Who wants an extra 600 square feet of living space?
While game rooms, media centers, home offices, gyms, and "man caves" are typical renovations, creating either a master suite, kids room, or spare bedroom out of your two‑car garage is an effective and affordable way to ensure "sweet dreams" for your family or guests.
By utilizing existing structures, the foundation, the walls, and the roof, you can cut some of your major renovation costs, with many conversions costing about half of a full renovation.
Budget
You'll want to budget between $20,000‑$40,000 for the garage convert bedroom project and an additional $15,000 if you're installing a bathroom.
While a garage convert bedroom remodel is less expensive than a full addition, you don't want to cut corners when budgeting, hiring contractors, or planning your timetable.
Timeline
A well done, professional conversion should take between four and six weeks. Your contractor should be able to walk you through the permitting process, as these remodels may have different requirements that other remodels or additions.
Preparation
Your plans should definitely utilize existing structures, but you'll want to raise and prepare the floor. Be sure to fill any cracks in the original concrete, cleaning any spills, and sealing the floor against rising moisture.
You now have a blank slate over which you have countess options, including tile, carpeting, or hardwood, depending on your preference and budget.
Plumbing
Installing a plumbing system, whether it's a simple half‑bath or a luxurious spa inspired bathroom is one of the more complicated aspects of the remodel.
Addressing your plumbing needs first is a good way to handle this part of the remodel. If your budget allows, a wet bar is a nice touch.
Walls
By using your existing walls, you'll save both time and money by not having to frame the room. You will, however, want to make sure the walls are insulated and paneled with drywall.
If the garage walls are cinder block, you'll need to add stud framing to the existing walls and then insert the insulation. This also the time to build out any closets.
Electricity
Even if you are doing the work yourself, you'll want to hire a professional to handle your electricity. An electrician will have the experience to mount any outlets, hanging light fixtures, and switches, and add another circuit to your breaker panel, if needed.
Heating & Cooling
The most cost effective and efficient way to install a heating and cooling system to your new bedroom is to extend your existing ductwork from the existing home. Other options include radiant floor heating, baseboard heating and window air conditioning units, or installing a ductless system.
Be sure to replace garage doors, add plenty of windows, and decorate the space to make it feel like part of the original floor plan. Window treatments, luxurious bedding, paint or wallpaper, and warm lighting will help your new bedroom become your favorite spot in the house.
Need to Replace Your Garage Door?
One of the most important aspects of your renovation will be to replace your garage door with an insulated, secure model. Environmental Door has a variety of residential garage doors that would be ideal for a converted bedroom, and you can get a free quote from one of our specialists.
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