook neatly into place. Saving a lot of space!