When you add electricity to your garage you transform it from a storage space to, well, whatever you want, really! This simple step elevates your garden building to a versatile powerhouse. Here’s what you need to know about this add-on.
Why does a garage need electricity?
First things first, let’s talk about the why. Whether you’re looking to create a workshop, store your beloved vehicle, or simply want a well-lit space, adding electricity to your garage opens up a world of possibilities. Imagine flicking a switch and powering up your tools, charging your car, or turning on the heat in the colder months.
If you’re storing a classic car you can add lights to illuminate its beauty, or a dehumidifier to guarantee that it stays rust-free for decades.
Powering up your garage also gives you plenty of options for leisure use. It doesn’t all have to be hard work. Maybe you want a banging sound system with a beer fridge, a home server, or a really enormous gaming screen. When you add electricity, you add endless possibilities for using your garage in whatever way you choose.
How do I add electricity to my garage?
First off, you need an electrician, unless you happen to be a qualified electrician yourself. Messing about with electrics is a dangerous business if you don’t know what you’re doing.
As well as the personal risks associated with installing power in your garage, if this work is not completed properly you could be compromising the safety of your building. Think how devastated you’d be if your beautiful G&M Garage burned down!
Installing electricity in your garage involves running an armoured cable from your home out to the building. This cable is buried underground and then runs into your garage.
Be aware – your electrician may or may not dig the trench for your power cable. Make sure you know if they’re going to include this in the price of the job. You may have to arrange it separately. If you have a concrete base laid for your garage, your groundworks contractor may also take care of the cable trench. Make sure that you discuss your needs with both contractors to figure out the best plan for your project.
If you choose to tackle this part of your project yourself, make sure to consult with your electrician first. They will advise you of the depth and dimensions needed for the trench.
Once the cable is taken care of, your electrician will install a fusebox and wire up any lights and sockets you need.
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How much does it cost to add electricity to a garage?
Costs will depend on the materials used and the price of labour.
Installing seven lights and twelve sockets will cost more than installing a single light and four sockets. Similarly, the distance between your home and your garage impacts the cost of the job.
Because of these variables, as of August 2024, your electrical installation bill will likely be between £800 and £2000. These prices are a guide – for an exact quote you’ll need a site visit from an electrician.
We use RC Electrical for all our installations in Dundee, Perthshire and Fife. If we install a garage somewhere else in Scotland, we’ll organise contractors near you. We include project management in the cost of a G&M Garage. We arrange all the details to ensure that your Garage installation goes smoothly and easily, just the way we planned.
Will I see the wires if I add electricity to my garage?
Remember that while a G&M Garage isn’t a single-skinned building, it’s also not lined and insulated. This means that any wiring will be visible inside the building. This is perfectly safe, but not everyone wants visible wiring for aesthetic reasons.
Once again, your electrician will be your friend here. They can advise the best way to make sure that cables are as hidden as they can be.
The Highlander Garage pictured above is a great example of this. The electricians hid most of the wiring in the rafters of the building and secured all cables to the framing. If you didn’t know they were there, you wouldn’t notice them.
If you opt to insulate and line your garage all wiring will be hidden behind the lining material. When we plan your project we usually erect the garage on Day One. The electricians come in on Day Two for their first fitting. They install the wiring needed for your lights and sockets. Then, on Day Three, we return to insulate and line the building and complete any internal finishings.
What if you already have a lined and insulated Garage? While minimising the appearance of wires is harder here, it’s not impossible.
Alternatively, you can make a feature of your wiring by encasing it in metal pipes. That’s what we did in the Garden Room pictured below.
Can I add electricity to a single-skinned garage?
The same process is entirely possible in a single-skinned garage, but do remember that these buildings are not completely watertight. Water and electricity most definitely don’t mix!
If your single-skinned garage suffers from water ingress, make sure that any electrical components are not affected before you use them.
And if you need a 100% watertight building, don’t install a single-skinned garage!
Can I add electricity to my garage?
Adding electricity to your garage is not just about practicality; it’s about making your space work for you. With the right planning and professional help, your garage can become a functional, flexible extension of your home.
And if you’d like to see our gorgeous Garages up close, come and visit us at our Show Area. We love answering any questions you might have about timber garages.
