If you find yourself desiring more space in your home, a garage conversion is definitely something worth considering. However, there is much to consider before making the decision to convert your garage into a living space and Cavalier Builders is here to help. It’s important to weigh all your options before deciding to convert your garage.  

Why You Should Consider Converting Your Garage

When you feel as though your home has gotten a bit crammed, a garage conversion is a desirable option to enhance your space. When property values are low and expansion would be difficult and costly, this is a sensible option. There are also some potential downsides to a conversion. The decision to move forward with your conversion should be made carefully. It’s important to weigh out potential options and possible drawbacks.

Things to Consider Before Starting Your Project

A conversion doesn’t always add value to your home according to experts. It also depends on where you live. If your plan is to sell your home in the near future, a garage conversion probably isn’t for you. If your home is located in an area prone to adverse weather, a garage is usually something potential buyers are looking for. Take a look around the comparable homes in your neighborhood, if the majority of the homes have a garage then this is most likely a sought after feature. Converting your garage would decrease your chances of attracting multiple buyers.  

However, if you are located somewhere that greatly values square footage then the decision to convert your garage could potentially increase the value of your property. If you feel as though you are in the home you plan to live in forever then value and attracting buyers is of no concern to you. You may find a conversion worthwhile.

3 Reasons You Need to Consider the Costs?

1. Price ranges vary depending on the details of your preferences. The average garage conversion can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $25,000. Two of the biggest variables are the electrical and plumbing work. If you’re lucky, your garage will already have the electrical wired and may just need some upgrading. Costs can increase drastically once you start adding breakers to meet the requirements for your home. Your garage likely has a single light circuit and may need more outlets and receptacles for basic living conditions.
2. Plumbing can be a rather large expenditure depending on how you want to use your new space.  Adding a complete living space with a bathroom, shower, and space for cooking and cleaning will cost far more than just adding a half bathroom. Expect your plumbing installation to cost around $1,000 to $2,500. 
3. Don’t forget about your garage door. You will need to remove your existing garage door if you plan to maintain temperature comfort. Garage doors let in cold and heat making a living space uncomfortable in the peak months of summer and winter. Therefore you’ll probably want to have your space included into your HVAC system. Additionally, consider insulation, walls, floors, and ceilings.  

Permits and Laws

You will want to be sure to do your research and check local regulations to determine what permits are needed to convert your garage into a living space. Permits will likely be needed and can cost between $3,000 to $1,000. Of course, this will depend on where you live and the estimated cost of your project. In addition to permits, adding square footage to your home can increase your taxable square footage, especially if you’re in an area with high property taxes. 

Ready to Move Forward

If you’ve decided that converting your garage is the right move for you, call Cavalier Builders today and we can help you get the process started. Contact us at any of our locations in La Mirada, Hidden Hills, LA, and Woodland Hills CA at (866) 358-6385.

Have you considered a garage conversion for more usable space in your home? Additions being added to your home can be very costly due to needing a foundation laid. You should think about converting all or some of your garage into the needed space you’re looking for. Cavalier Builders is a great contracting company in Woodland Hills, CA, that can help you with garage conversions. Contact Cavalier Builders today to get started on your project.

What Is A Garage Conversion

Many people have garages at their homes and don’t use them to store their vehicles. It becomes a place to store boxes and extra items that you don’t have room for in your home. Even if you use your garage for your vehicle, you may be able to utilize half of it for the usable living space you need. 

You can turn a garage space into about anything that you need to. If you are working from home and need a place to call an office or if you need a play area for kids, a garage conversion can be the answer. Some other options are:

• Guest Room Or Garage Apartment
• Art Studio Or Craft Room
• Home Gym Or Weight Room
• Movie Room Or Game Room
• Music or Sound Studio
• Teen Hang Out Or Man Cave
• Hobby Room or Collectibles Space
• And So Much More

Reasons A Garage Conversion Is A Good Idea

A garage conversion can be an excellent idea for many different reasons. It is away from the main part of the house and offers a bit of a separation from the commotion. Even with an attached garage, you will still get the separation. If it is used as an office, it is a way to separate work from home life. Financially, it is a project that costs less money than adding to your home. 

