Garage Conversion: A Guide to Turning a Garage Into a Room

Garage conversion is the process of turning a home’s garage into more living space. A garage remodel can improve the resale value of your home, but it involves time, energy, and planning. In general, converting the garage of your home is cheaper and easier than building a completely new addition. Garages are often converted into home offices, playrooms, art studios, gyms, or family rooms.

Factors like home storage, parking availability, and permits often come into consideration before beginning this process. A permit may be needed to convert a garage to a livable space, which requires the homeowner to work with an architect to apply for a permit from the local authorities.

Converting a garage into a living space may require a permit to ensure that your new living space complies with local building codes. For instance, you may be required to have windows in your new living space which many garages do not have. Your neighborhood may also have restrictions around covered or off-street parking, in which case you may need to keep your garage as a carport.

It is a good idea to research the zoning and building codes in your neighborhood or municipality before beginning this kind of project. In some cities, like Los Angeles, any construction requires a building permit. Renovating a space can also disrupt electricity or power lines, in which case it will be necessary to communicate with service providers as well.

Here is an overview of six things to consider before embarking on a garage conversion.

1. 1. Heating and cooling: Garages are not wired or insulated for heating and cooling purposes like the rest of a typical home. You will need to consider the extra energy it will take to keep the room air-conditioned or heated, especially if you intend to turn your garage into a bedroom. Make sure that your HVAC system can accommodate an additional room, and consider the costs of heating or cooling your new space.
2. 2. Parking alternatives: Consider what your alternative parking spaces might be when your garage is no longer a carport. While some homes have plenty of driveway space, other homeowners may have to switch to street parking. Also remember that losing a garage means losing storage space for things like lawnmowers, outdoor equipment, and more.
3. 3. Plumbing and electric installations: You will need to work with a plumber if you’re installing new sinks, toilets, or showers in this new space. You should also consider the process of installing new outlets or light fixtures. You will want to consult with an electrician and understand the current electrical infrastructure of your home. For detached garages, additional wiring can be run from your main house through an underground conduit.
4. 4. The current state of your garage: Assess whether your garage is conducive to being converted into a living space. Concrete garage floors, for example, are usually unsuited for domestic use and may need to be excavated. Consider things like the amount of natural light your newly converted room will receive, or the amount of drywall you may need to install. If there are wires that are exposed, you may need to build new walls.
5. 5. Permits: If you need a permit to convert your garage space, you will need to work with a number of professionals, like electricians, architects, and architects to get the job done. It can be a costly process that takes a lot of time.

Here is an overview of some of the possible advantages of a converted garage.

1. 1. It can be done economically. You can convert a garage to a living space for around half the cost of adding a whole new addition to your home. You may even be able to handle many of the renovations on your own with limited help from contractors.
2. 2. It can add resale value. Home appraisals often use square feet as a factor in determining the property value, so the extra space can potentially increase the resale value of your home.
3. 3. You’re working off of an existing structure. One of the biggest benefits of converting your garage is working with an existing structure. Depending on the condition of your garage, things like foundation, drywall, and insulation may already be established.

Here is an overview of some of the potential disadvantages of converting a garage.

1. 1. It may increase your property taxes. In municipalities that use a home’s livable square footage to determine its property taxes, a home addition will increase the amount you pay in property taxes.
2. 2. Loss of parking and storage space. Losing a spot for your car may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can reduce the value of your house if you live in a densely populated area. Street parking can even require permits and may be less secure than indoor parking. If you are planning on remodeling a two-car garage, consider only renovating half of the space to maintain one parking spot.
   
3. 3. Removing the garage may make the home harder to sell. There is a possibility that a home with no garage will be more difficult to sell, even if the extended living space can add value to the home. This is an important element to consider for people who plan to sell their homes in the near future.

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