Can I Create a Granny Annexe with my Garage Space?

With adequate room, the short answer is yes. This is a common conversion, as ageing parents or family members may need to move in to be supported yet independent. Having a self-contained living area within your home for them eases concerns around isolation, falls, mobility, and general well-being. 

Deterioration in the health of a family member can be extremely stressful, and private care and sheltered living arrangements are sparse in some areas. Some of the challenges can be mitigated by converting the unused space in your garage into a self-contained but connected unit. 

We can usually fit in a bedroom, a shower room and toilet, a small living area, and even a small kitchen area if the size permits. This means no stairs to use the bathroom facilities, everything you need within easy distance, and the support and care of your family within the same building. For the family too, the peace of mind of being able to pop your head around the door to make sure your vulnerable relative is safe and well is invaluable. 

We can also adapt the garage for living space downstairs for a current member of the household who has had a change in circumstances, such as a progressive illness or sudden loss of mobility. In this instance, we usually create a spacious bedroom and bathroom, then connect the garage with the rest of the house so it becomes a straightforward downstairs bedroom with an ensuite. 

With certain disabilities or conditions, there are also grants or tax advantages available to help you adapt your home. 

If you are considering your options in the face of disability or mobility issues, then give us a call for a free, no-obligation chat.