Partial Garage Conversion Project

We live in a world in which people have the freedom of choice on any issue, whether it’s the opportunity to practice their favorite profession, eat any dishes from different cultures, or equip a new living space. The latter aspect may seem controversial; however, if the homeowner decides to improve the quality of life, then at least he can move to a new house, make a home addition, or implement an ADU project to get extra space. Against this background, it is easy to miss the intermediate options, one of which is the partial garage conversion draft.

If this is the first time you hear about partial garage conversions, then do not pass it by. Today, we will talk about how, in a cost-effective way, you can convert an old garage into a new room while maintaining the basic properties of the existing structure, which aspects are essential to consider when implementing this idea, and why you cannot do without the qualified help of top-level craftsmen.

Partial Garage Conversion Possible Configurations

Talking about partial garage conversions confuses many homeowners because how is it possible to partially transform a garage into an extra living space? Indeed, this is a very unusual project, the main feature of which is the preservation of the main elements of garage space, in particular, the facade, the location of windows and walls, as well as the garage door, which is the main candidate for replacement in the classic garage conversion paradigm.

Speaking in more detail, the following options for the partial garage conversion draft are the most intriguing:

• Extra bedroom. The most obvious and most win-win option is to create an additional bedroom on the site of the old garage. You may ask, why are we sure it’s a win-win? We will answer because regardless of whether guests have come to visit you, elderly parents, or an older child has asked for a separate living space, an additional bedroom will solve these issues.
• Kitchen extension. If the existing space of your garage has a direct border with the wall of the main kitchen, then urgently add this configuration to your shortlist. During the arrival of guests or big holidays, any family needs more space for cooking. Install an additional door and a large window and arrange the space for the kitchen format, and now you already have an additional technological kitchen in an authentic garage style. Ideal for outdoor summer gatherings.
• Home office. This item is relevant for all employees with remote jobs who connect to the work routine from the main house. Most likely, there is little pleasure in this because of the tons of extraneous sounds that you will instantly forget about if you arrange a partial garage conversion in a home office format. The main value of such a project is that you customize every detail for yourself, from the angle of incidence of natural light through the window to the color of the wall for more inspiration or focus.
• Utility room. Among all the partial garage conversion ideas, this concept is the most practical in the context of solving pressing household problems. The utility room will allow you to free the main house from the accumulation of things and unnecessary household appliances, as well as provide additional storage space. The most crucial thing for this draft is to establish the plumbing system because it may not be in the existing basement or garage at all.
• Home gym. If you are the owner of a spacious single garage or double garage, then you will be interested in creating a home gym. This project does not require major changes, such as changing garage doors or floor and ceiling height. Moreover, you can continue parking your car in one part of the space, exercise in the other, and save on a gym subscription.

If among your life plans, there is a goal to generate passive income, then within the framework of the partial garage conversion draft, you can construct a full-fledged rental unit with a cozy bedroom, a safe bathroom, and large windows for a greater flow of natural light and a visual space expansion.

Partial Garage Conversion & Legal Considerations

Before signing up for the first consultation with a project manager from the construction team, more than half of homeowners ask the question, do they have the right to implement a partial garage conversion draft? The short answer is yes. However, there are many conditions, especially regarding building codes.

Violation of at least one rule out of a hundred local ordinances when creating additional living space in the partial garage conversion format can lead to a construction freeze, so let’s look at the main points:

Planning permission

Most construction projects require planning permission, and this step becomes the first step in the context of draft legalization. However, partial garage conversion is an exception, and here’s why. The fact is that when homeowners convert garages into new living spaces, they do not expand their area, which means they can use permitted development rights without red tape to obtain special permits. Of course, as in any rule, there are exceptions, e.g., the local authority may require permission if your main house is part of a complex of new buildings, stands in a protected area, or is in the register of cultural heritage buildings.