The value of your home will improve as well. Garage space doesn’t appraise for as much as living space does, but when it is converted into usable space, that changes. The value of the renovated space value is the same as the space inside your home. If you can still leave room for the vehicle to park, that is even better.

Costs and Time Of A Garage Conversion

Construction projects in your home can vary by company and by the amount of work you are doing. If your garage is smaller and does not need as much work, then the time and cost will be less than a larger garage. It is based on the amount of work that the contractors need to do in the long run. Don’t forget to consider the need for:

• Running Electricity Wiring
• Installing Plumbing
• The Need For Walls and Insulation
• Installation Of Flooring
• Installation Of Heating And Cooling
• Installing Windows

In most cases, the cost of a garage conversion is going to be substantially less than an addition being made to your home. The foundation that needs laying is the costly part of the project for home additions. With a garage conversion, that is not usually needed. An average cost of a garage conversion is around five to twenty thousand dollars and takes four to six weeks. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Conversions 

If you are unsure if you should get a garage conversion or not, check out our frequently asked questions below! 

What can I use my converted garage for? 

A converted garage can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a guest room, an art studio, a home gym, a movie room, a music or sound studio, a teen hangout, a hobby room, or a collectibles space. The possibilities are endless, it really is up to you and what you need extra space in your home for! 

What type of work is usually involved in garage conversions?

A typical garage conversion may involve running electricity, wiring, installing plumbing, walls, and insulation, flooring, heating and cooling, and installing windows. At the end of the day the scope of the project depends on what the homeowner desires. 

Is a garage conversion a good way to add value to my home? 

Yes! Converting your garage into usable space adds value to your home in the same way that any addition would. In fact, the cost of a garage conversion is typically substantially less than a regular addition. 

Signs You Could Benefit From A Garage Conversion 

If your garage is underutilized or not used at all, it is a sign that you could benefit from a garage conversion. Additionally, if you find yourself needing more room for storage, a home office, or an additional living space, a garage conversion can provide you with the extra space you need. Furthermore, if you have an older home that doesn’t have central air conditioning, a conversion can be used to add an air conditioning unit. Lastly, if you find that you are running out of room for your car, a garage conversion can be an excellent way to create additional parking space.

Call Cavalier Builders Today

If you have a garage that you would like to convert into a usable space for your home, call Cavalier Builders today. We are a licensed and bonded company in Woodland Hills, CA, and it would be our pleasure to help you with your needs. Our contractors can also help you in the surrounding communities as well. Call today to get additional information about all the services we can do for you.

Are you needing extra space at your home? Extra space provides additional storage and can help declutter the home. Whether you need an office, crafting space, or even a playroom you should consider doing a garage conversion. Even if you have a small one car garage, you can close it in and make it a space that you have been needing. Some of the many things to consider are listed below.

Will Zoning Regulations Allow It?

Determining if local zoning regulations will allow you to convert your garage into a living space is important. It could require permits and other paperwork that needs to be taken care of before proceeding. Once you’ve determined that it is allowed, it is critical to consider the insulation of the space. The walls and ceiling will need to be insulated to meet building codes. Additionally, you will need to ensure that you have adequate ventilation and that any windows are up to code as well.

Does Your Garage Need Plumbing?

Most garage spaces do not have plumbing, unless you have a sink in there. If there isn’t plumbing already running to it, then you will have to consider the costs of adding it in. to add pipes and such to a space is a big job. 

It can cost an average of around $1,000 to have this done. The size of the garage shouldn’t matter too much when transforming it. Even if the garage is small, you can make it into a tiny home type of area. 

Do You Need Electricity?

Whether you are going all out and making your garage into an apartment or just a one room area, you need electricity. This is not typically an issue, because most already have electricity running to them. If yours doesn’t, then you will need to hire an electrician to come out and do an installation. 

The average cost is around $2,500. You can spend a lot less then this for garages that are not detached from the existing home. The cost goes up when wires are needed to be run underground. 

Do You Need To Install Heating and Cooling?

When turning your garage into a room, you are going to want heating and cooling to the space. Otherwise, the person living inside of it is not going to be comfortable certain times of the year. You can do this in a couple of different ways. 

