With a little imagination, a garage can be much more than a simple storage space. Some homeowners convert their garages into guest rooms, while others repurpose these spaces as hobby rooms or home offices. Who said garages had to be dark and dingy?
A two-car garage can even be transformed into a rentable studio apartment (…that’s ready to list on Airbnb. Hello, passive income!)
The cost of transforming your garage varies considerably, but here are some expenses you can anticipate:
- Permits: Between $100 to $2,000
- Adding window: Between $400 and $1,000
- Adding doors: Between $400 and $1,000
- Adding a kitchen: Between $6,000 and $50,000
- Flooring material: Between $5 and $15 per square foot
- Upgrading the electrical system: $400
- HVAC installation: Around $1,250
Garage conversions can completely transform a home, but they do take some work. Here’s everything you need to know about converting a garage into a living space.
For inspiration, check out Marie Bostwick’s Garage-to-Primary Suite project
Image sourced from Marie Bostwick
Legal Considerations
Wait! Before you pull out the spackle and paint brushes, you’ll need to confirm your garage conversion is legal.
The legality of turning a garage into a living space depends on local zoning laws, building codes, and regulations set by the city or municipality. If you don’t secure the proper permit or your garage conversion is restricted by the Homeowners’ associations (HOAs), it would be considered illegal. Not following the proper safety protocols would also deem a conversion not legal.
Violating zoning regulations or building codes can result in hefty fines or penalties, so be sure to consult with local authorities or a professional contractor before setting out to reconstruct your garage.
Pros and Cons of Garage Conversions
Before getting into the logistics, consider some of the overall effects (both positive and negative) that converting your garage will have on your home and overall comfort.
Here are some of the pros:
- You have more living space which could be used as an extra bedroom, home office, gym, or entertainment area.
- The value of your property may increase.
- You have a new, private space for guests.
- You can rent out the new living space.
- You save money by using existing space rather than building a new structure.
And here are some of the cons:
- You lose parking and storage space.
- The conversion might be expensive and involve loud and intrusive construction.
- You may face legal challenges.
- Garage conversions might not appeal to all potential buyers, impacting the marketability of the property.
- Ventilating the new space could be hard.
If a complete garage conversion is too difficult or expensive, consider simply giving the space a makeover, rather than remodeling it.
Clearing Out Your Garage
In order to convert your garage into an inviting living space, you’ll need to clear it out first. This comes with its own set of considerations, like where to store extra belongings moving forward and what to do with your vehicles.
Here are some tips to help you empty out your garage before a conversion:
Declutter and Sort
Start by sorting through items in your garage. Decide what you want to keep, donate, or throw out. This will help you determine how many items you’ll need to find a space for.
Reorganize within your Home
Unless you have a second garage, you’ll need to find a new place to store belongings that were previously in your garage. Consider reorganizing rooms within your house to make extra space for your items. If you have an attic, this is also a great place to relocate items.
Consider Your Storage Options
If you don’t have any more space within your home, consider renting a storage unit. You can also see if there are any units offered by peer-to-peer self storage spaces, like Neighbor.
Arrange Vehicle Parking
Transforming your garage means sacrificing this space as a parking lot for your vehicles. Check to see if you can park on the street or use a nearby parking lot moving forward.
7 Steps to Convert Your Garage Into Living Space
If you’ve passed the legal hurdles and have decided that a garage conversion is what your home needs, here are seven steps that break down this process.
Step #1: Assess Your Garage
Start by assessing your available space. The condition of your garage will impact the feasibility of transforming it into your dream studio, additional bedroom, extra family room, or any other garage conversion ideas you may have.
In your assessment, cover the following checkpoints:
Inspect Your Garage’s Structural Integrity
Check for signs of structural damage, including cracks in the foundation, sagging or uneven floors, and water damage. If you see any damage, you’ll have to factor those repairs into the overall conversion process. These repairs could cost anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000.
Inspect the Electrical and Plumbing
Assess the existing electrical wiring and plumbing connections in the garage. For instance, if your circuit breaker trips frequently, your lights flicker, or there is an odd smell coming from your wiring, you may need to call an electrician. Contact a plumber if you notice unusually low water pressure, discolored water, or any leaks.
Inspect the Insulation and Ventilation
You’ll need proper insulation and ventilation in order to comfortably and safely occupy this space. Keep an eye out for any insulation or ventilation deficiencies, such as insulation gaps, leaks, or areas of poor coverage, and signs of condensation, mold, or mildew.
Although you can do a preliminary insulation and ventilation check yourself, it is advisable to hire a professional.
Inspect the Natural Light Sources (If Applicable)
Adding windows not only introduces natural light but also enhances ventilation and views. Determine the feasibility of constructing windows in the space. Structural constraints and building codes, for instance, prohibit the construction of windows. If adding windows is impossible, consider installing skylights.
Step #2: Design and Plan Your Space
Next, it’s time to design your future living space. Garages can be turned into bedrooms, playrooms, offices, gyms, art studios, music rehearsal rooms and more.
The intended use of your space will inform the changes that need to be made. For instance, a bedroom is more likely to need natural light than a gym, and an office may need more electrical outlets than an art studio.
After you’ve determined how you want to use your space, create a layout that considers furniture placement. You’ll also want to think about how you plan on lighting the space and if it needs any soundproofing.
Step #3: Set a Budget
Garage conversion costs range considerably, so you’ll want to establish a realistic budget. Remember to factor in all costs associated with this construction, including any structural modifications, insulation, utility installation, and interior finishes.
A garage conversion typically costs somewhere between $5,000 and $50,000, or even more if you plan on adding a bathroom, a kitchenette, or any custom features. On average, converting a garage into a simple bedroom costs around $15,000.
Step #4: Bring in the Professionals
Unless you’re DIYing the whole conversion, you’ll want to hire an architect or contractor to help create a detailed design plan. This could cost anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000 or more. Your design plan will serve as a blueprint for your garage remodel and should outline the layout, structural modifications, electrical and plumbing considerations, and necessary permits required for the conversion.
Throughout the conversion process, these professionals oversee the project, manage subcontractors, handle procurement of materials, and ensure the work progresses according to the established timeline.
Step #5: Let the Construction Begin
Time for construction! This phase might include structural work, electrical installation, insulation, drywall, flooring, and finishing touches.
Throughout this phase, make sure you’re communicating openly with the construction team about your vision for the space. Walk through the space regularly to make sure everything goes according to plan, and bring up any issues or questions you have.
Step #6: Do a Safety and Quality Check
Now that your converted garage is complete, you’ll want to conduct a quality check to make sure the new space meets safety standards and functionality requirements. This is an important step, even if you’ve hired professionals.
Here are some things to look out for:
- Make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
- Check to see if windows and doors have proper locks.
- Test all plumbing for any leaks.
- Check for any signs of structural issues, such as cracks or uneven surfaces.
- Test all installed appliances, outlets, and lighting fixtures.
Step #7: Add Your Final Touches
If everything looks good, it’s time to furnish the converted space and make it feel like home. Adding a rug, additional lighting, and some colorful decor can bring new life to your space. You’ll likely also want to add some shelving or a dresser for storage, especially if you’re furnishing a bedroom.
Time to Settle In
Your new living space is now ready for use! Just make sure you hold on to the records of any permits, inspections, or approvals obtained during the conversion process. These documents may be necessary for future reference, especially if you plan to sell your property.
