Is it worth it to convert a garage into living space
William Harris
Updated on April 01, 2026
In fact, a “well-done” garage conversion to living space can give you up to an 80% ROI, HomeAdvisor reports. “The greatest increase in value and satisfaction will come from good design: building a space that flows naturally from the upstairs and looks like it’s part of the home,” Norton says.
Does converting 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%.
What adds more value to a house a garage or extra room?
We’ve found that most people value a garage more than an additional bedroom. The need for extra storage space along with the reality that most conversions aren’t done very well leaves us converting about 90% back to garages.
How much does it cost to convert a garage into living 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 long does it take to convert a garage?
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.
Can you turn a garage into a studio?
You can easily convert your garage into a studio apartment by keeping it to one level. If you want the apartment, but don’t want to lose your car’s parking spot, you can create a garage loft. You can use an exterior entrance to keep the two spaces completely separate.
Can I convert my garage into an apartment?
Yes, your garage conversion can most definitely become a living space! To legally do this you must convert a garage by turning it into either a guest quarter or an accessory dwelling unit. … An accessory dwelling unit is its own fully functional apartment. It has its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living space.
How much value does converting a garage add?
Do garage conversions add value? A garage conversion could add up to 20 per cent to the value of your home, while you’ll gain valuable extra living space that’s less prone to planning complications.How much does it cost to convert a garage into a family room?
The average cost of a garage conversion is between $6,000 and $19,000, according to HomeAdvisor. The total cost will depend on the size of your garage, the type of room you are constructing and the amount of professional contracting assistance you need.
How do I convert my garage into living space?- Raise the Floor Height. Garages tend to be built lower than the house. …
- Install Floor Covering. Even if you do add sleepers to raise the floor, you still will need a floor covering. …
- Install New Drywall or Finish Existing Drywall. …
- Replace or Insulate the Garage Door.
How much does it cost to convert a garage into an apartment?
SpaceAvg. CostApartment or Guest House$15,000 – $30,000Bedroom or Master Suite$10,000 – $15,000Bathroom$3,000 – $25,000Kitchen$6,000+
Can you convert a garage into a living space without planning permission?
Planning permission is not usually required to convert your garage into additional living space for your home, providing the work is internal and does not involve enlarging the building. … A condition attached to a planning permission may also require that the garage remain as a parking space.
Do I need an architect for a garage conversion?
Planning permission for a garage conversion to make it an inhabitable area is generally not requires, as long as all of the work for the conversion project is being done along the interior of the garage. … Properties that have had development rights removed will need to contact the planning authorities.
Is a garage considered living space?
Builders are notorious for beefing up the ‘square footage’ of a home by including the garage and porches. They like to call it ‘4,200 square feet under roof’. … Because garages, porches, decks, etc. are not considered living area and should never be listed as such.
How do I convert my 2 car garage into an apartment?
- Obtain 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.
How do I turn my garage into a sound studio?
- Decide on your budget. This is the very first thing you need to decide. …
- Make room in your garage. …
- Choose a floor plan. …
- Soundproof your garage. …
- Install great lighting. …
- Ventilate the area. …
- Add the right music storage solutions. …
- Bring in the equipment.
Can I convert my garage into a granny flat?
You can also request change of use permission to convert an external garage into living accommodation as a granny annexe. … Generally you can replace the garage door with a window unless you are in a conservation area, listed building or a planning condition, especially in new builds, prevents this.
How much does it cost to convert a garage into a room UK?
Based on a 16m2 structure it will cost in the region of £7,500 – £20,000 to convert an integrated or attached garage into a habitable room. The average garage conversion cost is around £13,750. This works out at a garage conversion cost per m2 of £469 – £1,200.
Can I put a toilet in my garage UK?
You can put a toilet in your garage but will almost always need a permit to begin work. There are guidelines for how large the room is and how much space is around the toilet that must be followed. You’ll also need to consider the cost of of any structural changes needed to add the plumbing.
Can you convert your garage yourself?
In short, yes you do! When converting a garage to a living space you are essentially changing the use of that garage to one that will, after the works are completed, be used in eth same manner as any other room in the existing property.
How can someone tell if their garage is suitable for conversion?
- Be structurally sound.
- Have a damp-proof course.
- Have wall, floor and loft insulation so it is energy efficient.
- Have had all electrics safety tested.
- Be moisture proofed, with good ventilation.
- Have been fire-proofed and have escape routes.
Can I convert half my garage?
Garage Conversion Benefits There are a number of benefits in choosing a garage conversion as a way to extend your home, the main one being that it’s fairly cheap to do. If you’re lucky and have a double garage, you can even convert half the space, keeping somewhere to park your car but still benefiting from a new room.
Can you live in finished garage?
Living in a garage in California is only legal if the garage has been converted to a habitable space through the proper channels. … Renovating the garage without the proper permits may not count as a legal residence either. There are very specific requirements for any garage to be a legally appropriate living space.
What is considered a finished garage?
First, let’s define what the term “finished garage” means: “A finished garage doesn’t have open and exposed beams, it’s drywalled, and in some cases the walls are textured and painted,” explains Ryan McKee, an experience Los Angeles-based agent who’s recently sold properties with finished garages.
Is a garage considered a floor?
No, not unless it has been converted and inspected for habitation. Otherwise it is simply considered storage space as is a basement.