Josh Jones, 21, built his first home by converting his parents’ garage into a one-bedroom apartment for just £15,000. With £4,000 in savings, he chose to invest in transforming the garage rather than using it as a house deposit. Starting in January 2023, Josh completed the project in eight months using tips he found on YouTube. He did all the work himself, from stripping the roof and leveling the floor to adding a kitchen and bathroom. After spending £14,700 on materials, he moved in with his girlfriend in May 2024.
Initially, Josh’s parents were hesitant about the idea of turning their garage into a living space, but he eventually convinced them. He began by clearing out the garage and fixing the roof, followed by levelling the floor, adding drainage, and damp-proofing the area. Despite some challenges like digging too deep during drainage work, Josh persevered. His favorite part of the project was installing the kitchen, which he found on Facebook Marketplace for just £500. The project’s most exciting moment for Josh was fitting in the windows and doors.
Given the high rental costs in his area, Josh decided to live in his converted garage for the next ten years. He noted that renting was not feasible for him, as it would mean paying someone else’s mortgage. When he shared his project with friends, they were amazed and impressed by his resourcefulness. Now, Josh aims to venture into garage conversions and development with his brother and father, inspired by his successful home renovation. He provided a breakdown of the £15,000 costs, covering various expenses like roofing, plumbing, electrical work, and kitchen and bathroom installations.
Overall, Josh’s DIY approach to creating his home demonstrates his dedication and skill. By utilizing YouTube tutorials and his building experience, he turned a neglected garage into a cozy living space for himself and his partner. At just 21 years old, he took a unique path to homeownership, bypassing the traditional route of renting or saving for a deposit. His story serves as an inspiration for young individuals looking to enter the property market without breaking the bank. With his future plans to start a business in garage conversions, Josh is set to continue his innovative and practical approach to housing solutions.
