Do you need more living space in your home? A good option can be converting your garage and creating more room in your home. This garage conversion comes at a cost that is dependent on where you live and your specific plans. Remodeling your garage will cost you half what you expected to spend when building a brand new home. Such a project is no easy fete and there are lots of things to consider.
Among the things included in converting a garage include raising the floor, insulating the walls, installing heating, cooling, and ventilation, and updating windows and doors. All of these aspects need to be considered before starting the project.
There are various reasons why you might need an extra room in your home. Whether it’s having a space for your business to thrive and prosper or simply having some extra space for your family to enjoy and live with, a garage conversion affords you the best of both worlds without requiring you to move.
There are, however, pros and cons to a garage conversion project. Although there are many advantages that this could bring to your home, it also has some downsides to it. Make sure to consider all of these aspects if you’re planning to undertake this project in the future.
Advantages of Converting Your Garage Into a Room
Add More Useful Space for Your Home
Useful is a relative term. What may be useful for one person may not necessarily be useful to another. In this case, converting your garage actually affords you a more useful living space that’s catered to your needs. What’s more, it allows you to get that extra space in a faster and more efficient amount of time since you already have a base to work with.
This adds square footage to your home without having you compromise or lose more precious outdoor space or square footage. With this extra living space, you can even avoid moving houses or locations, saving you a ton of money down the road.
Versatile Use
In relation to the previous point, it’s worth noting that this newly converted space in your property can be used in a variety of ways. You have endless possibilities when it comes to maximizing this room, such as turning it into an office space you can work from while still being in the same property.
Moreover, this can also serve as an extra bedroom or an extension of your home, perfect for when family or friends are visiting. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you can have your privacy while keeping your guests comfortable in a space they could call their own.
Besides these, you can also this as a utility room or even as an entertainment area, to name some. The possibilities are endless with these converted spaces right on your own property.
Less Expensive Option Compared to Building an Addition
Since you’re already working with an existing structure, there’s no denying that the construction of this garage-turned-room is much easier. By building on this structure, you don’t have to pour a foundation or even establish new walls in the space.
In line with this, you get to keep natural light at bay. Since you’re not blocking any windows, you can watch the space brighten up, even more so when you decide to create other windows for the space.
Given this, the price of this conversion project is downright economical. As a matter of fact, compared to building an addition from the ground up, a garage conversion would normally cost around half of what it takes to build an addition.
With the savings you’ll have, you can put the rest of your budget towards adding insulation to the space, having ample heating and electrical systems around the place, as well as adding new windows, to name some.
Boost Resale Value
As mentioned, a garage conversion gives you the opportunity to add square footage to your home. This lets you improve its value and add curb appeal all at the same time.
When used for home appraisals, this added square footage plays a huge factor in determining the value of your property. This can play in your favor if you plan to sell your property in the future. With some homebuyers looking to have some extra square footage and not needing a garage, this can help when you make negotiations about what the property can give to the table.
Some Downsides to Watch Out For
Loss of Storage and Parking Space
One of the most obvious disadvantages that a garage conversion can bring is that you’ll lose your precious storage and parking space. Often, people tend to use their garage not only for parking their cars, but also used as a storage space for odds and ends in their homes.
If you do decide to convert your garage into a room, bear in mind that all the other items you have stored in the space need to be cleared out or placed somewhere else, such as your basement or attic if you do have one.
While you’re at it, if you have a two-car garage, you might want to consider renovating only a portion or half of the space so that you can have a space to house your car and still have it protected from the elements. You can also think of integrating storage space within the converted garage room.
Increase in Property Taxes
Added square footage in your home may boost your resale and property value, but this can also increase your property taxes over time. Depending on where you live, some municipalities or towns use the property’s overall square footage to determine how much taxes they’ll levy.
Difficulty in Selling the Home
Although the additional square footage can potentially increase the resale value of your property, a converted garage room may not necessarily be for everyone. This may make it more challenging for you to sell even with the added square footage, especially when homeowners are looking for a place with a garage, so make sure to factor this in when you’re thinking of selling your home.
In the end, the choice to convert your garage into a room depends not just on its marketability, but also on whether or not you’re planning to stay in your home.
5 Questions to Ask Before Doing a Garage Makeover
Here are a few questions that you need to ask yourself before converting your garage.
1. Is it a Good Option to Convert your Garage?
Considering you are not adding living space to your home from scratch, converting your garage to a room sounds like a good option.
Here are things that will make remodeling your garage the right option if:
- It is easy to replace the garage door?
- Heating and cooling are in your budget? To cut down on the costs, enquire with your HVAC system to find out of they will support an additional room. This can allow you to expand the ventilation to and cover the garage. Though costly, the other option is to purchase an independent system to provide heating in the garage.
- Is plumbing accessible? Before anything else, contact your plumber to find out if you will be required to add plumbing lines, especially drainage, which is the most expensive part of remodeling your garage.
- Is there adequate parking and storage elsewhere? It won’t cut if you convert your garage and lack a place to store your items or park your car?
2. Are You Required to Have a Permit?
Building permits are required because you are changing your home’s look, though it depends on location. Apply for a license to your city’s Zoning Department and you may need the help of an architect to provide the proposed flooring plan. Permits ensure credibility. That is will your building meet the building codes and local ordinances for living space. The cost of garage conversion varies in cost. However, that average cost is between $1000 and $1500.
3. The Type of Room Your Garage Will Become
You can remodel your garage and create any living space. So long as you obey the building code requirements, which depend on the zoning of your home. Among garage conversion ideas you may consider include: A playroom, bedroom, art studio, office, family room, or studio apartment.
4. Does it Add Value to Your Home?
When correctly done, converting your garage with permits and abiding by the building codes will add value to your home. The type of room you build and how seamless you transform the space will determine the value.
The following reasons can make converting your garage detrimental to your home if:
- Lacking a garage will limit street parking or you won’t have covered parking.
- The project is done illegally without any permits.
- You eliminate storage space and worsen the problem of storage.
5. The Cost of a DIY Garage Conversion
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of converting a garage is between $6000 and $19000. The project’s cost depends on the size of the garage, the type of room constructed, and the professional contracting assistance you sought. Turning your garage into a simple bedroom or living space will cost you about $5000, whereas it will cost you about $25000 if you construct a kitchen or bathroom that will require plumbing.
Are You Ready to Start Remodelling Your Garage?
Before anything else first, consult with professionals to determine whether converting your garage is the best way to increase your living space and if it will add value to your home.
Converting a garage into a room is a huge undertaking. With the implications that come with it, taking the time to assess the advantages and disadvantages of this type of project will come in handy in helping you make the right decision.
By having a clear idea of how you want to use the converted garage, you can make your vision come to life with the right contractor. This valuable investment is sure to achieve style and functionality to make it the perfect garage conversion of your dreams.
