Garage Conversions: Experts Advice on Getting the Most Out of Your Space
Garage conversions have become a popular home improvement project, offering innovative solutions to maximize living space and enhance property value. Whether transforming a garage into a cozy spare room, a functional home office, or an entertainment area. This renovation optimizes underused space and adds versatility and functionality to homes.
With careful planning and creative design, garages can undergo remarkable transformations, integrating into the overall aesthetic and functionality of the home. In this article, we’ve included expert tips and insights to guide you through your conversion process.
How can one determine if a garage conversion is the best option for their home?
Determining if a garage conversion is the best option for a home involves several considerations. Firstly, the available space and its potential utility should be assessed. Consider whether the garage conversion aligns with your lifestyle needs, such as creating an additional bedroom, office, or recreational area.
Evaluate local regulations and permits required for such conversions, ensuring compliance with zoning laws and building codes. Financially, compare the garage conversion cost against alternative renovation options or moving to a new property. Additionally, contemplate the impact on property value; while conversions can add living space, they may reduce parking availability, potentially affecting resale value. Ultimately, the decision should prioritize practicality, budget, and long-term housing goals to determine if a garage conversion suits the individual needs and circumstances of the homeowner.
Consulting with contractors or real estate professionals can provide valuable insights tailored to specific situations.
Tiffany Campbell from Eighty MPH Mom
How can homeowners determine the ideal use of their converted garage space?
Converting a Garage to another use really depends on a homeowner’s needs. Many do this to provide new living space for family or extended family, where the conversion includes making it self-contained with a bathroom and small kitchen.
In recent times we have also seen this for parents coming to live with children or vice versa, and it provides a family with a level of accommodation they might otherwise be able to afford.
Steve and Miriam Davis from Team Davis
What types of rooms can a garage be transformed into during a conversion?
A garage can be technically converted into various types of rooms with specific considerations for each type:
Home Office: Ensure adequate electrical outlets, lighting, and insulation for comfort and productivity. Plan for sufficient desk space and storage solutions.
Gym: Install proper flooring for shock absorption, ventilation for air quality, and possibly mirrors for form-checking. Consider equipment storage and layout for efficient use of space.
Workshop: Incorporate sturdy workbenches, tool storage, and proper lighting for safety and functionality. Plan for ventilation to mitigate fumes from tools and materials.
Studio: Focus on natural lighting, soundproofing, and ample space for creative endeavors. Consider storage for art supplies and equipment specific to the medium.
Guest Room: Ensure insulation, heating, and cooling for comfort. Incorporate a Murphy bed or sofa bed to maximize space when not in use.
Playroom: Choose durable, easy-to-clean flooring and incorporate storage for toys and games. Consider safety features such as rounded edges and secure furniture.
Rental Unit: Ensure compliance with local regulations for habitable spaces, including proper insulation, heating, and ventilation. Plan for a separate entrance, kitchenette, and bathroom facilities if required.
Each conversion requires attention to structural integrity, insulation, ventilation, and utilities to ensure the space is both functional and comfortable for its intended use. Consulting with Realm can help ensure a successful and technically sound garage conversion.
Nicolas Piquet-Gauthier from Realm
What common mistakes should homeowners avoid during the garage conversion process?
Failure to ask the contractor about their process. Specifically, how is the concrete prepped? Are they using a professional diamond tool grinder to achieve the proper CSP, which will provide the correct bonding surface to the floor coating they are purchasing?
Shopping is the best price only. It's cliche, but you get what you pay for in this world. There are a ton of different products out there and qualities within each. If you're paying $4 a sq ft for a garage coating, I can guarantee the prep will be poor, and so will the quality of the coating materials. It will not last, and you'll have to pay again for someone to fix it. I see it all the time.
Failure to ensure the contractor is licensed and insured. We are both criminally background-checked monthly by a third-party company.
Failure to understand the differences between epoxy and polyaspartics (for residential garages).
John Colon from Wise Coatings of Central Michigan
What are the common challenges faced when converting a garage into a living space, and how can these be addressed?
The most common challenges I see when my clients are looking to convert their garage into living space are related to permits and local regulations.
Most homeowners, especially DIY'ers, aren't even aware that they need to pull permits for their garage renovations or have their work professionally inspected. Typically, municipalities around the world use the International Building Codes (IBC) as general guidelines. However, most will have special provisions that are unique to their area, so it's always worth checking local regulations.
A building permit is mandatory at a minimum. However, they'll also need to pull additional permits for any plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work. Since garages aren't designed as living spaces, there are some unexpected complications to bringing them up to the building code. Homeowners typically need to raise their concrete slab to the same level as the rest of the house. Another common challenge is needing to include a window if they plan on using the garage as an additional bedroom.
