How to Enclose a Garage

The problem of finding personal living space has always been quite acute, but in recent years, this critical element of everyone’s lives seems to be unachievable for more and more people. The growing number of those having to sleep rough or simply individuals without any property doesn’t seem to worry the government much. Instead, landlords and homeowners have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make their property work for them almost without any additional expenses in comparison to the profits they bring. But how? One of the recent novelties in the construction world is ADU, and it is gathering more and more public attention, and rightfully so.

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a building on the same lot as the main house but smaller. Nevertheless, it can serve for anything your heart desires, from accommodating your older relatives to the creation of a home office. Being cheaper to build and easier to handle, homeowners nowadays switch to it instead of building a new living space.

Another reason why these quasi-homes may be popular is their convenience. You may not even build a new house but transform useless property like a garage into an ADU, and this will be totally within the legal framework. Today, we will discuss the difference between a converted garage and other ADU types, as well as their pros and cons.

ADU Types Decomposed

Construction companies see ADUs as a synonym for additional living space because these units cannot be described without talking about apartments, building codes, or habitable spaces. However, for a new person, navigating different ADU types may be quite difficult. Let’s take a look at the options available for a regular American in terms of accessory dwelling units.

Detached ADU

At first glance, such structures look like regular houses, and, as can be seen in their use and functions, they do not fail in comparison. Detached units stand in the vicinity of the main house, but still, according to the building permit, have to be smaller. Having enough square footage for any activities, they are considerably more expensive than their counterparts. However, extra space, floor height, and a lot of storage space compensate for the expenses.

Attached ADU

In comparison to the previous option, this one is totally different. The rule about the size is the same. However, these units share a wall with the permanent living space while having interior walls of their own. For certain ways of use, this may be even more convenient, for example, when you have a disabled relative that you have to look for. The best thing about these is the shared wall that connects this addition with the house through a door that you can use whenever you want.

Junior ADU

Some people do not regard it as an ADU at all; it is more like a garden shed, but it can easily fit one or even two individuals, providing them with all the needed utilities for comfortable living. It is smaller than other options; hence, some homeowners turn it into a laundry room or just use it as an extra room for the main house. Nevertheless, professional contractors recommend having a junior ADU in the backyard to everyone who wants to have a bit of extra income every time they see a person looking for a place to live.

Garage Conversion

Again, a general contractor may say that garage conversion is not an ADU at all, but the city’s Zoning Department definitely has a different opinion. Landlords opt for this variant when they understand the uselessness of their garage and want to turn this garage into a room. There are numerous garage conversion ideas on the market now, giving everyone an opportunity to create living space in the backyard. Converting a garage means saving money as no new space is built — you already have it, but simply put it to good use.

Garage Conversion Plan

There is no short answer to how to prepare for garage conversion, but we can certainly give some hints on where to start and how to convert your garage. As usual, a step-by-step approach is your best friend here, but let us clarify some necessary steps you need to take.

A regular conversion plan includes:

• Understanding the goals

The essential outcome of this step will be your understanding of what you want to achieve with the garage remodel. It is vital to decide how you want to use it, whether it will be hobbies or a family room. It would be perfect if you could get a clear picture of the end product, but overall, architects can help you turn the ideas into the plan first and then convert the real garage. Also, when approaching such a renovation, you get a plethora of design options that can result in succumbing to the general design of the main house or redefining the approach to the design that fits you.

• Evaluating the garage’s suitability

The enclosure requires that your current garage exists in almost perfect condition and is not exposed to damaging elements. Garage conversions require additional weight to the garage floor and walls, meaning that old structures should be able to bear it. If you convert a garage into a bedroom, make sure that it has enough free space to fit everything needed, that there’s enough window space to let in natural light. Residents will not freeze thanks to foam insulation, and a water heater will make the bathroom nearby a pleasant room to be.

• Getting necessary permits

Just like with any other change concerning your living spaces, garage conversion costs include garage conversion permits. To have the garage converted, you need to collect all the documentation, including plans and future changes to the property, for example, ceiling fan installation, changes to electrical wiring, or an installed new wall. Normally, lawyers figure out the local requirements and local ordinances before converting a garage into a living space.

As you can see, there are numerous regulations to consider before you convert a garage into a room or simply a habitable space. To have them considered, hire a construction company like A+ and let the professionals settle it all.

Garage Conversion Into the Living Space

When approaching the enclosure, there will be necessary changes to your garage so it can function as a regular living space, from new structural elements that will reinforce the building to additional systems to make the living comfortable.

The garage will change in the following ways:

• The most important here are structural changes, some of which influence the overall look of the place, while others are vital for the integrity of the whole construction. Some garages will face the necessity of pouring new concrete foundations over old garage floors, while others require a new wall or even walls in case you want to add ceiling height. Moreover, in some cases, the roof has to be modified, too, giving you an opportunity to install solar panels, for example. Oftentimes, homeowners prefer an insulated garage door opening to ensure the protection of the room from the loss of heat (here, an insulated wall may also help).
• Functional changes also take place during the enclosure, and numerous homeowners have liked this opportunity to stuff the garage with novelties to enhance the comfort of living there. They changed the current HVAC system if it existed there, added windows (new windows should not damage the structural integrity of the place), and upgraded the wiring so it could withstand additional workload. ‘
• Apart from necessary elements, there are changes that may seem insignificant but definitely influence the emotions you get from living in such an apartment. Aesthetic changes like new flooring tiles, natural materials used for the interior walls, or simply a smartly organized storage room are all part of making the garage a pleasant place to be.

All homeowners should understand that a converted garage will be a part of their house; therefore, it is necessary to make it as habitable as possible. Don’t forget the code requirements during the construction, as all changes actually require permits for converting.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

What are some precautions to consider during the enclosure?

Despite the overall look, a garage conversion is quite a challenging approach, as turning a garage into a room takes a lot of skill and knowledge. But normally, to convert your garage, you need to understand the building codes, as about half of the mistakes made during the actual garage conversion into living space occur because of a lack of knowledge. Don’t forget about safety precautions and protective equipment.

How do you convert a garage into a room by yourself?

Normally, garage conversions are not much more difficult than any other renovation; you should understand the basics, and the rest is a piece of cake. A vital element of converting a garage is a clear plan where you show your vision and changes with the walls, ceiling, windows, and additional storage space. However, if you don’t want additional headaches or fear possible difficulties, this big job may be entrusted to a team of professionals like A+.

Will changing garage space affect my taxes?

No matter whether you change the garage floor or turn the garage into a bedroom, converting a garage directly impacts the garage itself, leading to a higher assessed value. Therefore, it may lead to increased property taxes. Turning a garage into a bedroom or bathroom should be discussed with lawyers who specialize in this sphere so they can give you a valuable piece of advice.