Have you ever thought about converting your garage into some kind of living space? We’re not talking about a couch and tv with a mini fridge, we’re thinking of a full converted space. Maybe a home gym, a den or game room, maybe even a bedroom?
Well- this week’s blog we’re here to discuss how to convert your garage into a livable space and what requirements are needed and necessary. Along with ideas for the interior and some little bonus design tips from yours truly.
Getting Started
First things first, for garage conversion projects you have to look into what specific permits you need to obtain since you’ll be altering the space. Contact your local city/town building permits office and look into what type of permits you need since you’ll be taking away space for a vehicle.
- Building codes: Permits ensure your plans meet building codes and local ordinances for living spaces. Building codes may dictate the minimum number of windows in a space, the number of exits and entrances, the height of the ceiling, the number of outlets and other factors. If you can’t meet any of these requirements, you may be able to apply for a variance depending on the issue.
- Cost: Garage conversion permits can range in cost, but the average price is often between $1,000 and $1,500. Expect to pay more if you need to apply for a variance.
- Parking: Some city homeowner associations require a certain amount of covered parking that may prevent you from converting your garage into a room.
- Inspections: If your space requires a permit, it will also require an inspection at the end of the renovation to make sure you met all building code and zoning requirements.
Requirements
To properly set up your garage for a living space you need to follow the following requirements:
- The ceiling height has to be at least 8′ tall.
- The room needs to have proper ventilation so adding a window may be necessary.
- The room needs to be fully insulated for heating and cooling purposes.
- There needs to be proper and functional lighting.
- If there’s any equipment near or existing in the space it needs to be either moved or covered for safety purposes.
- The floor needs to be raised above the concrete and covered with proper flooring.
- Having an insulated exterior door in replacement of the old door.
Design Ideas
Now onto the fun part of garage conversions! If this extra space clears all the permits and zoning laws it’s time to decide on what to use this space for and get started on designing.
The home office– this is one design idea many people use their garage space for as it allows for a area of solitude to work in peace and quiet but still allows that connection to home and any necessary needs. The former garage space is also great for office spaces as they give off a lot of natural light- which is also great for work productivity.
The home gym– garage spaces are often made into home gyms because they often are the perfect size for all the equipment you may need, as well as they deliver the much-desired separation’ between home life and working out time, giving you a designated space to focus with minimal noise disruption.
Studio/Workshop- Similar to the idea of using this as a home office, a work studio or workshop of any kind would be a great use of this space because of the advantage of the natural light and separate area to focus and really hone in on your work. The garage is also a great size for workshop tables and necessary equipment.
The Home Theatre- A home theatre is a great idea to use for your garage conversion space. This can be designed in a easy way that allows movie lovers to feel like they are at their favourite cinema. You can even add your own concession stand with built in shelving.
The Game Room/Bar/Hangout Area- Another great idea for garage conversions is to design the space with intensions of being a game room or even just another room for get-togethers and activities. Setting up the space so there’s room for any specific needs like a pool table but also utilizing the space for seating and conversation.
The Studio Apartment- If your garage is a fairy decent size you can always use it to create a studio apartment, but remember if you were to rent this room to someone you’d have to apply for another permit to consider this space a dwelling unit and follow all codes and requirements to make it a livable space. This would include having a kitchen and bathroom added into the final design.
Tips and Tricks
Like promised here are some bonus design ideas that can help enhance your garage conversion project!
- Use vinyl flooring- not only is this material thicker but it can also be warmer on your feet and it’s 100% water proof and durable.
- Utilize the natural lighting you may get- select material and furniture layouts in a way that allows them to get the best use of the natural lighting and highlights the features in the room.
- Adding in a window on the East side (in Ontario Canada) will allow for maximum natural lighting exposure.
- Use existing structural features and turn them into a bold design- this can be the beams at the top of the garage ceiling- if left exposed paint or stain them to change the look into a design that’s captivating and stylish.
- Change your garage door to bay windows or to French doors! This will change the entire look from garage to livable space and add in a feature that is inviting and modern to the space.
That’s a wrap on this week’s blog post discussing garage conversions, needs necessities and design ideas! We hope you enjoy this reading and take time during the weekend to think of what you would change your garage to if you had the chance! See you next week!
A4 Group Construction Services
Author: Julia Baker
