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{"id":11758,"date":"2023-12-29T09:46:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-29T16:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog2.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/?p=11758"},"modified":"2024-01-29T15:00:18","modified_gmt":"2024-01-29T22:00:18","slug":"convert-garage-to-living-space","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/convert-garage-to-living-space\/","title":{"rendered":"Converting a Garage to Living Space: How to Do It"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With a little imagination, a garage can be much more than a simple storage space. Some homeowners convert their garages into guest rooms<\/strong>, while others repurpose these spaces as hobby rooms<\/strong> or home offices<\/strong>. Who said garages had to be dark and dingy? <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A two-car garage<\/a> can even be transformed into a rentable studio apartment<\/strong> (…that’s ready to list on Airbnb<\/a>. Hello, passive income!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cost of transforming your garage varies considerably, but here are some expenses you can anticipate: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Permits: <\/strong>Between $100 to $2,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Adding window:<\/strong> Between $400 and $1,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Adding doors: <\/strong>Between <\/strong>$400 and $1,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Adding a kitchen:<\/strong> Between $6,000 and $50,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Flooring material:<\/strong> Between $5 and $15 per square foot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Upgrading the electrical system:<\/strong> $400<\/li>\n\n\n\n
HVAC installation: <\/strong>Around $1,250<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nGarage conversions can completely transform a home, but they do take some work. Here’s everything you need to know about converting a garage<\/a> into a living space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For inspiration,<\/strong> check out Marie Bostwick’s Garage-to-Primary Suite project <\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"\"$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\nImage sourced from Marie Bostwick<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Legal Considerations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Wait! <\/em>Before you pull out the spackle and paint brushes, you’ll need to confirm your garage conversion is legal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pros and Cons of Garage Conversions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some of the pros<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
You have more living space which could be used as an extra bedroom, home office, gym, or entertainment area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
The value of your property may increase.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
You have a new, private space for guests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
You can rent out the new living space.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
You save money by using existing space rather than building a new structure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
And here are some of the cons<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
You lose parking and storage space. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
The conversion might be expensive and involve loud and intrusive construction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
You may face legal challenges. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
Garage conversions might not appeal to all potential buyers, impacting the marketability of the property. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
Ventilating the new space could be hard. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If a complete garage conversion is too difficult or expensive, consider simply giving the space a makeover<\/a>, rather than remodeling it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clearing Out Your Garage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some tips to help you empty out your garage before a conversion: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \r\n
\r\n
\r\n
Can we pay you to store vehicles?<\/h2>\r\n <\/header>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
List your unused space<\/h3>\r\n
People are earning $1,000s per year from their garages and outdoor space.<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
Approve your renters<\/h3>\r\n
You're in control. Approve who rents and the hours of access.<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
Get paid monthly<\/h3>\r\n
Sit back and collect automatic payments each month.<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/section>\r\n
\r\n

Earn $1,000s per year with your unused space<\/h2>\r\n