If
you’re not using your garage for
much more than storage, and you could really use another room in your
house as a living space, office, or game room, it’s time to
learn about
garage conversions.
First, take a good look at your garage. Is
the space big enough to use the way you want to? How much work will it
involve?
Next, look into your city or county codes,
and if necessary,
your homeowners association rules. Make sure you’re not
biting off something more than you can chew, legally. Don’t
forget to get permits and inspections to make sure your new space is
legal and safe.
Now, think about how you want the conversion
to alter the outside of your home (the look of it), or if you even want
it to. Do you want it to look like a garage from the front of the
house, like it always has? Maybe you’d like to take out that
garage door, frame in the space, and add a window and siding?
A major consideration in garage conversions
is making the space comfortable in all seasons. This will probably
involve adding insulation in the walls (which will be required to bring
the space up to code), and somehow getting it heated and/or cooled.
A
fan might suffice in some summer climates, but others will need some
type of air conditioning unit. Your choices here are either a portable
or window air conditioning unit or connecting the garage to your
central HVAC system.
The HVAC conversion would have the added
benefit
of heating the space in cooler weather, too. Otherwise,
you’ll want to consider a space heater or electric wall
heater in the winter.
You may also need to have electrical outlets
installed for convenience and to have the space meet legal
requirements. If you don’t have experience with this, hire an
electrician. It’s not very expensive.
For flooring, add a subfloor for additional
cushion and protection from the cold, or simply build your floor out
over the concrete. If you live in a temperate climate, you can even
paint or stain the concrete floor for a cool look.
Garage conversions can be a long process,
but you’ll love the new space you have when you’re
done!