Garage Conversions: Ideas for Room Additions

Garage conversions are not something you normally think about. They never really cross your mind unless you’re watching reruns of the Growing Pains sitcom. However, since you bought your first home last year you’re starting to wonder about them.

Could they add more space? Would I be able to include a bathroom? What could I do with a garage conversion, anyway?

If you’ve been considering garage conversions and would like to know more, read on.

There are several reasons to consider garage conversions. The first is space.

Space – If you’re looking to add space to your cozy home, converting your garage could the perfect way to do it. Garages average around 600 square feet. That’s an extra 600 square feet you didn’t have before.

Plus, that’s extra footage you’re getting without subtracting from your yard space. You can keep your yard just how you like it.

Cost -The second reason is the cost. Because your garage already has walls and a foundation, it costs less to convert the space than to add on a whole new space. So if you’re concerned about cost, converting your garage could the best way to get the space you need at the price you want.

So how much could you spend? That all depends on what you’re converting the space into.

Houselogic says a typical price could range from  $20,000 to $50,000. Add another $15,000 – $25,000 if you plan on including a bathroom. But again, it all depends on what you plan on doing with the converted space.

While converting a garage is simpler than adding on, there are some things to keep in mind.

For one, you can’t just throw on some paint and put in new furniture. This won’t make the new space feel like what it’s supposed to be and won’t keep things comfortable. So how can you do the ensure your garage conversion goes smoothly?

• Raise the floor to install a layer of insulation over the concrete slab.
• Insulate all walls.
• Think about how you’ll add heat to the new room. You could connect the room to the house’s heating/cooling system or buy an independent system for solely for the room to use.
• Upgrade the electrical system so it can handle the room along with the rest of the house.
• Replace garage doors with insulated walls.
• Add windows and doors as appropriate.

You’ll also want to think about dormer windows. They are windows you usually see in the roof. They can help complete the look of the room, roof, and help erase the fact that this space used to be a garage.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s go over all the great ideas you convert your garage into.

Movies can be a great way to relax. There is nothing like popping in a DVD of your favorites or watching something new to complete your weekend. So why not convert your garage into a private theater?

You can add a large screen with a soundbar speaker for maximum movie enjoyment. You could even add in a bar or refreshment area so people can get drinks they love during the movie.

Plus, with your own private movie theater, you can skip the lines and show the movies you want to see – without the long ticket lines, high prices, and outrageously expensive snacks.

A playroom is a perfect idea if you have small kids. You have a craft corner for them to draw/paint and ample room to store toys and board games. As the kids grow older you can add a TV and video game console so they can play their favorites. You could also include a nice area for them to complete homework assignments.

Do you like to wind down from the day with exercise? Who doesn’t! Taking a few minutes to walk or run on a treadmill, lift weights, or cycle is a perfect way to give your brain a much-needed break. Usually, by the time you make it home through rush-hour traffic you don’t have the energy to drive to the gym.

With an in-home gym, you won’t have to. You can work out when you get home from a long day, or you can start your day with a nice run before work. The bonus of having an in-home gym is you can customize it how you like. Add the machines you’ll use and leave out the ones you won’t.

Premier Remodeling is a full-service Houston remodeling company specializing in many different types of home renovations, including garage conversions. We pride ourselves on the quality of our craftsmanship and the integrity and expertise of our team. If you’re looking for a garage conversion, call us at 713-543-8788 or click below to schedule an on-site visit to discuss your options.