How to Convert an Attached Garage

Converting your garage is a way to ease a lack of space in your home.

As time goes by, you can find that the house that seemed so big 10 or 15 years ago when you first bought it is feeling cramped. Many people in this situation move to a larger house or build an addition, but if you don't have the space or money to build an addition or move, you can convert your garage into a bedroom or other living space. Converting your garage can be cheaper than building an addition, and it will most likely be easier to acquire any permits needed for construction.

Instructions

1. Check with your local zoning board regarding any permits that you will need, as well as to learn your local building codes and any restrictions that may be placed on the garage.

2. Design how you want the conversion to look. You can hire an architect, use a computer-aided design (CAD) program or draw the plans out on paper.

3. Decide what electrical, plumbing and heating and ventilation (HVAC) work you will complete yourself, and what you will hire a contractor to complete. Your local zoning regulations may require that you hire a certified professional to do some or all of this type of work.

4. Inspect the concrete floor of the garage and make any necessary repairs. If there are just minor cracks, you can fill them in yourself. To do this, chisel away at the crack until you get beneath the crack, then fill it in with a concrete patching compound. For larger repairs, you may need to hire a professional.

5. Remove the garage door and frame that area for a wall, door and windows, or whatever your plan calls for. Follow local building codes regarding items such as the spacing of the wall studs and the framing of the door and windows.

6. Complete any electrical, plumbing or HVAC work that needs to be done. If zoning regulations require you to hire a certified professional, then do so, even if you can do the work yourself.

7. Build out any bare concrete walls. To do this, attach a pressure-treated board called a sill plate to the ground next to the concrete wall with masonry screws. Build the frame for the wall, and then bolt it to the sill plate. If necessary, finish the ceiling by running ceiling joints across the framing and nailing them to the end of the roof rafters and the framing. Follow local building codes when constructing the framing.

8. Install new doors and windows.

9. Install drywall where needed on the ceiling and walls, attaching it to the studs with drywall screws.

10. Paint the ceiling and walls.

11. Install the carpet, tile or wood paneling for the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that you follow all local building codes during construction. Failure to do so could lead to costly fines and expensive repairs to fix the violations.

References

• Case Handyman: Garage Conversions Can Add More Livable Space to Your Home
• Garage Conversion: Garage Conversion - A Convenient Way to Increase Your Living Space
• Home Addition Plus: A Garage Conversion Project Starts with a Garage Conversion Plan
• Handy Man Fix Home Repair: How to Convert Your Garage
• Garage Door Opener Guide: Garage Remodeling - Converting Your Garage