Old toys, stacks of boxes, odds and ends, unused gym equipment. Do you have these items piling up? Cars today seem to be getting bigger and the space in our homes is getting smaller, turning the garage into a storage place. This is a waste of space. If you can park on the driveway or the street, then it’s time to convert your garage into a room or even a one bedroom apartment! The options are virtually endless. Turn the garage into an extra bedroom, a man cave or another area for the family to split their time or hang out together. You can turn it into a playroom, make the kitchen larger or turn it into an office to make space in another room in the house.
Factors to Consider When Converting Your Garage Into a Room
1. Can you convert your garage? Before getting ahead of yourself, you need to figure out exactly what you want to accomplish. You will then need to figure out if you’ll need permits. The property developer will be able to clarify if there are any clauses in your contracts that pertain to changes to your property. Some of these clauses allow for internal changes but not external and you may have issues with insulation and drainage. Make sure to take care of all paperwork correctly. This will save you from future headaches. Most states will have an inspector come after the work is done to adjust your property tax information. It’s always a good idea to get a free consultation from a professional.
2. Will utilities be in place for the garage remodel? Most garages aren’t built with the idea that they will become a living space in the future and won’t have plumbing, heating and cooling systems or all the electrical work that would be needed. This means the entire garage will need to be stripped to lay out the required groundwork and you will need an expert. We can let you know if the furnace in the home will accommodate the addition so the space will need to be as comfortable as the rest of the house or you won’t end up using the new space. Figure out if the additional plumbing will be tied in from the existing system. The electricity won’t be as problematic as there will already be some in the garage.
3. Will the garage renovation be structurally sound? Garages are a target for thieves, so you’ll need to make sure it’s secure. Garage floors are sloped and lower than the rest of the house. For this reason, it’s a good idea to install a new floor structure. It should either match the existing interior floor or be close depending on how the space will be used. This can be done by building up a wood framed floor that is aligned with the house. The same needs to be done with the walls and the ceiling. Professionals will be able to work around the HVAC system. Close it off to convert it into another room, or if it’s an extension, use doors or large windows to let the air and light in.
Garage Conversions & More in Tarzana, Calabasas & Greater Los Angeles, California
Converting your garage by professionals is the way to go. There are costs, time and effort involved in the process. No new buyer wants to deal with a shoddy garage conversion that may have been built without the right permits. The city can come in and tell you to take it all down if the right permits weren’t pulled. Contact Future Vision Remodeling for a consultation today for any home remodeling or building project!