Tim Wells from Garage Transformed
How can I determine if my garage conversion project requires building permits?
Call the building department and ask them a hypothetical question about whether a garage conversion would require a permit or not within their jurisdiction. You probably don't need to give your address or name at first, but just ask a general question to see what their response would be. If they give a definitive black-and-white answer that a conversion absolutely requires permits, then you have what you need. If their answer depends on the specifics of the conversion at hand, then probe with follow-up questions.
Ryan Lundquist from SacramentoAppraisalBlog.com
What factors can affect the timeline of a garage conversion?
The timeline for converting a garage into an ADU or living space is primarily influenced by three factors: the structural integrity of your garage, how skilled your architect/contractor team is, and how complex your plans are.
If your garage is already in good shape and follows all the rules, you're off to a great start, and things will move quickly. However, if there are any issues with your garage's structure, these need to be fixed first, which can slow things down. An experienced design and build team will know how to anticipate and prevent issues, ensuring things go smoothly and according to schedule. On the other hand, if your team lacks experience, you might run into more hold-ups. Lastly, if you're planning to make big changes, like adjusting the size or height of the garage, you'll probably need to wait longer for the okay from the city, and the building part will take more time, too.
Jon Grishpul from Maxable
What are the key structural considerations when converting a garage into a living space?
There are a number of structural items you need to consider when planning to convert a garage into a living space. And with that, too, comes a number of questions. First - how are you planning to use this new living space?
For me, the most important structural consideration stems from how you’d answer that question. If the answer includes water - i.e., a bedroom with an en suite bath, a wet bar, or, say a kitchenette - then you gotta think about plumbing - especially the drainage. While hung drains are feasible for many, and especially if you are dealing with limited space, you’ll want your branch drain lines below floor level - in this case, below slab. Hello, jackhammer! And next, can these new lines easily pass through the home’s existing foundation on their way to pick up the home’s main sewer stack?
For your garage conversion, you’re probably already planning to replace a garage door with a new in-framed wall designed to match the home’s existing exterior. When you plan for this, consider whether the room will continue to provide an exit to the exterior. Whether or not you choose to add an exterior door, ask yourself - are there enough windows? Some municipalities may dictate minimum light and ventilation requirements for living spaces. Beyond that, if you are planning to use the new space as a bedroom, building codes will require egress - a way to escape in the event of a fire. Plan for the possibility of adding windows and doors in your garage conversion.
Garages are traditionally unconditioned - and I won’t go into your heating and cooling considerations here. But I will stop to say you’ll need to consider whether you have adequate insulation, not only on exterior walls and along the roof line but also for your new floor. Was your garage’s concrete slab properly insulated at the time of installation? Has the slab always been free of signs of moisture? For my money, I’d treat both these questions as a No, and plan to build up, seal, and/or possibly insulate the slab prior to installing any type of finish flooring.
For garages wider or deeper than “one-car”, they may already contain a structural bearing member, like a lally column or a post designed to support longer framing spans. Question - can you live with a column in the middle of your new living space? If not, and you choose to remove, you’ll need to upsize beams to continue effectively supporting the roof.
JB Bartkowiak from Building Moxie
How can lighting play a crucial role in transforming a garage into a functional and inviting space?
Lighting is not just functional; it's transformative, especially in spaces like garages which often serve multiple purposes. By selecting the right type of lighting, you can turn a mundane garage into a bright, welcoming area that invites productivity and leisure alike. For a garage that doubles as a workspace or hobby area, consider brighter, whiter lights that mimic daylight to enhance focus and detail work. To create a cozy retreat or a relaxed atmosphere, opt for warmer light temperatures that add a soft glow, inviting calm and comfort. Utilizing versatile fixtures such as barn lights for a rustic farmhouse feel or modern bowl domes in matte black and brass can add character and style.
Whether you use ceiling-mounted for broad illumination or wall-mounted fixtures for focused tasks, the correct lighting choice can elevate your garage from simply a storage area to a personalized extension of your home. Remember, lighting sets the mood, so let your garage's light reflect your desired ambiance and purpose!
Aaron Abergel from Steel Lighting Co.
Are there any specific challenges related to waste collection and disposal that homeowners should be aware of when planning a garage conversion?
One of the problems we run into with homeowners is when they don’t segregate their debris for disposal. Garage renovations can generate a whole of different things that turn up in the trash. It’s important to remember that if you’re renting a dumpster, there is a list of things that can and can’t go into it.