If this room is going to be a permanent residence for someone, as in a garage apartment style home, you will want a HVAC unit installed. The need for a full HVAC unit isn’t as necessary if it isn’t going to be used in that way. You can use window units or space heaters for a room that is used for other uses. 

Does The Garage Walls Need Insulation?

The layout of your garage will make this process either straight forward or a little more in detail. The small garage space that you have can be turned into a valuable room space that you are needing, but the amount of work it needs will vary. Walls will need to be insulated to hold a consistent temperature.

When it comes to walls, you will need to decide between drywall and paneling. Drywall is the most popular choice, as it allows for insulation, but paneling can also be a good option. Keep in mind that paneling is not as durable as drywall, so you may have to replace it more often.

What Type Of Flooring Should Be Used?

Depending on the climate, it is important to consider a flooring material that will be able to withstand moisture, dirt, and other elements. Carpeting and tile are both good options, but you may want to look into something more durable such as vinyl or laminate flooring. These materials are much more resistant to moisture and dirt, and can last longer than other types of flooring. They are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a great option for areas that may experience a lot of foot traffic.

Converting Your Small Garage Into A Room

A garage conversion is a popular way to add needed space to your home. The average cost of a garage conversion is as little as $5,000 all the way up to $25,000 or more. It all depends on how much is needed to be done overall. If your garage is a space that you don’t use that often, turning it into something that you need is a great idea. Moreover, a room addition in the garage can provide extra living space for your family, it increases the value of your home, and it can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a home office or a playroom. 

Contact Us For Services

Converting a garage into a habitable space requires knowledge and expertise. It requires the understanding of building codes and the experience to ensure the space meets those codes. Hiring a contractor is the best way to guarantee the job is done right and up to code. If you are looking for garage conversion or other contractor services, then please give our office a call. Our friendly staff will be glad to answer your questions. We look forward to hearing from you.

Are you looking to remodel your garage? Any type of remodeling or updates benign made to an area of your home can take time. The amount of time depends on how much time you have to devote to the project. If you are just working on the weekends, it may take you longer than someone who works on it all throughout the week. 

Hiring a professional company to do the work for you will save you time as well. They will be working on it throughout the days until it is finished. That being their only focus at the time. Let’s discuss some of the timelines that go into remodeling a garage. 

How Long Should A Remodel Take

This depends on the actual amount of remodeling you are doing to the garage. If you are just making some minor changes and updates, it is not going to take you as long as a full and complete transformation. You can expect to have construction going on for about a week to a few weeks depending on the project details.

How Long Does It Take To Remodel A One Car Garage

A one-car garage can probably be completed in about one to two weeks when worked on regularly. The actual length of time will depend on the dimensions of it as well. The cost of a one-car garage will vary around $35 to $60 per square foot. Making the total cost of a 20 x 24 around $16,500 up to $28,000 or more. 

How Long Does It Take To Remodel A Two Car Garage

A two-car garage will take a few weeks to complete depending on the overall size. The bigger it is the more time it will take. The overall cost is going to be the same per square foot as one car, $35 to $60. That will make a 20 x 30 end up costing around $21,000 up to $36,000 or more.

Other Options Of Remodeling A Garage

Remodeling your garage can mean many different things, not just a place to park your cars. The length of time that it takes you will depend on what you have to do. Here are a few choices:

• Guest Room
• Small Apartment
• Man Cave
• Game Room
• Teen Hang Out
• Workshop
• Hobby Room
• Play Room
• Or Anything Else You Want

There are so many fun and exciting things that you can do with a garage space that you are not using for parked cars. The cost of doing this sort of change will depend on exactly what you are trying to accomplish. Also what the area is already set up for.   

With many simple designs, you can probably spend as little as $5,000. Adding in plumbing for bathrooms and kitchens are going to make the cost go up quite a bit, averaging around $25,000 total. The total amount that it would cost you would really depend on how much you are willing to pour into it. The timeline will also vary, especially when plumbing is needed to be added in, but you can expect at least 4 to 6 weeks.

