Turning Your Garage Into Living Space: A Simple Guide
Have you ever thought about turning your garage into a usable living area? It’s an exciting idea, and this guide will help you understand the basics of garage conversion.
Can You Convert Your Garage?
Absolutely! With a few rules to follow, your garage can become a living space.
You can turn your garage into a guest quarter with a bathroom and a wet bar. Or, you can create an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), which is like a small apartment with its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living area.
Getting Started: Planning and Permissions
Before you start, remember that you need permission to make changes in your home. Garage conversions are no different.
You’ll need to follow building codes, fire safety rules, and local zoning laws. It’s important to do things legally to avoid problems down the line.
Calculating Costs
Converting your garage comes with costs. On average, you might spend between $120,000 to $180,000 in a big city. Remember, costs can vary based on where you live.
Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:
– Design and Planning: $8,000-$13,000
– Construction: $110,000-$140,000
– Additional Expenses: $10,000-$15,000 (insurance, permits, etc.)
It might sound expensive, but it’s an investment that can pay off over time.
The Process of Conversion
Let’s see how a real project might go:
1. Planning: Andy wanted to convert his garage, but he realized it would cost more than he thought. He worked with experts to create a budget and get financing.
2. Design: Andy’s designer made plans for a beautiful one-bedroom unit that could be rented out.
3. Permits and Contractors: The designer handled permits and connected Andy with a trusted contractor.
4. Construction: Construction started, and the project moved forward.
5. Completion: Andy’s new living space was finished. He now earns rental income from it.
Adding Value
Converting your garage can add value to your property, especially if you plan to keep it long-term. It’s an investment that can pay off over time.
Considerations for Family Use
Converting a garage isn’t just about making money. It can also help your family. Some people convert garages to provide living space for elderly family members or to create a separate space for kids and grandparents.
Tips for Success
– Research: Learn about design that suits everyone’s needs.
– Accessibility: Make sure doorways are wide enough for wheelchairs.
– Safety: Avoid shiny surfaces and use contrasting colors for easy navigation.
Legal Conversion
Yes, you can legally convert your garage into an ADU. This offers a great way to create extra living space on your property.
Bathroom in the Garage?
Yes, if you’re turning your garage into an ADU, you’ll need to add a bathroom, along with other amenities.
Driveway and Parking
Usually, you can keep your driveway as is. If you need parking, your driveway might meet the requirements.
Affordable Ways to Convert
– Stay Within Limits: Avoid tearing down important walls.
– Buy Used: Look for affordable appliances.
– Get Multiple Bids: Compare different contractor quotes.
– Sweat Equity: Do some work yourself, but remember your time is valuable.
Hiring the Right Team
While it might seem tempting to cut corners, hiring professionals will save you headaches and money in the long run.
Converting your garage into living space is an exciting project. Just remember to follow rules, plan carefully, and work with the right people. With patience and effort, you can transform your garage into a functional and valuable addition to your home.
Our goal with these articles is to help you get the information you need to make educated choices for your home and family. If you’ve found this helpful, share it with others. If you have questions or would like to request other topics to be covered, send us a quick email! We’d love to hear from you!
Contact Us to schedule your free project consultation.
Or check out some of our projects at our Facebook page.
You can also see more articles about the industry on our Blog.