Zoning requirements

One of the most important points of all building regulations is compliance with zoning requirements, in particular, the dimensions of the living space relative to the entire property, setbacks and parking dimensions. The main idea of this rule is to create conditions for the uniform distribution of the functional load of each square foot of converted space. To comply with the established zoning rules, we recommend you, together with a lawyer, carefully study the relevant building codes and compare them with the layout of your partial garage conversion draft.

Minimum & maximum size

We all know that if homeowners create accessory dwelling units, then their minimum size should be 150 sq.m. ft, and the maximum is 1200 sq. ft. However, garage conversions go beyond this paradigm. There is a simple explanation for this fact: the minimum/maximum area rule applies to projects that appear on the site from scratch, and the garage is already part of the property. For this reason, regardless of the area of the existing garage, you can convert it into any residential area you want.

Parking zone norms

Someone might think that the most crucial aspect of the garage space transformation is the demolition of the partition wall, the renovation of the roof, or the fight against mold. However, the most significant change is the elimination of off-road parking spaces. Until recently, this moment was of great concern to homeowners, but fortunately, now, these experiences have no meaning. Today, if you get rid of a parking space in favor of creating a new living space, then depending on the city of residence, you either do not need to equip a new parking space at all or allocate a small plot on the driveway. As in the case of the previous paragraphs, it is best to clarify this point with lawyers.

Other crucial aspects

Regardless of whether we are talking about a standard garage or a double garage configuration, certain parts of this structure do not fit the living space standards. To a greater extent, it makes sense to focus on ceiling and floor height. Very often, these two factors go out of sight of homeowners, and during inspection, specialists identify this error. To avoid this scenario, discuss this point with architects and lawyers who are already at the stage of thinking through the layout.

Also, remember that depending on your location, the amount of construction & permit fees can vary greatly, and this is another argument in favor of contacting qualified lawyers who will help you convert a garage without losing money and nerves due to the inconsistency of the project with little-known or extremely specific building regulations.

Partial Garage Conversion: Professional Assistance Importance

Building or repairing a small storage room is already a big job. Therefore, when it comes to the partial conversion of a garage into a living space, it is at least illogical to think that an ordinary homeowner can handle this task alone. Firstly, builders are physically prepared for any kind of stress; they can work more than 12 hours a day, which means they will complete the project much faster and save money.

Secondly, partial garage conversion is a complex project that requires the interaction of professionals of different qualifications. For example, architects will develop drawings, designers will think about the interior, builders will insulate walls, and plumbers and electricians will change plumbing and wiring. An ordinary person cannot master so many specializations, which makes the help of masters even more valuable.

Finally, let’s return once again to the legalization of the garage transformation process. More than half of homeowners do not know the basic building guidelines, and almost no one has knowledge of the specific rules. For this reason, it is impossible to imagine a successful project without the participation of top-level lawyers.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

Which partial garage conversion format is the most preferable?

It all depends on the purpose of using the new space. You can transform a garage into a home office for effective online work, build a utility room with additional storage space to solve household problems, a home theater for rest with your family, or a rental unit with all amenities for a property value boost and additional income generation in the long run perspective.

What is the main feature of partial garage conversions?

The unique feature of the partial garage conversion configuration lies in its name. During the implementation of such a draft, the builders do not destroy the main distinctive features of the garage (in particular, the garage door and walls), but on the contrary, they harmoniously fit them into the concept of a cozy and comfortable living space.

Do I need to contact specialists to implement a partial garage conversion draft?

A converted garage will not bring you any benefit if you try to build it without the help of qualified builders. Only specialists can ensure the legality of the entire process, the reliability of structurally sound elements, help pick the most practical and advantageous design, and reduce the final cost due to fast but high-quality work.

What are the average partial garage conversion costs today?

The average cost of a partial garage conversion draft is significantly lower compared to the classic garage conversion configuration due to the lack of need for drastic changes in space. Usually, the price tag of such a construction project ranges from $80000 to $120000. However, the final cost may increase due to the customization of each room.