Converted Garage To Living Space

What Type Of Room Can A Garage Become

Garage Converted into AMAZING Modern Living Space – Tiny Home Tour

Your project is completely customizable. As long as you obey building code requirements, you can create any type of living space with your garage remodel. Depending on the zoning of your home, you may hit more hurdles when attempting to build an independent living space, such as an apartment, than you will when converting your garage into a single room.

Garage conversion ideas include:

The only limitations you have when converting your garage to living space are those set upon you by local regulations and budgetary restrictions.

Using A Garage Conversion To Help Your Family

In addition to generating rental income, some homeowners are interested in converting their garage to help an aging family member.

According to SeniorAdvice.com assisted living costs in California range from around $33 to $300 per day, with an average expense running about $125. The monthly cost averages roughly $3,750 or about $45,600 per year.

Wow! Thats a lot

Nursing homes are even more expensive. The average cost of a private room in a nursing home in Los Angeles is $9,125 a month or $109,500 a year.

Turning a garage into a living space for an elderly family member still allows them to maintain independence while being able to stay close to the family who can help out. Families with young children often benefit from having grandparents close by to help watch children.

In fact, the number one reason we see people interested in building an accessory dwelling unit is to house an aging family member.

Pro Tips for a Garage Conversion For Aging Family:

Research universal design.
Make doorways wider to accommodate wheelchairs
Eliminate thresholds. It can be very difficult to cross thresholds that are even 1/2 high when using a walker.
Keep countertop color and the floor color in high contrast. So if you use light wood flooring install darker countertops.
Avoid shiny high-gloss surfaces

Cost To Finish A Garage

The cost to finish a garage is often less than the cost of a remodel, coming in at an average of about $5,000. Finishes should factor high on your list of materials before you begin your garage conversion.

The answers to the following questions will go far in determining your budget. Low-end finishes will save you big bucks at the time of renovation, but high-end finishes will help recoup your ROI when it comes time to sell.

Will you use tile or vinyl flooring?
Will countertops be composite or granite?
Drywall or paneling?
Wood cabinetry, veneer, or aluminum?

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Insulating The Garage Space

A garage living space is supposed to be insulated. If your garage has drywall and insulation, you do not have to do much. However, garage installation is necessary for temperature control. Garage insulation can help you to save on the cost of heating and cooling the space. When living in the garage, space should be as comfortable as possible, and insulation can be very helpful.

Garage wall and ceiling insulation is the first thing that you should do before you even work on finishing the space. There are a variety of garage flooring options like spray foam and fiberglass. Insulating your garage can be done by a professional, but it is still something that you can do on your own.

Heating And Cooling The Garage

Insulation is just the first step in controlling temperatures in the garage. However, you need to heat and cool the garage space so that space can be comfortable enough. The garage can get too cold during the winter and too hot during the summer. Here are some tips on heating and cooling a garage living space:

Use the home vent system

It is possible to use the vent system in the main house. If there is a way you can use the existing and cooling system in your home, make sure that you do that. However, you will need to hire an electrician to help you with venting your garage space.

Radiant floor heating

Radiant floor heating is necessary for a garage living space. With garage floor heating, you will need a professional to help you. It keeps your space warm so that you do not install heaters in different parts of the home.

Mini-split air conditioning unit

A mini-split heater is also good for your garage home. In case you do not have access to the heating and cooling system in the main house, a mini-split air conditioning unit will work just fine. A mini-split air conditioning unit for garage might be expensive to install, but it will do the trick.

Garage heaters

A garage heater can help you to heat the space on those cold months. You can find an electric or propane heater, depending on the heating source that is available to you. When choosing a garage heater, make sure that you calculate the right heater size for your space.

Garage fan

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How Do You Make Look Like It Was Always A Living Space

Too many converted garages look like, well, garages that people have moved some furniture into, says Allen. To transform your car barn into a true wing of the house, youll need to eliminate any evidence of the old garage door openings, install plenty of windows, and perhaps add rooftop design elements, such as dormer windows.

An architect can help you add design elements. Expect to pay $50 to $150 per hour for the services of a registered architect, or 5% to 20% of the cost of the whole project.

Bright Living Room And Study Area

Here’s another stylish example of adding a mezzanine floor into the eaves of a double garage. This multifunctional study and lounge area features fitted furniture to create a practical and stylish living space. The Juliette balcony and skylights ensure the new room is flooded with light. Again, with any project like this involving structural amendments it is advisable to consult a structural engineer and architect and the project may be subject to approval.

