Before taking action, it’s worthwhile to think about … … When you really love cars, your garage is less for car storage and more like a car … Hey everyone! Plus, in this age of online platforms for short-term rentals, a converted garage is one way for homeowners to defray the cost of their mortgage while still living in the house. It reminds me of the tiny space, garage conversion I lived in, in Dana Point, CA. And that's before you can even start building! Palatial Pit Stop. In fact, a "well-done" garage conversion to living space can give you up to an 80% ROI, HomeAdvisor reports. No loss of yard: Building an addition means more living space but less yard for outdoor activities. Expanding into the garage preserves yard space. Garages tend to be built lower than the house. If you’re lucky and have a double garage, you can even convert half the space, keeping somewhere to park your car but still benefiting from a new room.One of the great things about converting an existing structure is that you don’t need to lay new foundations or build walls from scratch; something tha… Pros and Cons of Garage Conversions . Converting an Existing Garage Converting your existing garage (or a portion of it) into living space will require a building permit. Should I insulate my garage? Don't despair—we're here to help you determine when converting your garage makes sense, and when it’s a definite no-go. The money that is saved from dealing … I'm considering converting the entire garage, which runs the depth of the house, into an apartment for my … It looks like Cookies are disabled in your browser. Parking space: Removing the cars from the garage may flout local requirements for on-site parking spaces. While not necessary, your home benefits if you match flooring heights by adding sleepers to elevate the floor covering above the concrete garage floor. Not only does a garage conversion allow you to make much better use of existing square footage without the need to extend, but it is also a project that creates minimum disruption to your … Bonus: download our free too kit! And if you need to excavate the garage floor to meet height restrictions, you’re looking at major bucks. Doing it yourself: Though difficult, a quality garage conversion can be done on a do-it-yourself basis. "Whether you kayak, paddleboard, river raft, mountain bike, ski, hike, hunt, or fish—all of that comes with equipment and everybody needs somewhere to put it. In that case, you might be able to convert it to a smart garage door opener instead. Other times the garage is newer and in great shape and … Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. Seven Things to Consider, Basics of Converting a Garage to Living Space, How to Make a Garage Conversion a Comfortable Space, Install New Drywall or Finish Existing Drywall, 7 Ways to Save Money on a Bathroom Remodel, What to Store in Your Garage (and What Not To), The Real Cost of 3 Types of Home Additions, What Is Behind Drywall: Guide to Wall Studs and Framing, Building Your Own Home: a Step-by-Step Guide, 4 Types of House Additions to Add More Space, Get Inspired: 19 Garage Door Designs and Ideas, The Subfloor Is the Foundation of a Good Flooring Installation. A recent American Housing Survey showed that 80% of Americans have a garage or carport, yet only a fraction use it for parking. Are you maximizing your property's potential? For example, a single-car garage can easily be sold for $300,000 to $400,000, he says, "so it’s definitely not a smart decision to convert when you have a parking space that will give you that much of a return.". However if you are planning a garage conversion to convert … : add enough window space to your home, we were unable to share this article Known before Buying First! Of your fabulous neighborhood is off the table financial possibilites meet height restrictions, you ’ re looking at bucks..., ceiling, roof, and this is lost with a wall my … floor local requirements for parking! Changing space meant for vehicles into habitable, safe, and when it becomes habitable. Do-It-Yourself home remodel project if your garage was built, it might not be well-suited to become space... Share this article how your garage conversion rarely will increase the property.... A number of significant downsides activity and financial possibilites, future buyers of your home converting garage... 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