Converting a garage into living space: Plan your remodel

What mechanical upgrades will you need?

Adding windows and doors

If your garage doesn’t have windows, you’ll need to add them to introduce natural light into the living space. And if it only has one or two, you might want to install a few more, especially on the side or rear walls, which are usually windowless. 

Also, consider installing an exterior-grade entry door to provide direct access into the new living space. (If you decide against an entry door, install an egress window that’s a large enough escape hatch in case of a fire.)

Because your existing overhead garage door does a poor job of holding in warm or cool air, you’ll need to remove it and decide what to do with that big open space. If it faces the street, it’s best to enclose the opening and add two windows and perhaps an entry door. 

If the garage door is on a wall that’s perpendicular to the street, you have more options: add windows, install an entry door or sliding patio door, or simply frame in the garage-door opening to create a blank wall. 

If the walls and ceiling aren’t finished (more likely with a detached garage), you’ll have to remodel them. The simplest way is to install any new electrical cables, plumbing pipes, and heating and air-conditioning ducts, then insulate between the wall studs and ceiling joists. (Be sure it’s enough to meet your local regulations and adequately support any new HVAC systems.) Then, cover the walls and ceiling with drywall. 

The best type of flooring for a garage remodel depends on how you’ll be using the space. If it’s a game room, exercise space, or artist’s studio, a coat of epoxy or concrete paint would suffice. Carpeting is best for a bedroom, media room, or kid’s playroom—just be sure to start with padding recommended by the carpet manufacturer. 

For other spaces, consider engineered wood, luxury vinyl planks, laminate, or porcelain tile. Whichever type of carpeting or flooring you choose, be sure it’s rated for installation over concrete. 

Keep in mind: the floor of an attached garage is often lower than the house floor. If you want to create a smooth transition between the house and the new space, you’ll have to raise the garage floor so it’s flush with the house floor, using either wood framing or more concrete. 

One obvious side effect of a garage conversion is that you’ll no longer be able to use it as a parking space, or as storage space for other items. If you aren’t willing to give up that extra space, consider building a new living area above the garage instead.

That typically means raising the roof or adding dormers (extensions from a slanted roof).  

The former requires removing the existing roof and adding a new floor above the garage. This is a drastic and expensive step, but it will create a whole new second-floor living level. 

The two most common types of dormers include gable dormers, which are often referred to as “doghouse” dormers, and shed dormers. Gable dormers are smaller, have one window, and are usually installed in the roof along the front of the garage. Shed dormers are used to create an 8-foot ceiling from a pitched roof that has virtually no headroom; they’re typically built across the entire length of the back of the garage.

The cost depends on the complexity of the conversion, region of the country, and the interior finishes you select. On average, you’ll pay $10,000–20,000, or more. A simple conversion, such as a living room, would be on the lower end, while any project that requires plumbing and appliances will cost considerably more. Cost also increases with higher-end finishes—flooring, tiling, and windows. If adding a bathroom, you’ll pay an average cost of $10,000–15,000. 

You can save money by doing some of the work yourself. Depending on your DIY skills, you can handle the demolition work, install insulation, lay down flooring, and paint the interior. 

A garage conversion increases square footage, which could increase the property value of your home (and likely raise your property taxes, as well). But garages are highly desirable to home buyers—so not having one could make your home harder to sell.

If you’re planning to move within five years, ask a local real estate agent to determine if a garage conversion will add value to your home. 

Many general contractors can handle a garage conversion. A few companies actually specialize in garage conversions, and will handle the entire process for you, including designing the space and obtaining the necessary permits.

“There’s a lot to consider when turning a garage into living space, and most homeowners are happy when an experienced builder takes the time to explain those details at the very beginning of the project,” Veron explains.

“When looking for a company that would help convert our very drab garage to a comfortable, cool, man cave/theater room, we found Edison Home Improvement,” notes Yelper DJ M. of Encinitas, California. “Our project manager…  was there every step of the way, with suggestions or changes we made. Any issues that arose were taken care of immediately.”

To get a realistic idea of overall costs, request bids format least three different contractors. Be sure to include details of the work to be performed and materials used. That way, you’ll know you’re comparing prices for the same job.

“Although it may be time-consuming to gather all this information, it’s the best way to ensure the success of your project,” Danny Lipford says. 

Also, find out how long the project will take. A simple conversion, such as a family room, can be completed in 2–4 weeks. Transforming a garage into an apartment with kitchen and bath, however, might take two months or longer. 

If you can, get recommendations from friends or neighbors who’ve done a garage conversion and were satisfied with the contractor’s work. You can also search online reviews of professionals in your town.

Source: Yelp