Converting your garage into a new room can provide you with more living space, a more appealing home, and a boost in your home’s property value! Consider converting your garage instead of spending tens of thousands on new room additions. 

Consider Budget

If you want to add extra living space to your home, converting your garage is one of the most cost-efficient ways. Adding additional space to your property is not only an expensive endeavor but may also go against neighborhood codes. While adding extra property may cost tens of thousands of dollars, the average garage conversion cost is between $6,000 and $19,000. 

The cost will largely depend on the size of your garage and the type of room you plan to turn it into. A simple guest room or living space may cost as little as $5,000. More intricate rooms, such as a kitchen or bathroom, may be more expensive as they would require plumbing and possibly more extensive electrical work. Before beginning, carefully consider how much you can invest into a project such as this. But also, remember that just as the project may demand a hefty amount of cash, it will also provide you with an equally sizable return on investment. 

Will It Need Insulation?

Insulation is necessary if you are converting your garage space into an extra room. Insulation helps keep the elements on the outside. Without insulation, your new living space may be far too cold in the winter and far too warm in the summer to live in. Even if you’re not sure whether to upgrade, keep in mind that garage insulation can help with:

• Insulating your garage might raise the value of your home.
• There will be less noise from the garage inside your home. 
• The humidity in your home will be easier to manage. 
• Insulating your garage can reduce the energy needed to cool and heat your home.
• Your HVAC system’s lifespan can be improved by adding insulation, which would require it to operate less. 

Even if you aren’t converting your garage into a living space, insulation can help you save money in the long run. Insulating your garage can save you money on your energy bill. Your cooling and heating systems won’t have to work as hard to compensate for the temperature of your garage. 

Are Permits Required?

Since you will be changing how the space of your home will be used, you will more than likely need building permits. This will differ depending on your location, however. Some neighborhoods and cities require a covered parking option for your living space. 

It is essential to contact your city’s zoning department so you know whether or not you will require a permit. Without obtaining the appropriate permit first, your room may be considered illegal. This will have the opposite effect on your home, tanking its property value. 

Will It Be Compliant With All Local Requirements?

In addition to securing and submitting all necessary building permits, you should also exhaust all efforts to ensure you have satisfied any local requirements. You should notify the homeowner’s association (HOA) in your area about your conversion plans. The reason for this is that home improvement projects might have an impact on the surrounding homes’ values. They could accept your plan or request that you apply certain modifications to the design.

Moreover, after the work is completed, it might need to be inspected by a professional. You might need a home inspector or a structural engineer in such a situation. They’ll make sure that the conversion has been completed according to specifications and standards related to your specific state, city, or area. 

What Will You Do With Everything Stored There Now?

Storing belongings is one of the primary motivators for having a garage. That goes away when you turn your garage into a living space. Before heading into construction, thinking ahead about how you will handle both your current and potential storage needs will prove beneficial. You could build a small shed or store your equipment and tools in the basement if your home has one. And your car? Well, a sturdy carport is always a solid option.

Finding new storage space may be challenging if you are considering turning one of your main ones into a room so it might be beneficial to leave a small portion of your garage untouched. The smaller, unconverted piece of your space can then be lined with racks or shelves that can then provide some space for items needing to be stored. 

Could A Room Be Added Above Your Garage?

Extending the garage is an additional option. Since it offers you the space you need and spares the existing garage, adding a room over your garage can be an excellent choice in terms of value. Although the cost of an extension could be slightly higher than a conversion’s, the permits you might need could be similar. And since so many municipalities are in favor of these types of expansions, getting the addition approved might be a lot simpler. 

What Other Types of Rooms Can Your Garage Be Turned Into?

While a guest room is one of the most popular choices among homeowners, you could turn your garage into plenty of different things. Whatever you choose to turn your garage into will depend on what you hope to get out of your new room. Here are some popular homeowner garage conversion ideas:

• Child’s playroom
• Office
• Art studio
• Family room
• Mancave 
• Theatre room

Like a guest bedroom, any of these rooms will boost your home’s property value. You can be as creative as possible when it comes to your garage. The only limitations you will have are those set upon you by local regulations and budgetary restrictions. 

Get the Most Out of Your Garage!

If you don’t need the extra storage space and are looking for extra living space, converting your garage into a guest room is a great choice! If you live in the Seattle area and want to renovate your garage, call our Sevan Locks and Doors team today! We can help you upgrade your home.