Does converting a garage to a room add value? Many homeowners ask that question when they’re thinking about changing their garage into something else. The simple answer is it depends on where you live and how you handle all the required necessities.
In this blog, we’ll talk about garage conversions in a comprehensive way. We’ll look at the real things that can make your home more valuable when you convert your garage. It’ll help you decide if this is the right thing to do for your home.
Let’s start with the pros and cons of converting the garage into a living space.
Does Converting a Garage to a Room Add Value?
So, can you convert a garage to a living space, and will this conversion add any value? Turning your garagе into a room is a good way to make your homе bigger and worth more money. Hеrе’s why:
Garage Conversions are Affordable
Converting your garage gives you extra room without spending a fortune. It’s one of the more cost-effective ways to add space to your home because the basic structure, like walls, roof, electricity, and floors, is already there.
Adding onto your home can be expensive, involving new foundations or even adding another floor. However, converting a garage is often a more affordable option. So, how much does it cost to convert a garage into a bedroom and bathroom? It can cost around $15,000 on average, whereas a home addition might set you back anywhere from $22,000 to over $80,000, depending on where you live.
Saves Outdoor Space
When you change your garage into a room, you make your indoor space bigger without losing your outdoor area. So you have more room inside and still get to keep your valuable outdoor space.
Lots of Natural Light and Fresh Air
Garages usually have plenty of sunlight and fresh air, which makes them nice places to be. If your garage is separate from your house, it’s also quieter and more private. But if it’s attached to your house, you’ll be closer to your family, which can be helpful if you have older family members living with you.
You Can Make It Your Own
You can make the new room special by adding things like skylights (windows in the ceiling), opening up the ceiling, or putting in new windows.
Your Own Entrance
You can even have your own private entrance. This means you can come and go without bothering anyone else in the house. It’s perfect if you want more privacy and alone time.
It’s Flexible
One cool thing about garage conversions is that you can make the new space work for you. This makes your home more interesting for different kinds of buyers.
It Looks Better Outside
If you do the conversion well, it can make your home look better from the outside. When your garage fits in nicely with the rest of your house, it can catch the eye of potential buyers.
But there are some important things to think about before you begin transforming a garage into a living space.
What Makеs a Diffеrеncе
Many things can impact how valuable a garage conversion is:
Doing It Right is Important
The quality of the work and the materials used in the conversion really matter. If you do a good job with the conversion, which includes having proper insulation, plumbing, and electrical work, it can add more value. A well-done garage conversion can even give you up to 80% more money when you sell your home.
Your Local Real Estate Market Matters
What’s going on in your neighborhood when it comes to buying and selling homes is also important. Sometimes, when many people want to buy houses, changes like garage conversions can make your home worth more.
What You Use the Room for is Important
What you decide to do with the new room also matters. If you convert a garage into a bedroom and bathroom, it usually adds more value compared to turning the garage into a playroom, storage room, or a home gym.
Don’t Forget About Permits and Rules
Now, you’re probably wondering, “Do I need a permit to convert my garage into a room?” Getting the right permissions and following local building codes is crucial. Doing things without permission can actually make your home less valuable.
In California, when you want to do construction work, like turning your garage into a room, you usually need permission called permits. But getting permits is just the first step. You also have to follow the rules for building set by the city or county.
For instance, in places like Orange County and Los Angeles County, houses must have a certain number of covered parking spots. So, if you change your garage into something else, you might have to build a new garage or carport.
There’s another thing to be aware of: something called setback rules. These rules say how far your new room can be from your property line. If it’s too close, the city might not give you a permit. It’s a good idea to understand all these rules before you and your contractor start making plans.
If you’re interested in remodeling your bathroom and worried about whether you need a permit to remodel your bathroom in California, give our informative blog a thorough read.
Plan for the Possibility of Changing It Back
If you decide to convert your garage, think about the chance of turning it back into a garage in the future. Keeping the original structure intact can make this process easier.
Things to Think About
If you’re planning to sell your home in the next three to five years, it’s not usually a good idea to turn your garage into a room. There are some important things to consider:
Think About Your Location
In some places where finding a parking spot is hard, like in busy cities, getting rid of your garage can actually make your home less valuable. Having a place to park your car can be really important, so be careful about converting your garage in these areas. In rural places or where people love outdoor activities, garages are very important.
Not Everyone Might Like It
Some people who want to buy a house might not like the idea of a converted garage. They might prefer a regular garage for their cars and storage. This is something to think about before making the change.
It Takes Time
Turning your garage into a room can take a long time. Getting the right permissions and approvals can take up to a year, especially if you live in a neighborhood with rules or in a place with historic buildings. The construction part can also be slow, especially if it involves big changes to your house.
Check Your Garage
Not all garages are fit for turning into a room. Check if your garage is at the same level as the ground or higher. It can be more complicated and expensive if it’s below ground because you’ll need special things like drainage and insulation. You also need at least 8 feet of ceiling height for a room to be comfortable. Digging up the floor to meet these requirements can cost a lot of money.
If you need help with remodeling an Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) in California, choose S I Construction — a California remodeling company. We’re here to assist you 24/7 with house remodeling services, and we’ll guide you through the permit process. It doesn’t matter if you want more space for your family, rental income, or your own private space; we can help you.
Our skilled team specializes in creating different kinds of ADUs, like garden homes, guesthouses, studios, and home offices, all customized to what you need. You can enjoy benefits like increasing your property’s value. Call us today to start your project, and you’ll even get a free consultation plus a 10% discount.
Wrapping Up
Does converting a garage to a room add value? This is a question you might have if you’re thinking about changing your home. Your garage, the place where you store stuff or leave it empty, could be turned into something useful. But is it a good idea, and will it make your home worth more money? Hopefully, this blog has resolved all the necessary considerations.
FAQs
What are the cheapest ways to convert the garage to a living space?
The cheapest way to convert a garage to living space is by keeping the changes minimal, like insulation and flooring, and using budget-friendly materials.
What is the cost of converting a detached garage to a living space?
Turning a detached garage into a living space usually costs around $15,017, but the final cost can vary. It generally falls between $5,719 and $24,316.
I want to convert my garage into a living space. How long does a garage conversion project typically take?
The time it takes to finish the project can change based on how big it is and if there are any delays in getting permits or materials. On average, it might take a few weeks to a few months.
