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how much does it cost to turn a garage into an apartment

by Leann Pollich Jr. Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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An apartment is easily the most expensive candidate for a garage conversion, costing $15,000 to $30,000 but easily exceeding $80,000 depending on the quality of the kitchen and bathroom.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to convert garage to apartment?

Turning a garage into an in-law apartment could cost as much as $40,000 to $70,000. A do-it-yourself garage remodel should cost no more than $10,000 and costs might be as low as $2,500 to $5,000. Contact your municipality for information on zoning laws and necessary building permits.

How do you convert a garage into an apartment?

Steps to turn your garage into an apartment. Consider one of the following scenarios: Scenario 1: Your parents have become frail and need to stay with you. Scenario 2: After finishing his studies your son needs to live with you for an undefined amount of time until he earns a better salary. Scenario 3: You live in a popular neighbourhood and could earn something extra by renting out a room.

What to consider before converting a garage into living space?

Let’s take a look at some:

  • The garage door can be easily replaced. Can you incorporate an additional entrance where the overhead door for the garage used to be? ...
  • You can deal with cooling and heating. ...
  • Is plumbing possible? ...
  • Is there is adequate storage and parking available? ...

Should you convert your garage into a living space?

If you desire to enlarge your home without building an extra space, you can convert your garage to a living area. Assuming it’s a two-car garage, you can get around 600 square feet. The main advantage of this is you’ll spend less than building a new area. The disadvantage is your car might suffer.

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Is Turning a garage into living space worth it?

As long as a garage conversion is done correctly, with permits and obeying building codes, it will add value to your home. The value itself depends on how seamless the conversion is and the type of room you build. Typically, you can expect to recoup about 80 percent of the project cost in home value.

How much does it cost to turn a garage into a livable space?

Experts agree that the costs for converting a garage can range from $8,000 to $25,000 or more. Major variables include plumbing and electrical work. Plumbing can quickly become a big expense, depending on what you plan to do in your living space.

How much does it cost to turn a garage into a master suite?

It won't be nearly as pricey as remodeling a basement or adding another room altogether - the cost of which can go up to $100,000. A garage conversion can cost anything between $3,000 to $30,000 depending on the range of upgrades.

Can you turn a garage into livable space?

Due to the housing crisis, California now allows homeowners to convert their garages to a living space. Living in a garage in California is only legal if the garage has been converted to a habitable space through the proper channels.

How do I convert my garage into an apartment?

How to Turn a Garage Into an ApartmentObtain the permits you will need with a trip to the county courthouse or your town hall. ... Come up with a plan for the door. ... Measure and evaluate the floor's slope. ... If you wish, paint the floor. ... Connect your new apartment to the pipes and wiring of the house.More items...

Can I convert my garage to a granny flat?

If you've got a detached garage, you are very likely to need to apply for a Change of Use to turn it into a granny annexe, whereas attached garages can often be converted under Permitted Development Rules.

How much does it cost to turn a 2 car garage into living space?

Depending on what features you want, you'll probably spend $20,000 to $50,000 to convert a two-car garage. If there's a bathroom in your plans, add another $15,000 to $25,000.

How long does a garage conversion take?

In general, garage conversions are seen as a pretty quick job to do – as long as the existing garage building is in good structural condition. You can expect a standard, single garage conversion to take roughly 3 – 6 weeks. That's the time it will take to turn it from a garage into a livable space.

How much does it cost to drywall a garage?

Similarly, installing drywall in a garage may range from $1,200 to $5,100 for a one-car garage, depending on size. Contractors often use thicker or fire-resistant panels for this space, which cost up to 50% more than the average.

Is it safe to sleep in garage?

The garage is likely to be much colder or hotter than the rest of the house, making it uncomfortable to sleep in. The garage may also be full of mice or other rodents, which can carry diseases. Finally, garages are often full of toxic chemicals and fumes, which can be dangerous to inhale.

What do you need to convert a garage?

The main works involved when converting a garage include:Making sure the walls and roof are sound.Floor slab – the existing floor may need to be levelled, damp-proofed and insulated.Infilling the door – Most garage conversions simply brick up the garage door.Wall insulation.Roof insulation.Windows & doors.More items...

Does removing a garage devalue your house?

How much value does a garage conversion add? If done well, a garage conversion can add up to a whopping 20% to the value of your home. Converting your garage into a bedroom with en-suite bathroom tends to achieve the biggest added value, at around 20%.

How much does it cost to turn a 2 car garage into living space?

Depending on what features you want, you'll probably spend $20,000 to $50,000 to convert a two-car garage. If there's a bathroom in your plans, add another $15,000 to $25,000.

Do you need council approval to convert a garage into a room?

If you're planning any structural changes to an existing garage, you'll need planning permission from your local council. Structural changes include relatively minor changes, like building an interior wall or adding a door.

Can you convert a garage without removing garage door?

Many garage conversions can be done without removing the existing garage door, but this will often require additional insulation or support to limit temperature loss – many garage doors aren't normally insulated to the level of a living space.

How much does it cost to drywall a garage?

Similarly, installing drywall in a garage may range from $1,200 to $5,100 for a one-car garage, depending on size. Contractors often use thicker or fire-resistant panels for this space, which cost up to 50% more than the average.

How much does it cost to remodel a garage?

