20×20 Garage Conversion: Creative Housing Option

A hundred years ago, many ideas about improving housing conditions existed only in the format of dreams and unrealistic desires. However, today, experts from the construction industry can make any of your proposals a reality. Accessory dwelling units next to your main house have the most extensive possibilities for this, and within this category of construction projects, there is an option that has the greatest potential, namely, the 20×20 garage conversion draft.

Today, we will figure out why, when it comes to creating 20×20 garage conversion, many property owners expect a noticeable improvement in the life quality, what advantage of this draft will assist you in recouping all construction costs, and also tell you what theoretical and practical steps will help you become the owner of a structural sound and visually appealing residential area in the 20×20 garage conversion format.

20×20 Garage Conversion Special Advantages

Today, there is no need to hold special lectures or webinars on the benefits of garage conversions, because all property owners know that it is very profitable both in a domestic and financial context. However, each configuration has a number of unique privileges, and 20×20 garage conversion is no exception.

Among all the enticing benefits, we highlight the five most attractive:

• A converted garage can become the most comfortable guest suite for your colleagues, friends, or relatives who come for the weekend or holidays. However, the most important thing is that such a guest suite will also solve some of your everyday problems, e.g., provide extra storage space.
• 20×20 garage conversion is a continuous income stream. The fact is that the layout of such a living space is a priority for 99% of tenants because it includes all the main rooms, as well as the most important components of the life support system, from the new plumbing to the energy-efficient heating system. Coupled with a nice design, the 20×20 garage conversion will bring you rental income all 365 days a year.
• Transformed space can be an ideal zone for self-development. In particular, you can create a gym with a full set of fitness equipment, an art studio for your favorite hobby and a home office with a layout and furniture for increased job performance. E.g., install a functional fold out desk or an armchair to maintain posture. All this is under the roof of one 20×20 garage conversion.
• 20×20 garage conversion has enhanced energy efficiency characteristics. During the building process, the craftsmen saturate the space with various technological energy-efficient components so that after the project is completed, your address will receive caches with noticeably reduced utility costs. In addition, the property owner and his family will live with a sense of accomplishment in nature, as the new space will not cause damage to the environment.

Of course, do not forget about the property value boost. A 20×20 garage conversion draft is one of the most desirable lots in the real estate market, so its price tag is constantly growing. If the property owner decides to sell a 20×20 garage conversion, then his revenue will be more than the amount from the sale of a detached ADU, which has an even larger area.

20×20 Garage Conversion Planning Stage

The creation of any new space consists of two stages, namely, theoretical and practical. We will not deviate from the canons and will divide the story about the 20×20 garage conversion creation into two parts. First, we will talk about the planning stage of the project, as it will determine the vector of development of the entire building process.

In the classical paradigm, the planning of a 20×20 garage conversion draft includes the following aspects:

• Garage space potential assessment

The garage conversion construction process is both a creative and pragmatic approach, and the first step in its implementation just touches on the second component. During the planning process, evaluate the possibilities of converted space, do not forget to take into account the existing limitations, and make a floor plan that maximizes space. A 20×20 garage conversion project will bring you certain privileges only if you use living space rationally.

• Budget formation

Another step, ignoring which leads homeowners to sad consequences. It is critically important to correlate your expectations about the new living space with financial possibilities; for example, it is impossible to transform an old garage into a two-story unit with two bedrooms, a functional kitchen, a laundry room, and a home office if your budget is $50,000. On par with this, a realistic budget is not only the amount for construction work but also all related costs like permit registration or purchase of new furniture.

• Necessary permits registration

The obvious factor is that you can not create a 20×20 garage conversion without obtaining special permission. Given the fact that different rules apply to different cities and garage structures, the issue of obtaining a permit is of great importance. We can also say with confidence that not all homeowners know all the building codes, so take care of hiring a qualified construction lawyer.

• Project configuration development

Garage conversion belongs to the category of high-functionality projects. What does it mean? The explanation is simple, a spacious garage space can take the forms of any residential area you want. It can be anything from a classic extra bedroom and a second kitchen to something exotic like a home gym or an art studio. All this leads to one thing, you need to carefully consider the purpose of using the garage space so that each square foot performs a specific function, while maintaining the structural integrity of the entire space.

• Flooring & lighting consideration

Flooring & lighting are elements of the garage space that define the overall perception of the garage conversion project and also require the greatest changes during the construction process. Together with your architect, think about how to fill the space with natural light and which lighting methods are the best for the interior organization. Moreover, at the stage of layout development, think about which flooring material you will use as a basis to combine comfort with functionality.

Upon the whole, careful planning of all these steps will be an excellent foundation for the successful implementation of all your ideas in the 20×20 garage conversion format. At the same time, missing at least one of the five points can put the entire draft at risk of failure, so take a responsible approach to thinking through actions together with your general contractor.

20×20 Garage Conversion Structural Changes

Now, let’s move on from the drawings and thoughts to the practical steps to create a 20×20 garage conversion. It is essential to clarify that each garage conversion project is unique, so the order and number of building stages may vary. We will highlight the key milestones for organizing a dream space for you and your family.

The following building tasks play the most crucial role in the implementation of the 20×20 garage conversion idea:

• Global structural transformation. The refurbishment of the garage space begins with the transformation of the ceiling and walls. Depending on the created layout, builders can add new walls, e.g., for zoning residential space or, conversely, demolish a wall to combine the living area. Retrofitting the ceiling is also necessary to meet the standards of safe living.
• Installing windows & doors. Windows and doors of standard garages have nothing to do with such concepts as practicality or style. Therefore, changing these elements is also necessary, as well as a new ceiling. Pick the most appropriate material and style for the entrance door and windows to enhance the overall space perception.
• New utility connections. Any structural engineer will tell you that most garages do not have plumbing at all, while the electrical wiring is so old that Thomas Edison himself found the time of its installation. Respectfully, plumbing and electrical work are necessary for a comfortable stay and the absence of household problems.
• Proper insulation & ventilation. If there is electricity in the garage, then there is most likely no insulation. However, we all want to spend our evenings in warmth and not under hundreds of layers of blankets. As part of the conversion project, it is necessary to insulate all components from the door and all walls to the floor and ceiling. Additionally, it is important to ensure proper air circulation.
• Safety measures. Comfort is not only a soft sofa or fireplace in the living room, but also a feeling of complete security. To achieve this effect, we recommend, firstly, in places of increased danger (e.g., in the bathroom), to resort to the principles of safe design. Secondly, to ensure external security, e.g., install an alarm system, facial recognition components on lighting fixtures in the yard, or think about incorporating the Smart Home system.

The final point is the most creative stage, as this is the equipment of the exterior and interior. Here, your best friend will be a designer from the construction team since this specialist will tell you which furniture arrangement in the 20×20 garage conversion is the most profitable, which shade of the wall in the bedroom will suit your taste, or which form of windows shutters will highlight the unique style of your new living space.