Want more space to "live" instead of park a car?
Thankfully, such a conversion project does not have to be too complicated, or break the bank. With careful planning and the help of some professionals, you will be able to transform your old, monochromatic garage into a gorgeous new living room.
Plan Ahead
Before you jump right into a project of this magnitude, you should give some consideration to what the job will require. You can’t do it all yourself unless you are the second coming of Bob Vila. Take the time to consult with professionals about the conversion process, what it entails and how much it will cost.
Your new living room will require ample space, light and comfort. It has to be kept at a “livable” temperature in both the winter and summer. It must comply with all local building codes and ordinances.
When you convert a standard two‑car garage into a living space, you’ll add an extra 600 square feet of space. This will cost you less than the expense of adding an entire addition onto your existing home.
While you might have to park your car outside, it will be well worth it when you have a brand new living room. All in all, you should expect to spend a minimum of $10,000. Some two‑car garages require upwards of $50,000 to be converted, especially if they will have a bathroom.
What the Conversion Entails
Your garage conversion job will take at least a full month to complete. The typical conversion requires the lifting of the floor to a proper height that allows for insulation above the concrete slab that currently functions as the floor. You will also have to fully insulate the ceiling and walls so that the room remains comfortable during extreme temperatures.
The new living room must be connected to the rest of the home’s main heating and cooling system unless you don’t object to adding an independent one. Look into an electrical service upgrade to account for the larger electric load required of the new room.
The new room will also require windows, doors and locks. A large part of the project entails the opening up of the partition wall that is between your house and the garage. This creates an open floor plan so that you can seamlessly transition from your new living room into the rest of the house.
Making the New Room "Livable"
While some converted garages leave traces of their old identity, homeowners who do the job right make the new room look like it was always there. Don’t merely move some furniture into your emptied garage and declare it to be a living room. Make it a true wing of your house.
Add a nice carpet, large windows and some decorative elements to make it feel like home.
Need a New Garage Door for Your New Living Room?
A new garage door can make at the difference in keeping the heat in and the noise out. At Hicklin Door Services, we can help you find the door that best suits your needs, and answer any questions.
See some of our quality garage door options, or design your own door online, and get started on converting the space to the ultimate living room!
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