Garage Conversion: The Most Versatile Extra Living Space

Most homeowners are experiencing the need for additional square feet in an existing living space. They also think that they do not have such an opportunity due to the limitations of the housing unit, but few people think about a huge range of garage possibilities. Most garages are half-empty and covered with mold, and the only purpose they serve is to store things. However, the garage is much more versatile than you can imagine; you can transform this space into anything from an additional bedroom or bathroom to a home theater or art studio.

In this comprehensive review, we will talk about all the nuances of the garage conversion project construction, present the top-5 of our favorite garage conversion ideas, and also reveal the price of such a draft and its advantages compared to other ADU configurations.

Garage Conversion VS Accessory Dwelling Unit

When it comes to converting an old garage into a new technological space, the vast majority of property owners ask the question, what is the difference between garage conversion and the classic accessory dwelling unit. In fact, garage conversions fall into the ADUs category, but with minor differences; for example, the cost of such a project will be much lower than the construction of a detached ADU because you will not need to construct a building from scratch, erect walls, doors, and ceiling.

Another crucial difference between garage conversion and ADU lies in the wording regarding the maximum allowable size. Namely, there is no upper limit; however, we will talk about this interesting fact in more detail in the next part.

Garage Conversion Construction: Top-3 Thrilling Questions

The idea of transforming an unsightly garage into a cozy and multifunctional living area invariably raises a number of questions. We have collected three main aspects of garage conversion construction that are on the agenda of every homeowner.

Old garage to a new guest house: Is it possible or not?

Even without studying collections with creative garage conversion ideas, the first project that arises in people’s minds is the possibility of transforming a garage into a new living space in the format of a guest house on the backyard with a large bedroom, a technological kitchenette and a safe bathroom. The question here, can property owners transform their garages into guest houses?

The short answer is yes, but let’s go into more detail. According to local ordinances, you can convert a garage of any square footage into a guest house, and this is a vivid example of a legal bypass of the system. You may ask, why is this so? We will answer because the construction of a detached ADU from scratch has an upper limit in size of 1000-1200 sq. ft.; however, if you want to transform a garage, then there is no upper limit, even if its area is 2500 sq. ft.

However, we still recommend you study the building code because the rules change regularly, and if you decide to convert your garage into a guest house without a detailed analysis of this issue, it may result in completely unnecessary financial losses.

Second-floor ADU above the garage: reality or dream?

When talking about garage conversions, people often come to the scenario of getting extra space not in width but in height, or in other words, to the idea of building a second floor in the ADU format above the garage. There are even more nuances in this matter because it is necessary to consider two options, namely, attached and detached garage conversion.

When we talk about the possibility of converting your garage into a two-story building, the simplest option in terms of rules and bureaucracy is a detached garage. The most important thing here is to follow the maximum permissible height, which in most cities has a limit of 24 feet. However, as we know, the location of your residence may be an exception and imply large limits.

In the case of a garage that shares a wall (or walls) with the main house, the process of adding a second floor will be a little bit longer. The reason for this is that such a transformation, from the point of view of the law, falls under the article of changing the main place of residence, which means that you will need to obtain a special permit. In addition, such a project has stricter criteria for all key parameters, starting with ceiling height and ending with fire protection measures.

Garage conversion: all about costs

Finally, the most heartbreaking issue has a direct connection to the cost of the garage conversion project implementation. Let’s make a remark right away: A converted garage is, in any case, a self-sustaining investment because it boosts the overall property value, allows you to generate passive income, and makes your housing unit the most attractive lot on the real estate market.

Turning to the numbers, we can say that the conversion of a garage in good condition for one car will cost about $90000-$100000, and two car garage in good condition will cost about $120,000. However, if the renovation process requires the installation of a new foam insulation, electrical or plumbing system, then the price increases.

If the garage is in an unusable condition and the builders will replace windows, doors, and ceiling, then the total estimate may exceed the threshold of $ 200000. In the same part, we want to note that regardless of the room condition, the homeowner needs to install a new door because the existing garage door does not fall under the standards of living spaces.

Garage Conversion Construction Steps

A garage conversion project without any flaws is a big job for many masters of the construction industry. As is the case with other residential spaces, the garage conversion draft has a classic algorithm of actions, that is, the minimum that is necessary to obtain a functional and cozy space that will meet your requirements.

