Have you ever wondered how to get more use out of your garage, but aren’t quite sure how to go about it?
Garage conversions are a great way of turning what is often a cold, dark and damp space into a livable area that you and your family can enjoy, and since the foundation, walls and roof are already in place, it can be a quick and affordable solution, too. When done right, a well-planned and professionally carried out garage conversion can create a new room (or even multiple rooms) that blend seamlessly with the existing house, and to help you if you’re planning a garage conversion, we’ve come up with 7 important factors to consider:
1. What will you do with the garage door?
Some options include installing a patio door or framing a new wall that includes a large picture, or bay window. You might even want to create an entirely new entrance where the garage door stands; there are many possibilities, and your chosen contractor can help you decide.
2. What will you do with the floor?
Most garages sit on top of uninsulated concrete slabs, and these are often a few inches below the level of the floor inside the home. In some instances, the concrete may even be sloping towards the garage door or to a drain in the floor. If this is the case, you might want to think about filling the bottom of the garage door opening with a curb, to help keep water out and to protect the wall framing from moisture. It might also be necessary to level the floor.
3. How will you heat and cool the space?
For a garage that’s attached to the house, it might be possible to extend the existing heating and cooling system into the new space, or alternatively, you could add an independent system. Insulating the walls, floor and ceiling is important though, and this should be done before any steps are taken to install a heating and cooling system.
4. Wiring
Adding at least one new 20-amp circuit might be required if you plan to increase the electrical usage in the converted space, significantly. The majority of garages have just one lighting circuit, and if you’re converting the space, you’ll likely need more power than that. If you plan to use the space as a kitchen, you might need more than one additional circuit, and if your garage is detached, you can run extra wiring from the house through an underground conduit.
5. Plumbing
Sometimes the biggest concern with a garage conversion is the plumbing, and while getting water to the garage might be relatively straightforward, drainage can present a bigger problem. Some garages have a laundry or utility room connecting the garage to the house, in which case you may be able to turn it into a bathroom. Be warned that plumbing is often the most expensive element of a garage conversion.
6. Loss of parking and storage space
If you have a vehicle that will no longer be protected if you convert your garage, consider whether you might be able to construct a simple carport, and if you currently store a lot of junk inside your garage, think about what you might be able to sell or dispose of.
7. Making the new space blend in
You really want your converted garage to look like it blends seamlessly with your home, and matching siding, colors and window and door styles can help enormously to create that effect.
To turn your garage into a modern, functional space that will complement your home perfectly, consult with an experienced remodeling firm in your area, to discuss the possibilities.
If you are looking for a garage conversion contractor in Los Angeles, visit https://novakremodeling.com/services/garage-conversion
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