How to Convert a Garage Into Functional Living Space

Most of us could do with a little bit more square footage in our homes. Whether it’s a need for an extra bedroom, an office, or a suite for the in-laws, finding more space in a home without doing an extensive (and expensive) addition can be tricky—but not impossible. In fact, it might just be a matter of repurposing space that you already have. Case in point: choosing to convert a garage into something a bit more functional than just a covered parking space.

Sure, a garage serves a lot of purposes beyond just being a place where you can spare your car from the rain and snow. But if you really need the space and you don’t have the budget, time, or desire to undergo a major home renovation, then opting to convert a garage into the additional room that you need can be a great choice. Below, we’ll go over how to determine whether converting a garage is a good option for you, plus the necessary steps that you need to follow in order to get it done right.

Should You Convert a Garage?

Whether or not you should convert a garage is—like most things in real estate and homeownership—an endeavor that requires a careful cost-benefit analysis. The average cost of converting a garage is $12,761, according to HomeAdvisor. While it’s certainly not cheap, it’s a much more cost effective alternative to adding on a brand new structural addition to your home, the average cost of which is much higher at $44,838. (Of course, if you’re converting a garage to create a living space with more extensive components—such as an additional kitchen or bathroom—then costs will run higher.)

As for whether it’s worth it, that depends on a few different things. The following questions are a good place to start when determining whether the cost is worth the outcome:

• • Do you need the extra space or would it just be a bonus?
  • How will it affect your resale value? Will the utility of the new space outweigh the cons of not having a garage?
  • Based on the comps in your neighborhood, will you reasonably be able to get a solid return on your investment?
  • Are you able to pay the higher property taxes that come along with an improved property?
  • Do you have other options for parking your car and storing the items that are typically kept in your garage?

  If the extra space is an absolute necessity, then that should matter above all else when deciding whether it’s worth it. So long as the conversion is done correctly (more on that later) then you should expect to get at least some return on it, even if it’s not enough to reimburse the entire expense.

  And if it’s not a necessity? Give a lot of thought to the other questions on the list to see how the cost-benefit analysis plays out. It’s a good idea to speak to a local realtor too who can help guide you in the right direction. If you’re worried about resale, consider maintaining as much of the structural integrity of the existing space as you can so that you or a future owner can easily convert it back into a garage if desired.

  How to Convert a Garage

  If you’ve considered your need and looked at the numbers and decided that converting a garage is a great idea, then your next steps will be focused on getting the job done. Here’s where to start.

  Find a Contractor
  

  Draw Up Your Plans
  

  Handle Permitting
  

  Get to Work
  

  Need some more advice on improving the functionality and value of your home? We’ve got lots to go around! Check out our additional articles, including the 8 most valuable home improvements and 16 super easy DIY home improvement ideas.