Contact Our Office

Here at Cavalier Builders, we offer superior service. If you are thinking about a garage conversion then please give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you.

Do you have a garage that you don’t use a lot? Or maybe you use it, but you think it will be better utilized in another way? There are so many options out there that you can try to make your garage a place for extra space. If your home isn’t big enough, why not convert your garage into a room you can use? With so many options, your garage can become a versatile space for any purpose. There’s no need to invest in costly construction. By converting your garage, you can save money while creating the extra space you need.

If you have been contemplating adding on an addition to your home because you need more room, consider a garage to room conversion. Instead of adding on and consuming a lot of construction work bills, consider trying to convert your garage into the space you are needing. Some popular ideas of ways you can transform your garage will be discussed below. 

Guest House

Do you have a lot of company? It would be so nice to be able to offer the company a place to stay when they visit. It isn’t always possible to have them stay in your home due to not having a spare bedroom. 

If you transform your garage into a guest house, not only would you have room for company, you could offer them their own space. It can be hard to have people staying in your home sometimes, due to being a confined area. This would be a space that they could have their own privacy, but still staying close and able to have those fun late nights. 

Gyms Area

Finding space for gym equipment can be hard, especially if you don’t have a spare room. You could always add on to the home, but that is expensive to start from the ground up. Trying to combine it with another area of the house may work for a short time, but before long it will become difficult to share. 

The garage is a very popular area that people will make a gym area in. A lot of times people have a garage and don’t use it for their cars, it becomes an area of storage. Clean it out, and utilize it for something that you have been wanting, a gym.

Man Cave

The popular thing right now for men to have is a man cave. A place to invite the guys over for football, cards, or beer. In some cases, all three. The downfall to that is that you may not have a basement or adequate space to do that. 

If you have a garage, then you have the perfect spot to create a man cave. The noise will be away from the house too, so if you have kids they can still sleep while you are having fun with the guys. It is a perfect space to decorate and transform into what you have been dreaming about. 

Game or Play Room  For The Kids

Kids have an abundance of toys, and it can be hard to find places to put all of them. A lot of times they begin to flow out of their rooms and stored in the living room areas. Clean out the garage and turn it into the perfect playroom or game room. The kids will love it!

Commonly Asked Questions

Below are a couple of commonly asked questions and answers about converting your garage into usable space.

Can I use my garage to park my car if I convert it into a living space?

Once you convert your garage, you cannot use it for parking your car. You must find alternative parking, like using your driveway or street parking.

Do I need a permit to convert my garage into a living space? 

You will likely need a permit to convert your garage into a living space. Building codes and zoning regulations vary by location. Ask your local building department what you need before starting your project.

Contact Us For More Information

Are you ready to take the first step toward your next project?  We’re eager to hear about your ideas and bring them to life. With Cavalier Builders by your side, you can rest assured that your project is in good hands. Let’s work together to create something unique! Contact us today!

Did you know that converting your garage into a new living space can add huge value to your home? If you’re looking for garage conversion services in the Los Angeles, California area, our team here at Cavalier Builders is here to help. We have two-decades worth of experience helping the people in the greater Los Angeles area with their home renovation needs. 

The Benefits of Converting Your Garage

There are numerous benefits that come with converting your garage into a new room, the first of which is obvious, you have a new room. This provides you with more flexibility, giving you space you always dreamed of without having to add more property to your home. Here are some popular garage conversion ideas for homeowners in the Los Angeles area:

• Home gym
• New living space
• Home office
• Kids play area
• Yoga studio
• Art studio
• Mancave

Whatever your needs and desires are, our team of experienced contractors can help you turn your vision into reality. We will work with you every step of the way to ensure your new room is exactly the way you envisioned it. Now, before you go crazy with the renovations, there are several things that you will need to consider. 

Things to Consider When Converting a Garage

Converting a garage can add up to 10% value on your home, however, there are instances where it may actually lower the value of your home. If you live on a crowded street where it’s difficult to find parking, a garage becomes increasingly important. If you have a driveway or constant access to close parking, converting your garage should not lower the value of the home. 

