The expenditures will be lower if you’re fortunate enough to reside in a jurisdiction that permits you to add a new room to your current house. Here are a few quick recommendations to help you do the task correctly.
Plan the layout of your new room
Whether you are looking to squeeze a few more square feet of usable space from your pre-existing living space or are looking for a new lease on life, the question is where to begin. A savvy homeowner will take the time to sift through the red tape to develop a plan that ensures the best possible results. It will mean adding an entire new home, while it may just be a remodel for others. There are many options in the local marketplace for those in the market for an upgrade. A suitable candidate for every job is available depending on your budget and needs. This list includes a plethora of professionals with varying levels of expertise.
Add a bathroom or standalone sink
Adding a bathroom or standalone sink in your garage conversion is a great way to improve the functionality of your home and increase its value. Whether you want to add a toilet, tub, or shower, you’ll need to make sure that you follow all the proper steps.
First, you’ll need to check with your local zoning department to determine if you can convert a redundant garage. The expenditures will be lower if you’re fortunate enough to reside in a jurisdiction that permits you to add a new room to your current house.
Plumbing is undoubtedly the project’s most costly component. You’ll need to run water lines, piping for your septic tank, and drain lines. The cost of running the pipes will vary depending on where you live. It’s also important to consider the quality and safety standards that will be required.
The cost of the bathroom itself will likely be on the low end of the spectrum. Adding a bathroom to your existing space may be the cheaper option.
Install heating and cooling
Getting your garage converted into a room is an excellent idea for creating more living space in your home. However, it would be ideal if you saw to it that the project was finished correctly. It can be daunting, but you can get it done in several ways.
The first step to converting your garage into a room is determining your new space’s heating and cooling needs. The size of your garage and the type of system you select will determine the cost of your heating and cooling system.
A mini split HVAC system is a great way to cool and heat a converted garage. This unit uses a condenser outside your home, a wall-mounted air handler inside, and copper tubing to move the refrigerant. The system is more efficient than a window unit and can be quieter.
Another option is to install a central air conditioning system. It may be the most economical route if your home already has ductwork. If your ductwork is not installed, you will need the services of an HVAC professional.
Build a floor plan
Whether you’re looking for a way to make your home more functional or you’re simply looking for extra living space, converting your garage into a room can be an excellent idea. But it’s important to consider all your options before you begin.
Depending on your zoning ordinance, you may have restrictions that limit the number of living units you can build on your property. If you need more clarification, check with your local government.
If your new room is used by more than just the family, consider creating a multipurpose room. This space can be used for everything from writing and reading to watching major sporting events. It’s also a great place to host a weekend guest.
Whether you’re a DIY person or working with a contractor, you’ll want to provide your contractor with a detailed plan. The extent of your plan will influence the quality of your final product.
A designer can help you turn your ideas into a plan. They can also advise you on how to utilize your garage best.
Insulate the walls
Adding insulation to the walls in your garage conversion can make the room more comfortable and reduce your utility bills. Generally, the best way to insulate a room is to use rigid foam insulation. Whether you protect the internal or external surface of your garage, it’s a good idea to start by checking the building codes of your local area.
Depending on your local climate, the recommended R-value for wall insulation is between R13 and R21. The thickness of the insulation will depend on the height of your ceiling.
Batts, rigid foam boards, and fiberglass batts are typical garage wall insulation alternatives. Each one may be set up between wall studs or joists in the ceiling. The studs will hold the insulation in place, whereas the batts will sit against the foundation wall.
