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Follow these steps to prepare for and create a garage conversion into a livable space. Read on!
Think your garage is just for parking the car? Think again! A garage conversion can be a great way to add extra living space to your home.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to convert your garage into a functional room. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying your new space in no time!
What's Inside
Assess Your Garage’s Condition and Decide If It’s Worth Converting Into a Living Space
When most people think of a garage, they picture a dark, cramped space filled with dusty boxes and old lawn equipment. However, with a little imagination, a garage can be transformed into a comfortable and stylish living space.
Before embarking on such a project, it’s important to assess the condition of the garage. If the foundation is cracked or the roof is leaking, it’s probably not worth investing the time and money into converting the garage.
However, if the structure is in good condition, there are several ways to make it into a cozy and inviting space. For example, you could add insulation to keep out the cold in winter and install some air conditioning to keep cool in summer.
You could also add some windows to let in natural light and brighten up the space. With a little work, your garage could easily be transformed into an extra bedroom, home office, or family room.
However, keep in mind that you’ll still want a place to store your car, whether it be another garage or carport. Insurance and car warranty companies typically prefer for your vehicle to be stored out of the weather in order for you to score the best rates on your policies.
Remove Any Obstructions, Including Shelves, Cabinets, or Storage Units
When you’re ready to convert your garage into a livable space, the first step is to clear out any obstructions. This includes removing shelves, cabinets, and storage units. You’ll also want to make sure that there is plenty of space for windows and doors.
Once you’ve removed all of the obstacles, you can begin to add in furniture and fixtures. For example, you may want to add a couch or table, as well as some lighting fixtures.
Finally, you’ll need to add insulation and drywall to complete the transition from garage to living space. With a little bit of work, you can easily transform your garage into a comfortable and inviting place to spend time.
Install Insulation and a Vapor Barrier to Keep the Space Warm in Winter and Cool in Summer
Many people think that insulation is only important for keeping a space warm in winter. However, insulation can also play an important role in keeping a space cool in summer.
By trapping airtight pockets of air, insulation helps to prevent heat from entering the space. This can be especially helpful during hot summer days, when outside temperatures are high and air conditioning costs can quickly add up.
In addition to insulation, it is also important to install a vapor barrier. This helps to prevent moisture from condensing on cold surfaces, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. By taking these steps, you can help to keep your space warm in winter and cool in summer.
Add Drywall and Paint to Make the Space Look Like an Extra Room
If you’re looking for a way to add an extra touch of luxury to your new garage renovation, consider adding drywall and paint to make the space look like an extra room. Drywall is a type of wallboard that is used to create walls and ceilings. It’s typically made from gypsum, which is a very strong material.
Paint is one of the most popular ways to finish drywall, and it can give your new living space a whole new look. There are endless possibilities when it comes to paint colors, so you can really let your creativity shine. Adding drywall and paint to your garage conversion is a great way to add value to your home and make the space feel more luxurious.
Install a New Door for Access to the Garage Conversion
Access to the garage conversion is currently only possible by going through the house. This is not ideal, especially in bad weather. A new door could be installed that would give direct access to the garage conversion. This would be much more convenient and would also help to keep the house cleaner.
The door could be placed in the existing opening or a new opening could be created. If a new opening is created, it would need to be big enough for a person to walk through comfortably and it would need to be strong enough to support the weight of the door.
The door itself would need to be made of sturdy material that is weatherproof and able to withstand being opened and closed multiple times a day. Installing a new door for access to the garage conversion would make life much easier and would also help to keep the house clean and dry.
Decorate the Space to Suit Your Needs – Add a Couch, a Desk, or Some Shelves
When it comes to decorating your home, there are no hard and fast rules. The most important thing is that you create a space that suits your needs and reflects your personal style. If you love to entertain, you might want to focus on creating a stylish living room with warm light and cozy vibes.
If you work from home, you might want to invest in a comfortable desk and chair for your home office. And if you’re always running out of storage space, adding some shelves or cabinets can make a big difference. By taking the time to personalize your space, you’ll end up with a place that you love coming home to.
If you’re sick of your garage being a cluttered mess, or if you need an extra room but don’t want to go through the hassle and expense of building an addition, consider converting your garage into living space. It’s not as difficult as you might think, and it can be done relatively cheaply.
Follow these simple steps and soon you’ll have an extra room in your house that can be used for whatever you need.
