This project creates value for your home and is less expensive than building an addition.
They generally cost from $6,000 to $27,500, with an average cost of around $16,500.
DIY vs.
Phil Banks / Getty Images
Hiring a Professional
Hiring a general contractor to convert a garage to living space costs around $16,500.
About half of that cost can be attributed to the cost of labor.
Converting the garage yourself may cost as little as $6,000.
A higher-end garage conversion by a contractor may run as high as $27,500.
Use conventional fiberglass roll insulation, rockwool, or sprayed foam insulation.
Raise the Floor Height
Elevate the garage floor to match the flooring level in the house.
An elevated flooring system can be built on theconcrete garage floorto equalize the heights.
Cover the Garage Door
Build a solid wall in place of the garage door opening.
A lower-cost alternative is to replace the garage door with aninsulated garage door.
Install Windows
Add enough window space to provide for natural light and air.
Maintain Proper Ceiling Height
Maintain at least 7-1/2 feet of minimum ceiling height.
This may be difficult to do if you raise the floor height.
Ceiling rafters may need to be removed or repositioned to add ceiling height.
Install HVAC
Provide adequate heating and cooling to the conversion.
Install Electrical Layout
Add at least one wall-controlled light switch.
No cord should have to reach farther than 6 feet to reach an outlet.
For a full garage conversion, you’ll need to hire an electrician to develop a complete electrical layout.
Sectioning certain areas and leaving them unimproved is probably the easiest way to save money on a garage conversion.
At an average cost of $16,500, a garage conversion costs less than one-third thecost of an addition.
The cheapest way to turn a garage into a room is to avoid making it a permanently habitable space.
A garage conversion can take from three to six weeks to complete.
You may need an architect to design plans for a garage conversion.
Some municipalities require an architect to draw and stamp the plans.
