Just in case you are looking for some extra living space, it would be an excellent option to take a look at your garage and how it will be able to serve your needs.
We will start with the following statement: a converting garage is significantly cheaper than building a whole addition to your house.
The only downside of this project would be that your car will suffer a little bit, and maybe your neighbors will not find that transformation noise very much.
Other than this, according to some recent studies, converting a garage into a living space should bring you an array of benefits that will improve the quality of your life and, at the same time, bring happiness into your life.
Let’s take a look at what useful information we managed to analyze and compile for you:
When is Converting Garage into a Room the Right Option?
If you are considering the cost of converting a garage into a living space, there are several tips on choosing the timing of this project, and they are as followed:
- Do you have a budget for heating and cooling? – Converting a garage into living space can be quite a budget hit if your current HAVC system is not built to support an extra room, that is why it’s essential to check if the ventilation system can be extended to cover the garage as well
- Do you have accessible plumbing? – It is applicable for those of you who plan to add a kitchenette or even a bathroom when sketching the converting garage plan. It may be necessary to add new plumbing lines, so make sure you contact a plumber when you draw the plan of the project.
- Do you have additional storage and parking space? – When you have plans of converting a garage, keep in mind the fact that you will have to find a different place for your car and all the other tools you might have in your garage. If you find yourself in a difficult situation when relocating the vehicle and the other tools, it would be best to take another approach.
Does Converting a Garage Add Value to Your House?
For those you who are afraid of the cost of converting a garage into living space, let us tell you that you shouldn’t worry. By doing so, you are adding overall value to your house, and it will be better scored on the market.
The average cost of converting a detached garage goes between $6,000 and $20,000.
According to the latest reports and statistics, when you opt for improving your garage, you can expect that about 80% of your investment will recoup in home value.
Of course, there are several other factors to keep in mind when looking for a converting garage, like the seamlessness of the conversion or what type of room you are building.
So the answer to the question of “does convert a garage add value to my house?” is yes, yes it does.
Do You Require a Permit for Converting Your Garage?
Given the fact that for a converting garage, you will change the space, it is most likely that you will be required to obtain a building permit.
Before applying for a building permit, it would be recommended that you consult with an architect to come up with a proposed floor plan, as the city’s Zoning Department might require it.
Converting a concrete panel garage might imply additional building permits, so make sure you are on the same page when you are the Zoning Department if this is the case for you.
For the building permits, you can expect to get out of your pocket between $1,000 and $1,500. It depends on what your needs are for the project.
Keep in mind that, in case you need a permit for the converting garage, it will most likely be required an inspection after all is done and renovated. If everything has been done alright you can play here happy and use it on your own.
What Room Can a Converting Garage Become?
The good thing about a converting garage is that the whole project is fully customizable to your own preferences and desires. You can basically create almost any type of room after you are done with the converting garage.
If you are inclined to transform it into a full apartment, then you should expect more obstacles ahead, as opposed to turning it into a single extra room as:
- Art Studio
- Office
- Family room
- Bedroom
- Playroom
- Studio apartment
Conclusion
We all know how enjoyable it is a new project, especially when it involves upgrading your living situation and create more available rooms for your family.
And sometimes, a converting garage is the best way to obtain that happiness. Don’t be fooled, as this project needs to be treated with all due seriousness. By respecting some of the critical factors that we outlined above, you should be able to enjoy your new extra living space in no time.
What are some of the challenges you face when going for a converting garage? We would love to hear your stories and what advice do you have for the ones who will do this for the first time.
Author’s Bio
Alex Green is an editorialist and content creator. He is passionate about everything that involves woodwork. Sometimes you can find him late at night, in his small shop crafting some new piece of wood into beautiful, unique creations of his own.