Detached Garage Conversion

The main home is part of the residential area where property owners rarely undergo major changes, with maximum renovation of a separate room. However, we cannot say the same about living spaces such as a basement, attic, and garage. It makes sense to place special emphasis on garage space because, in 9 out of 10 cases, it does not perform the functions it is capable of. If you ask what a regular detached garage is capable of, other than sheltering a car from rain and hail, then this review is for you.

Today we will talk about the legal aspects of converting your garage into living space, the necessary budget for the implementation of this ADU project, the main steps of the construction process and the coolest ideas of garage conversions.

Garage Conversion: Basic Info

At some point in life, every homeowner thinks about creating a new living space to solve everyday problems, increase the practicality of performing routine tasks, or realize long-held dreams. A detached garage can solve all these tasks simultaneously, but the question arises: is it possible to implement such a project? The short answer is yes. However, to do this, you should follow the rules of the local building code.

Basically, the issue of project legalization is the first stage of its implementation. On par with this, this stage includes the greatest number of nuances, in particular, the study of zoning rules, compliance with the required height of the flooring, the need to demolish or erect a carport, as well as following the rules of the maximum size of converted space. Such a large number of aspects suggest the need to hire qualified lawyers.

Garage Conversion: Main Construction Steps

The process of building an accessory dwelling unit of any configuration has a specific algorithm, and garage conversion is no exception. We have already noted the very first step of coordinating the project with the local construction department; let’s move on to the next ones.

If you want to convert a garage into a new, technological, and cozy space, then get ready for the next stages:

• Existing floors transformation

Concrete floors in the garage have nothing in common with the standards of living areas such as pool houses or guest suites. They often have a much lower level, which means that the first thing your general contractor will do during the garage converting process is transform the height of the floor and select the most profitable and reliable material for flooring.

• Garage door replacement

By analogy with the floor, the garage door is very different in all its characteristics from the door in a residential area. Such a door has a non-standard width, sometimes height, as well as an opening and closing mechanism. In addition, the garage door does not have additional insulation because the car does not require it. All these facts indicate that when creating an additional living space, it is critically important to install a new door that will meet all requirements.

• Accessory dwelling unit insulation

Continuing the theme of space insulation, it makes sense to note that this applies not only to the door, but also to all other elements, be it garage floors or walls. The modern building industry offers dozens of options for insulation of living space, from adding an extra drywall layer to each wall to using styrofoam for windows insulation.

• Existing HVAC system upgrade

A comfortable stay in a living space is impossible to imagine without a top-level life support system. In 9 out of 10 cases, you can only find a properly functioning lighting system in an underutilized garage. However, you will also need to transform rough plumbing into a modern configuration, ensure the supply of gas/electricity for cooking, as well as take care of ventilation of the living space and the establishment of Internet systems.

• Protection of living space from mold

If there is a place in the living space that is a concentration of dust, mold and dirt, then it is a garage. Agree that these descriptions do not correlate at all with such concepts as “comfort” or “coziness”. Therefore, if you want to convert a garage, then make sure that the builders will protect you from this. We recommend using various sealants for this task, with which you can seal up any cracks in the walls, roof or under the floor.

• Storage space organization

The main disadvantage of any main house is the lack of space for storing things, especially oversized and rarely used ones. Accordingly, when organizing new space, it is crucial to take this aspect into account, as well as the fact that it is necessary to ensure easy access to storage locations. It is best to discuss this goal with the architects when they think about the layout of the future project.

• ADU interior decoration

Finishing touches in the converting process have a close relation to the interior transformation of a living space. Among all the steps, this stage is the most creative, since you can customize every element of the garage. For example, pick your favorite shade for interior walls, choose the best material for garage floors, create the most suitable environment for each room, and so on.

In addition, you can optimize the amount of natural lighting by replacing existing windows with new ones. You may also ask why we didn’t say anything about layout development? More details about this in the next part of the review.