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Garage Renovated For Family Play

Kids are always full of energy. Why not teach them how to channel it on something good for their health, like sport? Who knows, maybe in time they will develop a passion for sports! Besides that, such a place will stimulate their imagination and help them to improve their skills. Climbing monkey bars, swings, ropes, gym mats, sounds like a perfect playground, dont you think?.

How To Do A Garage Conversion

Garage Conversion To Living Space | Cost Breakdown $$$

If youre going to do a garage conversion, you want to make sure the space is comfortable. You can accomplish this by:

1. Insulation Insulating the walls and door of the garage creates a consistent, comfortable temperature.

2. Floor covering and elevation Many garage floors are lower than the floors in your home. It can be beneficial in some cases to raise the garage floor. And in some locations, its required to add floor installation. Covering the garage floor with laminate, wood, or vinyl is also a good idea for aesthetics.

3. Hide unsightly areas Things like a water heater, storage, and furnaces arent visually appealing. You can easily cover these with non-load bearing walls.

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What Will Be Needed In Your New Living Space

Although your garage was functional for the space it was originally intended, there will be several changes you will likely need for your newly habitable area.

1.Electrical. You will need receptacles that now meet electrical code requirements for your area. That will usually mean a receptacle for every 6 of useable wall space. You will also need adequate lighting. You may need to upgrade your electrical panel or install an auxiliary panel in order to accommodate your new electrical needs.

2.Windows. Your garage may or may not have windows and some municipalities will require windows to be of a certain size in a habitable area to provide natural light and air movement. Check your local by-laws to find out whats required in your area.

3.Ceiling. You will need a ceiling height minimum of 7 6. This usually isnt a problem with most garages but some of the older homes will have a short ceiling height. If you have a really high ceiling in your garage, you may want to lower the ceiling to create attic storage and save on heating.

4.Heating. You will want to heat the space if you live in an area that has cold weather during a few months of the year. You will need to extend the central heating or install baseboard heaters or fan driven wall heaters.

6.Insulation. You will need to insulate the walls and ceiling.

Ready To Start Your Garage Remodel

Before making a final call, consult with contractors and other professionals to determine whether a garage conversion is the best way to accomplish your space-enhancing goals efficiently, safely and with the value of your home intact.

Then, get started on your renovation by cleaning out your garage.

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Stylish Lounge With A Bar

Modern Craft Construction succeeded in creating a gorgeous living space area where once was a garage. They did their job so well that I wouldnt have noticed this space was actually a garage. The lack of windows in that area, and the glass garage door were the only ones that made me think of this option. This is a good place to watch a movie with your family, or to throw a party. You have plenty of space!

Convert Your Garage With Flow Wall

Looking for the perfect way to design and organize your new space? Browse our wide selection of wall panels, cabinets, shelving, and more for storing anything and everything. Our vertical shelving can also open up the floor space of your room for more fun and activities. Convert your garage to a living space or home office that suits your lifestyle perfectly with Flow Wall.

Converting A Garage Can Boost Your Property Value

When it comes time to put your home on the market, buyers dont want to see your stuff jammed into every available inch. So if a garage conversion means extra psychological space to spread out, thats a win, Norton says.

In every case I can think of, converting from parking to living space has had a very significant positive effect on property value, says Norton .

But to reap the rewards, youll need to convert with finesse. In fact, a well-done garage conversion to living space can give you up to an 80% ROI, HomeAdvisor reports.

The greatest increase in value and satisfaction will come from good design: building a space that flows naturally from the upstairs and looks like its part of the home, Norton says.

That means making sure brickwork, windows, flooring, and lighting match the rest of the house.

A Conversion With Kerb Appeal

This double garage conversion feels like a real home thanks to a few carefully selected details. Bachelorette Pad Flip gave the exterior a monochrome makeover in collaboration with Home Depot. Decaying garage doors were replaced with energy-efficient, black patio doors and new crisp white siding, while a black and white striped awning imparts plenty of kerb appeal.

Reasons To Consider A Garage Conversion

There are many reasons to consider a garage conversion, and most are personal in nature. Here are some of the more common reasons Ive encountered.

Increase in GLA Gross Living Area. Of course, the conversion must be completed in a way that qualifies the newly created room as living area. That means the interior finish must be the same as the rest of the house and the area must be directly heated and cooled.

You already have a large driveway and the garage is mostly unused. Maybe you only need 1 bay of the garage so you convert the other half into a gameroom.

You can turn the area into a garage apartment and rent it out, creating a nice income stream. Youll need to check with local zoning laws as well as any neighborhood or homeowners associations to ensure this is permissible.