We always make sure our reps take the time to go through this with our clients. Hazardous waste won’t be picked up, for example, and can cost homeowners extra fees if our guys have to pick it up and return it back to the homeowner because they didn’t realize what they were putting in their dumpster.
Homeowners can also save money on their debris removal by separating things that can be recycled. This can reduce the weight of the load and the frequency of pickups and even help the environment by diverting recyclables away from landfills.
Sean Eiras, Operations Manager from Frontier Waste Solutions
What should people consider when deciding how to use their converted garage space?
Focus on converting your garage into a space that you will use the most often and will give you the biggest bang for your buck. You may love the idea of converting your garage to an eye-catching theatre room, but how often would you actually be able to lounge and enjoy that space? When it came to deciding how to convert part of our garage, we decided to turn it into a home gym.
It required very little money and effort to turn it into a gym. It's not the most beautiful or trendy space, but it gets used daily and saves us from paying for expensive gym memberships. It was a small investment with a big reward.
Tasha Agruso, Owner & Founder from Kaleidoscope Living
How does converting a garage into a living space impact the parking situation for the property?
If you own a car, transforming your garage into an extra room or separate living area will mean sacrificing a parking spot. It can also mean limiting having friends or family over due to a lack of available parking spots.
So before you start your garage makeover, draw up a plan to address potential parking shortages. Consider alternative parking options, such as installing carport or gravel parking pads on unused areas of your property to create extra parking spaces.
Consider discussing shared driveway agreements with neighbors and obtaining parking permits for residents if street parking is available.
If these options are off the table, renting out a parking spot on a long-term basis through online platforms like Spacer can also be a parking lifesaver. These steps can help address parking shortages resulting from converting your garage into an extra living space.
Michael Rosenbaum from Spacer
How can homeowners ensure a garage conversion is done properly to increase property value?
To ensure a garage conversion increases your property value, homeowners should consider the following factors:
1. Acquire permits: Ensure all necessary legal permits are obtained to comply with local building codes.
2. Hire professionals: Work with experienced architects, contractors near you, and designers who are experts in garage conversions.
3. Plan wisely: Design the garage conversion to maximize space efficiency and functionality while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
4. Focus on quality: Use high-quality materials and finishes to ensure durability and attractiveness.
5. Consider functionality: Create a versatile space that can serve multiple purposes, such as a guest suite, home office, or home gym.
6. Insulate properly: Ensure proper insulation to regulate temperature and energy efficiency.
7. Maintain curb appeal: Maintain the exterior appearance to blend seamlessly with the rest of the property.
8. Document changes: Keep records of all changes made for future reference and potential resale purposes.
Mack Johnson from Web Fandom
What key factors should homeowners consider when selecting professionals for their garage conversion project?
Finding and hiring an ethical, competent, and reliable contractor is the key to experiencing a successful project outcome.
Thoroughly vet a potential contractor with background checks that will reveal any related lawsuits, history of complaints, their mechanics’ lien history with prior clients, and credit standing with suppliers, along with a license check through their contractor's state license board.
Interview the contractors, asking questions about their experience with garage conversion projects, years in business, how they handle problems when they arise, how often they communicate with you during the project, and any challenges they may see with your project.
Additionally, homeowners must research down payment requirements for their state and payment schedule options.
Use protective clauses in your contract such as “Lien Releases” upon payments made to the contractor and subs and written “Change Orders” to be used when extra work is to be done to avoid any ‘surprise’ billing during the project.
Be sure you have a detailed, written agreement that spells out everything you expect to be performed, including materials used, size, makes, models, a description of the work, permits to be obtained, days and hours of work, overall responsibilities of the contractor as well as any that may be the homeowners’.
Jody Costello from Contractors from Hell
What are some creative design ideas for a garage conversion to make it stand out?
When you spend a decent amount of time in your garage, you will want it to reflect your personality in one way or another. It’s natural to want it to stand out and be greater than just a place where you store tools and odd pieces of metal.
A great way to accomplish this is backlighting your tools and cabinets with simple LED strips. These strips have revolutionized garage lighting and can make any drawer, shelf, or pegboard look like it belongs in the Apple Store. LED strips are easy to install, easy to wire, and easy to remove if you change your mind later – or just want to switch up the color. Using LED to make your garage stand out is a quick weekend project that will pay off for years to come.
Adam Kaslikowski from Factorytwofour.com
What are the best practices for maximizing storage space in a garage?
Maximizing storage space in a garage is essential for creating an organized and functional space. At Proslat, we understand the importance of efficient storage solutions to make the most of your garage. Here are some best practices to help you optimize your garage.
1. Put your walls to work: Install a Slatwall storage system with hooks and shelves to keep frequently used items within reach. You can easily move and rearrange the hooks and shelves to accommodate different items.
