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If you’ve been thinking of improving your home, but can’t afford an extension, converting your garage is a great option to consider. Alongside the fact that it won’t take as much work, the cost is significantly less than a new build.
That being said, you do need to conduct extensive research before getting started. All renovations require careful planning in order to be successful.
Interested in learning more? Then keep on reading! In this article, we are going to discuss exactly how you can convert your garage into a practical living space.
Get Permission In Advance
Before beginning any type of remodeling in your home, you must gain permission from the appropriate authorities. Many people illegally convert garages into living spaces and are later fined thousands of dollars.
To better your chances of approval, you need to show that you will conform to building regulations and zoning codes. Fire safety is also an important factor, as most garage spaces don’t contain the necessary equipment.
Consider How It Will Increase Value
When you’re designing the space, remember to think about how it can increase the value of your home. An additional living area can be a major selling point, so keep this in mind when choosing the function and style.
Even something like the garage door itself can make a big difference. For instance, the decorative hardware at North Shore Commercial Door can completely transform the exterior to appear more elegant and expensive.
Hire The Right Professionals
Unless you are already a builder or contractor, don’t try and handle any of the hard work yourself. The garage is a tricky area to work on and the last thing you want to do is accidentally damage the rest of your home.
Speak to a few different providers so that you can find a team that will complete everything in the necessary time frame. They should communicate well and work with you to design the space of your dreams.
Set A Budget, But Prepare For Changes
A complete garage conversion can be an expensive project. Since the area is not designed to be habitable it will require a lot of changes.
Get a few quotes from reliable contractors and draw up a rough budget. From here, add on a few extra thousand to prepare for any surprises. It’s always better to over budget than to not set aside enough finances.
Prioritize Safety And Security
Once you have a plan in place for the project, it’s time to ensure that the area is safe and secure. Garages are a common entry point for intruders and thieves, so it’s worth taking some additional measures.
Invest in a home security system and reinforce any windows from the inside. It’s also crucial that you fix the entry points so they close and open correctly.
Begin With The Practical Details
To be completely comfortable, you must begin by installing practical details. These are what will make the space “liveable” and include things such as:
– Lighting
– Cooling
– Heating
– Plumbing
– Insulation
It’s important that these take priority in your budget before decor and aesthetic improvements. It’s easier to add these in when the room is stripped, rather than after you’ve filled it with furniture and other belongings.
Maintain Proper Height
A lot of garage conversions require you to raise the floor height as they are usually built lower than the rest of the home. However, in doing this, you may lose a lot of space.
Try to maintain a comfortable amount of ceiling height so that you can walk around without having to be crouched over. You’ll also need to factor in hanging lights and ceiling fans too.
Add Extra Outlets
When you’re adding your plumbing and lighting, don’t forget to install outlets. This is an easy thing to miss but it’s essential if you’re going to be using the space for technology.
On top of this, if there are existing outlets, they may need to be changed to meet minimum spacing standards. If you’re unsure of where to begin, speak to your contractor in advance.
Create Another Parking Area
When you transform your garage, you’re not going to have an undercover space to store your vehicle or other seasonal belongings. This loss of storage can be challenging, so save money in your budget to develop other solutions.
A shed out of the back of your property can be great for Christmas decorations, bikes, and cleaning supplies, but you may also want to build an additional carport too. This will ensure that your vehicle is protected from rain, hail, and snow.
Finish Off The Space
Finally, once the main aspects are complete you can finish off the space however you see fit. Whether it’s become a man cave to watch sports, a playroom for the kids, or a movie theatre – this is your chance to have fun.
Invest in some practical storage solutions and quality space-saving furniture. You may also consider displaying some of your collectibles or memorabilia to truly personalize the space.
Final Words
And that’s it! Transforming your garage into a living area can be a great way to add value to your property. However, you must stay organized and stick to your budget.
By planning ahead, you’ll be able to design a practical and functional room that your entire family will love. Good luck!