You should also consider the codes and regulations in your city. Some areas prohibit the conversion of garages into other living spaces. Other cities require you to receive permission from city officials. Check with your local city official before doing any garage conversion project to ensure you have the green light. 

Our Work

Pictured in this post is an example of our garage conversion services, in the Los Angeles, California area. In this particular instance, our client wanted to convert their garage into another living space. We worked with them every step of the way to ensure that the visions they had for their new living area turned into reality. 

We were able to turn their garage into a completely new living space, complete with a laundry room, kitchen, and bathroom complete with a sink, shower, and toilet. Our team started by placing hardwood on the floors, then worked on the walls and ceiling. We then handled the challenging task of running plumbing and electricity through the new living area. Luckily, our team is highly trained, experienced, and more than qualified to handle such a difficult task. 

Give Us a Call Today

When you’re in need of garage conversion services in the Los Angeles, California area, you need a company that you can rely on. Our team here at Cavalier Builders has built a reputation throughout the Southern California area as being reliable, dependable, trustworthy, punctual, and hard-working. Give us a call today to find out what our trained, qualified, and experienced contractors can do for you. 

Converting your garage into an extra living space, a gym, an office, or a studio is a great way to boost the property value of your home. If you’re ready to start converting your garage in the Woodland Hills, California area, our team here at Cavalier Builders is ready to help. We offer garage conversion services throughout the area. Here are some garage conversion ideas to get your creative juices flowing. 

An Extra Bedroom

Whether it’s an extra guest room or a room for a new roommate, extra living space is one of the most popular garage conversion projects. This added room can add immense value to your home. It should be noted, this can be a complicated project depending on how far you’re willing to go. 

If you’re only interested in adding a bedroom, it can be as simple as adding some windows and insulation to keep the room warm in the wintertime. If you want to turn the room into a living space, complete with a kitchen and bathroom, it will require plumbing and electrical services. It is highly recommended that you seek professional assistance for plumbing and electrical installation. 

A Home Gym

With the recent COVID-19 outbreak, the importance of a home gym has never been more prevalent to homeowners. Because of that, we have seen a huge uptick in the number of homeowners in the Los Angeles area who are converting their garage into a home gym. This is also one of the easiest garage conversion projects to complete.

Realistically, all you need to do is add insulation to the walls to ensure it doesn’t get too hot during the summer or too cold during the winter. You will also more than likely need to redo the flooring, however, some homeowners opt to add mats. Depending on your lighting situation, you may also need to add better lighting to the room. 

An Office

Just like the home gym, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown have shined a light on the convenience of a home office. In recent months many homeowners have looked into adding an office to their home. Instead of building an entirely new room, you can easily convert your garage into an office space. 

With a home office, one of the most important yet overlooked aspects of the process is cable management. From power cords to ethernet cables, there will be cables all over your office. If you plan on converting your garage into an office space, make plans around your cable management to ensure everything looks good. 

Our Work

We have helped customers throughout the Los Angeles area convert their garages into new rooms. Pictured in this post was a garage conversion we helped a client within Woodland Hills, California. Their number one goal was to make their garage a new living space. 

We achieved this by adding hardwood floors, redoing the ceiling and walls, adding windows, and adding carpeting to the hallway area. We also renovated the outside of the garage to make it look more homely. Our client was satisfied with the services we provided them with! 

Give Us a Call Today

When it’s time for a garage conversion, our team here at Cavalier Builders is here to help. We offer a wide range of garage conversion services throughout the Woodland Hills, California area, so give us a call today! We look forward to helping you with your home renovation project. 

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! Instead of spending tens of thousands on new room additions, consider converting your garage. Here are a few things our team at Sevan Locks and Doors recommend considering when thinking about turning your Seattle area garage into a new room.

Consider Budget

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

The cost will largely depend on the size of your garage and the type of room you are planning 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 require plumbing. 

Insulation

If you are converting your garage space into an extra room, insulation is a necessity. Insulation helps keeps 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 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 the way a 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 that your living space have a covered parking option. 

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

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

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

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

Much like a guest bedroom, any of these rooms will provide a boost to 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 are looking to renovate your garage, give our team at Sevan Locks and Doors a call today! We can help you upgrade your home.