Detached Garage Conversion Ideas

The building process is certainly the basis for the implementation of the garage conversion project, however, the future configuration of this living space is of much greater interest to any property owner. At this point, we are ready to inform you that this draft is the most variable among all ADU types and now you will see this.

We present you the top and coolest garage conversion ideas:

• Extra bathroom & bedroom. The most win-win option for transforming your garage into a living space. An additional bedroom and bathroom are the best replacement for a guest house, and there is the possibility of providing separate housing for an adult child and even conditions for moving age-related parents.
• Home office. Converted garage can be your best workspace, because unlike standard offices, you can customize it to your own needs. For example, you can make silent flooring and walls for increased focus, install a coffee machine or distribute furniture according to the Feng Shui principles.
• Hobby room. If you want to have fun and rest with family members, then the best way is to equip an art studio-style, a home cinema, karaoke or a game room. With the help of transformer furniture, you can even bring all the above ideas into one space.
• Storage & laundry room. The most practical way to use square footage of your garage is to create an additional area for storage and laundry, because these two rooms usually have no place in the primary house, but their appearance in the converted garage format will instantly solve all your everyday problems.
• Home gym. The most unusual, but very profitable option is a home gym creation. You will not need to pay for a subscription every month and take two hours to get to the fitness club if your personal gym is behind the wall from the bathroom.

Finally, if you dreamed of a place where you can spend time only with friends, then the man cave option will definitely appeal to you. There will be only what you need for a cool pastime, from table football and a minibar to plasma for watching hockey and billiards.

Garage Conversion Costs

The key to the success of any project lies in the correct budget formation. However, to calculate the required amount of money, you need to know the final cost. If you ask us a similar question, we will not be able to give an unambiguous answer, as each project is different. Nevertheless, we can identify a number of factors that are of paramount importance when formatting the final draft cost.

Here are the five aspects:

1. The geographical location of your garage. Depending on where you live in the country, the project price may be higher (for megacities) or lower (for small towns).
2. The degree of the garage destruction. If your existing garage is in a deplorable condition with rotten doors, broken plumbing and a leaky roof, then replacing all these components will increase the budget, unlike when your garage is in good condition.
3. Local regulations. When it comes to converting a garage into a living space, many people forget that a certain cost item falls on obtaining permits, the fees of which vary from city to city.
4. The complexity of the future residential structure. A simple dependency also works here. If you want to create a small guest house in a minimalist style on the site of the old garage, then this will require much less investment than creating a high-tech residential area with a customized design and unique rooms.
5. The need for parking space. If you need to pull the canopy to create a parking lot, then this also automatically increases costs. The creation of a new parking space means additional permits and construction work.

Overall, depending on the role of the above aspects, the final cost of the garage conversion project starts at $100000 and reaches an average of $180000, but this amount may be higher. However, if you pick the right team, you can save money, as experts will help you choose drywall for the living room, doors for the hallway, tiles for walls in the bathroom, and other elements at a bargain price.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

Can you name the main advantages of a garage conversion draft?

Garage conversion in the guest house format is a guarantee of solving most of your everyday problems, cool pastime and fun with your family, the opportunity to organize a home office/gym, increase the value of the entire property and generate rental income by renting ADU out.

What is the role of specialists in converting a garage into a new and advanced living space?

Without construction industry professionals, you can not even lay a concrete slab in the foundation of the future ADU. Only specialists know all the legal nuances and can ensure the legality of construction, they will help you save money and find the most profitable design solutions.

What are the main steps to bring the garage conversion idea to life?

There are five main steps in the implementation of such a draft, namely, planning the layout, replacing the garage floor and doors, upgrading the plumbing and electrical system for increased energy efficiency, space insulation and interior and exterior equipment.

What is the average construction cost of a garage conversion draft?

Most garage conversion draft configurations are in the range of $100000 – $180000. However, if already at the initial stage you need to modernize all systems and elements, or if you are planning to implement complex design solutions, then the price tag may increase to $ 250000.