Do you want to add usable living space to your home? A garage conversion allows you to do just that! By transforming your 2 or 3 car garage into a new room (or rooms) in your home, you can add valuable space, make your home more unique, and even boost your property value.
From adding a secondary owner’s suite, to building the perfect home gym or media room, to adding a private home office, the sky’s the limit when it comes to garage-conversion designs. Keep reading to learn how garage conversions work and discover design ideas that are functional and stunning!
Benefits of Converting Your Garage
Converting your garage into additional living space is a great investment and can make your home more functional, unique, and beautiful. Here are just a few reasons to consider a garage conversion:
- It’s more affordable than a conventional addition.
- You can make your home’s exterior more unique and dynamic.
- It can boost your home’s value.
- You get to be creative with how you want to use the space.
- Since unfinished garages are not included in a home’s total square footage, converting your garage can boost your home’s legal square footage.
Garage-Conversion Design Ideas
Any type of home addition will typically add financial and aesthetic value to your home. But for many homeowners, basement remodels and garage conversions are especially rewarding. There are two primary reasons why:
- With both basement renovations and garage conversions, you’re already halfway there; your space already has exterior walls, a foundation, concrete flooring, and a roof, and some even have drywall, electricity, and a window or two.
- Since you’re starting off with a big open space, the design choices are practically unlimited; starting with a big empty canvas, you get to decide how you want to use the space and how you want it to look.
Let’s take a look at some garage-conversion ideas that are sure to make your home more functional and beautiful.
1. Home Office
Converted Garage into Home Office by L. Evans Design
Converting your garage into a home office is ideal for many families. If your garage is detached from your home, you can create a home-office space that’s especially private and quiet. If your garage is attached, you can still achieve the same effect by opting for a noise-proof fire door, thicker drywall, and fiberglass insulation.
2. Extra Bedroom
Converted Garage into Extra Bedroom by L. Evans Design
Adding an extra bedroom is one of the most popular types of garage conversions. Depending on the size of your garage, you may even be able to add an en-suite bathroom or create a small hallway leading to two new bedrooms.
3. Game Room
Transforming your garage into a big game room, media room, or family room is a wonderful way to encourage your whole family to gather for games or movie nights. It also provides distinction between your living room and your family-gathering space, and it allows you to keep the former more organized and reserved for formal gatherings with guests.
4. Home Gym
Converted Garage into Home Gym by L. Evans Design
Since your garage is at ground level and has a sturdy concrete floor, it’s an ideal location for heavy gym equipment, physical activity, and weights. This makes it the perfect place to put a home gym. Depending on the size of your garage, you may even be able to include separate areas for weights, cardio equipment, and an open area for dance, yoga, or stretching.
5. Workshop/Hobby Studio
Converted Garage into Hobby Room by L. Evans Design
Why not transform your garage into a workshop or hobby studio? This will encourage you to take time to explore your passions and interests. Here are a few ideas of possible purposes for a garage-conversion hobby room:
- Craft room
- Art studio/gallery
- Children’s playroom
- Writing room
- Music room
- Library
- Potting room
- Wine room
- Meditation room
- Woodworking room
6. In-Law Suite
Converted Garage into In-Law Suite by L. Evans Design
If you have a larger garage space, you could think about sectioning it off into an in-law suite or accessory dwelling unit (ADU). An ADU is essentially a small living space that includes a bedroom, full bathroom, and a kitchen or kitchenette. They also sometimes include a small seating area and/or dining space. A garage conversion is a great way to add a separate, private living space for a teenager, young adult, or aging relative.
Things To Consider With a Garage Conversion
While a garage-conversion addition is typically simpler and more affordable than a conventional addition, there are still some important considerations so you avoid potential mistakes or problems in the future. Here are a few things to keep in mind and investigate as you plan your project and create a schedule and budget:
- You’ll need to add heating and cooling or extend your home’s current duct system to include your garage space.
- It’s important to insulate the space thoroughly for temperature regulation, fire safety, and noise control.
- Depending on the type of space you’re adding to your home, you may need to add plumbing.
- Make sure you still have adequate parking; in some cases, it may be beneficial to add a separate carport or parking pad elsewhere on your property to replace garage parking.
- Work with your designer and/or builder to determine whether a construction permit is required to convert your garage; if you live in an HOA, you should also look into your CCNRs to ensure you can get approval for the conversion.
Work With a Designer to Create a Beautiful New Space With a Garage Conversion!
Working with experienced, knowledgeable designers and remodeling contractors is the best way to ensure your new garage-conversion addition complements your existing home, achieves your goals for the space, runs smoothly, and remains within your budget.
At L. Evans Design Group, we’re all about careful planning and exquisite results. We take the time to listen and truly understand your wants, needs, and concerns. We work with you to transform your ideas into a comprehensive plan that’s functional, beautiful, and realistic. Then you can sit back and watch your new space come together!
Call us at (971) 404-1241 or contact us online to set up a project consultation. We can’t wait to work with you!