A full garage remodel costs between $7,000 and $15,000 on average. This is the most common type of garage remodel for those who intend to use their garages for car storage. It usually involves a high-quality floor coating, custom cabinets and storage units, finished walls, ceiling, and new garage doors. The idea is to make the garage a functional, attractive, and easy to care for space. You can use the garage for more than just car storage, but it does not lower your home’s value the way that removing the garage to turn it into a living space does. Full garage remodels take on many looks and styles that meet a wide number of needs and homes.

What is a garage used for?

They can be storage areas for sports equipment and tools, include work areas and home gyms, and expand your living space if you do not use it as a car garage. Garage remodels come in all shapes and sizes, from cosmetic makeovers to full conversions.

How much does it cost to convert a garage into a utility room?

The cost to convert your garage into a utility room is between $3,000 and $8,000 on average. Most utility rooms are not finished, so this project’s costs can be lower than other conversions. Most of your expenses come from plumbing and wiring to the area. Most garages are not already plumbed and do not have the necessary drains for things like water heaters. So, all utilities must be rerouted to this space. If you want to finish the laundry area, your costs are higher.

What is a full garage remodel?

Full remodels include new flooring, finished walls and ceiling, custom storage solutions, and a new door so that it looks good inside and out.

How much does it cost to replace a garage door remote?

To have your garage door operate via remote control, the costs range from $300 to $940. You need a garage door opener that operates by remote control. There are several opener types and various remote systems. Each has costs for the opener and the installation. If you have an existing system that operates by remote control, you can purchase a replacement remote for between $15 and $90, depending on the system. Remote controls do not work universally, so ensure that the remote and system are compatible.

How much does it cost to make a garage exterior?

Garage exterior makeovers cost between $1,200 and $6,000 on average. A makeover can be as simple as giving it a fresh coat of paint or as complex as adding new siding and a new door. You may also choose to add new trim, lights, or decorative hardware. This leads to a wide range of projects and costs.

How much does it cost to add a window to a garage door?

The cost to add windows to a garage door averages $400 to $1,000. Window panels can usually be added to a standard garage door more easily than windows can be added to the garage walls. They are typically priced and installed by the panel. Most people add at least 4-6 panels of glass to their doors to maximize the light, but you can add fewer or more. The price is influenced by the door material and window glass type. Adding double-pane or specialty glass increases costs.

Why should I convert a garage?

From being a place to store junk, piles of boxes, garden tools and everything else that doesn ’t have a set place, garages can often become rooms of embarrassment we barely venture into. And, that’s such a shame.

What factors influence the cost of a garage conversion?

Aside from the factors covered above such as the size of the space, type of garage and distance from the home , there are other factors that can play a key role in determining the cost of your garage conversion. These include:

Do I need an architect for a garage conversion?

Many garage conversions fall under Permitted Development, which means that you don’t need planning permission and therefore wouldn’t need to submit architect drawings to your local authority.

Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion?

Planning permission is not typically required to convert a garage into a habitable room as most projects are classed as permitted development. For detached garages, it is more likely that planning permission will be needed. If in any doubt, check with your local authority.

How long will a garage conversion take?

Depending on the type of garage you have, a conversion project will typically take in the region of 2 – 4 weeks. This is significantly quicker than other home extension projects.

Does a garage conversion add value to my home?

It’s a very common question asked by homeowners when they’re considering a garage conversion: does a garage conversion add value to a house?

What is the most common garage conversion?

Attached garages are the most common option and are one of the simplest garage conversion projects.

Is Adding a Room Above The Garage Right For You?

Adding a second story to a garage is no easy task. The difficulties stem from creating a stable, expansive living space over an accessory building that was never intended to have an extra living space on top. Before you start fantasizing about an extra bedroom over the garage, here are some pros and cons to consider.

How Much Does it Cost to Add a Room Above a Garage?

To build a room over a garage is a massive project. Despite the advantages, most homeowners find a project of this magnitude to be too complex and too costly. The latter issue is the main stumbling block homeowners face. After all, the average cost of building a room above a garage is $200,000.

Alternatives to Garage ADUs

Most people look into second-story addition over garage costs because they need extra living space. If the costs are far too prohibitive, as they are for most homeowners, there are alternatives. Relaxed laws on ADUs across California provide more affordable options for enhancing your existing available living space.

How to Finance an ADU

ADUs more than repay their investment in terms of personal comfort, extra living space, and the prospect of generating a second income. Initial financing is a question many homeowners have on their minds. Obviously, cash savings are the simplest way of obtaining the outlay needed to get your project off the ground.

Conclusion

Adding a room above a garage costs an excessive amount of money, which is why many people choose more affordable, simpler ADUs. At United Dwelling, we don’t add living space above garages, but we do specialize in building beautiful backyard homes.

Keeping The Space We Need

All we really use our garage for now is to store our mower, kayaks, bikes and a bit of few small items.

Walling Off The Storage Area

Using the tape as a guide, we built stud walls using reclaimed 2 x 4’s. We secured the walls to the rafters above with screws, and to the concrete floor below with screws and adhesive.

Installing Shiplap, Metal & Rope Trim

It seems like everywhere you go on our farm, you will run into 3 materials : shiplap, metal, and rope trimming. It is used prominently in our home, barn, tiny cabin – and now our little studio garage apartment.

Creating A Full Kitchen and Bedroom For The Studio Apartment

We moved the bathroom sliding barn door to the side to let the old room be the main kitchen / living area. Then used the space we gained in the garage for creating a small 10 x 14 bedroom, complete with a 3 x 6′ washer and dryer hookup as well.

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