Custom Kitchen Garage Conversion

Garage Converted Into Modern Living Space – Before & After Tiny Home Tour

Even as a garage this period building would have enormous charm, with its gabled roof and mini clock tower, but we have to say that this custom kitchen really takes the space to the next level. Designed by deVOL Kitchens, the clean monochrome palette and restrained design creates a bright and airy space for cooking, eating and living. We love the Crittall French doors too!

Assume It Will Add Value

Many homeowners assume that adding more space by converting a garage to living space will automatically add value to your home. However, this might not necessarily be the case.

If you plan on selling your home in the future, you should consider that not every buyer will consider this a valuable addition. Some buyers might favor a home that has a garage over additional living space.

How Much Does A Diy Garage Conversion Cost

The average cost of a garage conversion is between $6,000 and $19,000, according to HomeAdvisor.

The total cost will depend on the size of your garage, the type of room you are constructing and the amount of professional contracting assistance you need. A garage can be turned into a simple bedroom or living space for as little as $5,000, but if you require plumbing for a bathroom or kitchen, the project can cost closer to $25,000.

Renovation Element

$415, average cost for a 20 yard dumpster rental

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Finish Walls And Ceilings

Once the insulation is in place, finishing walls and ceilings will help to bring the space together. This step will transform your garage from a cold and utilitarian space to something comfortable and pleasant. This generally involves putting up a layer of drywall prior to any wall or ceiling treatments. A contractor can be an asset here as well, ensuring your walls and ceilings are up to code and prepared for things like a wall-mounted TV or hanging light fixtures.

Add Insulation To The Walls

Most garages are intended for car storage, the primary purpose, of course, is to protect against the elements rather than keeping temperatures at a comfortable level. However, if youre going to be using the area as a bonus living space, insulating your garage should be a priority to account for temperature fluctuations.

This can be a challenging task, particularly for those new to insulation and finishing walls, so hiring a professional contractor can help ease any apprehensions about installation. A pro can identify the best form of insulation to use for your planned space and make sure insulation will be put in place correctly.

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Install Insulated Garage Door

Another way to camouflage the garage conversion is to go the opposite direction: leave the garage door in place. One benefit is that you can occasionally raise the garage door to open up the living space to the outside. If you go this route, replace your current garage door with an insulated garage door.

What Are The Costs

Experts agree that the costs for converting a garage can range from $8,000 to $25,000 or more. Major variables include plumbing and electrical work.

Plumbing can quickly become a big expense, depending on what you plan to do in your living space. Stephany Smith, a certified plumber from MyPlumber, says, If you want to transform your garage into a completely livable space where you can shower, use the bathroom and cook, be prepared for your plumbing installation to cost you between $1,000 and $2,500.

Most garages already have some sort of electrical wiring but it will likely need upgrading. One large cost will be the electrical work to add breakers for your power requirements, says Shaun McBroom, a home improvement expert from GetProTip. Zach Reece, chief operating officer of ColonyRoofers in Atlanta, adds this: Typical garages only have one lighting circuit, so expect to add at least one more 20-amp circuit for basic living conditions.

Youll also need to convert your garage door into a solid wall because a garage door does a terrible job of keeping heat in during the winter and out during the summer. Other considerations are heating and cooling the new living space, insulation, walls, floor, ceiling and security. The costs rise quickly!

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Raise The Floor Height

Garages tend to be built lower than the house. While not necessary, your home benefits if you match flooring heights by adding sleepers to elevate the floor covering above the concrete garage floor. Some localities may require floor insulation to be added. Even if floor insulation is not required, you may want this. Garage floors are always concrete slabsnot very warm or comfortable in the cold seasons.

How Much Value Does A Garage Conversion Add

How to Convert a Garage to Living Space | Garage Conversion Video Tour

The value your garage conversion adds to your home depends on one thing: Do you live in an area where parking is a priority?

In many areas, converting a garage into a bedroom can add $5,000 or more in value to your home. However, if you live in an area where parking your car is prevalent, your home could lose value by converting your garage.

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Can A Garage Conversion Become A Living Space

Yes, your garage conversion can most definitely become a living space!

To legally do this you must convert a garage by turning it into either a guest quarter or an accessory dwelling unit. A guest quarter is a living space that has a bathroom and a wet bar, but no kitchen. These units may not be rented out long term, but can be used by family members or guests.

An accessory dwelling unit is its own fully functional apartment. It has its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living space.

Fun fact: Thanks to new statewide regulations introduced in 2020, you can now build an accessory dwelling unit on either a single-family lot OR a multi-family lot.

We make planning, hiring, and building your accessory dwelling unit simple.

Maxable has been on the front-end of a lot of these legislation changes, and weve already helped over 800 homeowners realize the potential of their property, whether its a multi-family or single-family lot. It all starts with booking a free phone consultation, and well handle the rest.