The following set of construction steps is essential if you want to convert a garage into something perfect:

• Preparatory work. When it comes to converting a garage into an ADU, the first thing to do is to carry out preparatory work. This process includes getting rid of all unnecessary things and debris, sealing all the cracks, strengthening and warming the foundation, as well as dismantling the garage overhead door and installing a classic entrance door.
• Additional wall installation. Usually, the garage is one large space. However, the conversion garage implies the presence of several living rooms, at least a bedroom and bathroom, and in some cases, even office, children, or laundry rooms. To achieve this goal, the builders divide the garage space into several rooms by installing an additional wall.
• Ceiling installation. If you want to convert a garage into a room, then you will need to refit the ceiling because standard garages have no boundaries, and spaces extend into the roof. To install a ceiling, you should first create a frame of beams and then choose the most optimal configuration. It can be a plasterboard, a stretch ceiling, or a vaulted ceiling.
• Plumbing and electrical work. Converting your garage into a new living area is impossible to imagine without replacing plumbing and electrical wiring. Firstly, an ordinary garage has a much more modest arsenal of possibilities in terms of lighting. Secondly, updating these systems is a banal adherence to safety regulations. Thirdly, by changing the wiring and plumbing, you automatically increase the value of the entire property.
• Install new windows. As with the ceiling, the standard garage has windows under the ceiling, which limits the spread of natural light. This is unacceptable for a living area, so we recommend you install large modern windows with winter insulation and a convenient adjustment system. A floor change is also necessary; however, the configuration of the room will depend on the type of room. It can be tiles in the bathroom or a parquet in the living room or bedroom. The most important thing is to comply with the floor height requirement because, initially, it is very different in garages.

Of course, depending on the wishes and requirements of the homeowner, this list may vary, for example, it may include the creation of a covered parking or the installation of security measures if you want to make a safe bathroom. The most essential thing is to always discuss these points with your general contractor to get a fantastic garage conversion project.

Top-5 Garage Conversion Ideas

We have come to the part that fully justifies the title of our review, because now we will tell you about big and small garage conversion ideas that will attract the attention of every homeowner. You can pick either one of these scenarios for your garage conversion or mix ideas.

If you want to organize a perfect place for yourself and your family on the site of an old garage, then here are the top 5 cool concepts for you:

1. Sleeping area creation. The most versatile option for remodeling your garage is to create an additional bedroom and this solution has three powerful advantages. Firstly, having an additional bedroom, you can receive guests without any problems. Secondly, this space will become an additional storage space, and this is never superfluous in everyday life. Thirdly, the garage bedroom is the perfect solution when your children have grown up and require separate bedrooms.
2. Play & family area. In addition to the purely household function, garage conversations are a source of positive emotions and pleasant memories, because here you can organize a family space for spending time together. You can fill this space with any elements from karaoke and board games to a Swedish wall and a trampoline for your children.
3. Home gym. Not everyone goes to the gym, and there are many reasons for this, such as an uncomfortable location or fatigue after work. However, what if you just need to go into the next room to get to the gym? Garage is an ideal place to organize a home gym with all the necessary equipment. If sports are not your lifestyle, then a converted garage can easily become, for example, an art studio where you and your family members will implement creative ideas.
4. Man cave. Every man wants to have his own space with all the attributes, including a bar, billiards, table football, or a TV with a maximum diagonal for watching basketball or hockey. It is almost impossible to create such a space inside the main house. However, we cannot say the same about the garage, which, in the hands of skilled architects and designers, can become a real man cave.
5. Double home office. Another crucial topic is work, and if part of your schedule involves staying in a remote format, then a garage is a great option if you want to create a home office. This office will have storage space for all the documentation, enough natural light, and even a place to relax. Moreover, you can create a double home office if someone else from your family works or studies online besides you.

Overall, if you want to convert a garage into a stylish, technologically advanced and unique living space in terms of interior and exterior, then we also recommend you to consult a designer. This specialist will help you create the desired project and provide top-end assistance at every stage from choosing a shade for walls to the type of parquet for the bedroom.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

Can I implement a garage conversion project in Sacramento, California?

The final answer is yes; you can, however, be in compliance with all local legal requirements regarding construction. Your garage, or as some homeowners call it, storage shed, should comply with zoning regulations, have a certain height, doors for standards of living space, and the required zoning.

What are the main advantages of a garage conversion draft?

The most crucial advantage is that a converted garage can become absolutely any room from a studio apartment with extra storage area, king size bed and bathroom to a home gym or cinema. In addition, garage conversion increases the value of the entire house, allows you to receive passive income and a lot of fun from spending time in it.

Why is it necessary to cooperate with professionals in the implementation of garage conversion?

The need for professional help has three reasons. First, hiring a general contractor saves you precious time because the craftsmen do the job ASAP. Secondly, builders know all the details, from garage door installation to fixing electrical wiring. Thirdly, only construction lawyers know about building standards, zoning rules, safety measures, and other factors.

Which garage conversion ideas are the most trending?

The most trending idea of garage conversion is to create a room like a guest house with a kitchen, bathroom, bed and storage furniture. However, no less cool options are art studio, man cave, family room with home library, as well as a high-tech car repair workshop for your cars or a home office.