2. Utilize overhead space: Install overhead storage racks to store items that are used less frequently, such as seasonal decorations or bulky items.
3. Embrace cabinets for bulky storage: To create a finished and polished look in your garage while still maximizing storage space, consider incorporating cabinets. Cabinets offer a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution for storing bulky items such as power tools, paint cans, and gardening supplies.
By incorporating these best practices, you can transform your garage into a tidy and efficient space that can accommodate all your storage needs. Visit Proslat.com for more storage solutions and ideas tailored to enhance your garage's functionality.
Sabryna Hickey from Proslat
What are the essential steps involved in gutting out a garage for conversion into a workshop?
The first step to gutting out your garage before converting to a workshop is to remove everything. After removing everything, you will see how much space you have and make layouts on how your workshop will look. Now you have a vision of how your workshop will look, start getting the tools needed. You may want to shop online to find great deals on all the tools and equipment you will need. The floor is most likely not up to standards for a workshop, or you may opt for a special kind of flooring. For electrical work, you may want to look into hiring an electrician. The electrician can install power outlets in areas where there is a need to avoid trip hazards. Depending on the type of workshop you have, the air quality will need to be addressed. This is needed for anyone's health and safety.
Travis Williams from Daddy’s Hangout
What are the essential features and considerations when converting a garage into a workshop?
When transforming a garage into a workshop, an often-overlooked but essential feature is the electrical system upgrade. Most garages are equipped with minimal electrical service for basic lighting and perhaps a garage door opener. However, workshops require significantly more power for various tools and equipment.
An upgrade involves planning for the quantity and placement of outlets, ensuring they are of the appropriate type (e.g., standard 120V or heavy-duty 240V for larger equipment) and are conveniently located. It also means assessing the garage's current electrical panel to determine if it can handle the additional load or needs an upgrade. This planning prevents overloading the system and avoids the inconvenience of extension cords crisscrossing the workshop floor, which can be a tripping hazard.
Consider installing dedicated circuits for high-power tools to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. This upgrade enhances the workshop's functionality and significantly increases safety by reducing the risk of electrical fires.
Esther Strauss from Step by Step Business
Key considerations for your garage conversion
Home warranties cover systems and appliances within your home, offering protection against unexpected repair costs. These warranties include plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC units, and appliances like refrigerators and ovens. However, alterations to your property, such as garage conversions, may require adjustments to your existing home warranty policy.
Homeowners should consider how these changes might impact warranty coverage. Implementing pre-conversion assessments and post-conversion inspections can help you navigate warranty considerations and make sure your converted space meets reliability standards for a comfortable and functional living area.
Plumbing: A garage conversion may involve rerouting plumbing lines or adding new plumbing fixtures. This could affect home warranty coverage if issues relate to the newly installed plumbing components.
Electrical systems: Converting a garage may require additional electrical wiring and outlets. Changes to the electrical system could impact coverage for electrical repairs or malfunctions.
HVAC units: Depending on the type of garage conversion, HVAC systems may need to be upgraded or extended to accommodate the new living space. Any modifications to HVAC units might influence coverage under the home warranty.
Appliances: Home warranties typically cover major appliances like refrigerators and ovens. However, if new appliances are installed as part of the garage conversion, their coverage may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Structural changes: Converting a garage involves structural alterations to the property. While home warranties usually don't cover structural components, structural changes could indirectly impact the warranty coverage of systems and appliances affected by the renovation.
Permitting and compliance: Make sure that the garage conversion complies with local building codes and regulations. Failure to obtain necessary permits or meet compliance standards could void certain aspects of the home warranty coverage.
Additional living space: Converting a garage adds living space to the home. Depending on the warranty provider and policy terms, coverage for the newly converted area may need to be addressed separately or could affect overall coverage limits.
Consultation with home warranty provider
Before starting your garage conversion, you should engage with your home warranty provider to clarify any implications for your coverage. Consulting with the provider lets you understand how the conversion might affect your warranty terms and premiums. This approach ensures that you will maintain suitable coverage for the newly converted space while adhering to the terms of your warranty agreement.
Pre-conversion assessments and post-conversion inspections
Before starting the conversion process, pre-conversion assessments will help you identify potential coverage gaps or necessary adjustments. Post-conversion inspections guarantee that the transformed space meets reliability standards, ensuring a comfortable and functional living area while maintaining compliance with home warranty requirements.
Garage conversions represent significant changes that can impact your home warranty coverage and terms. Adequate coverage throughout the garage conversion process provides peace of mind and protects your home against unexpected repair costs.