Do you have a garage that you don’t currently use for anything other than storing old tools and bits of junk? If so, why not take the damp, dark, dusty space and convert it into a bright, fresh, vibrant living space or bedroom?
There are plenty of reasons why people need extra bedrooms at home, and for many, the solution isn’t as simple as just selling their house, or, building a huge extension. Selling a home can be stressful, tiresome, and expensive. Not only that, but people may be perfectly happy where they are, other than needing an extra sleeping space.
Having an extension built on a home is likely to be very disruptive, plus there’s planning and regs to consider, and of course, there’s the huge expense. For some, all these cons for the pro of having an extra sleeping space is just not worth it.
A great solution for people looking for an extra bedroom, who don’t have the funds, time, or resources for an extension or to sell up, is to convert a garage instead.
Here’s a look at how to convert a garage into a bedroom.
Check if You Need a Permit
This is tricky because different states/towns will have different laws, rules, and regs. Before you begin any construction work on your garage, the first thing you’ll need to do is check if you do require a permit. The best advice here is to speak to the experts and let them take care of it for you.
If, for example, you already have a contractor, they’ll know exactly which paperwork, if any, you require.
Just be aware that, should a permit be required, you will likely need inspections to be carried out, which could potentially be costly. If one is required, it may state that the work must be carried out by a fully licensed contractor. Before you begin, be sure to check first.
Have the Necessary Safety Inspections and Surveys Carried Out
Again, before construction can begin, as you are converting a garage into a bedroom, you’ll need to have all of the necessary safety inspections and surveys carried out, to make sure it’s safe.
Before works can begin, a surveyor will need to inspect the garage, and check for things such as asbestos, lead paint, faulty wiring, mold, structural damage, and so on. Assuming a safety inspection is carried out and the space is indeed deemed safe and habitable, the exciting part can begin, as you can begin planning your new bedroom.
Decide on a Layout
When creating any new bedroom, it’s always important to decide on the layout well in advance. You may not think it, but there’s a lot of planning involved in creating a new bedroom, especially if you’re converting a garage. You’ll need to decide on windows (more on that next), electrical outlets, plumbing, HVAC, light fittings, and much more besides.
Once you’ve decided on a layout, converting the garage into a new bedroom will become much easier.
Prep the Garage
Unless your garage is already empty, the next job on your list is to prep it and get it ready to be converted. By this, we mean clearing it out and emptying it properly. You’ll probably need a dumpster to get rid of all the trash and junk you don’t want. You’ll also need somewhere to store the items that you do want to keep.
Windows and Lighting
Garages tend to be dark enclosures, with perhaps one window and one large garage door for access. For natural lighting, this is far from ideal. When you’re converting a garage into a bedroom, it’s important to decide where your new windows are going to go.
You’ll likely need to knock down walls and get rid of the large garage door. Just be aware, that because the new bedroom will be on the ground floor, for security reasons, the windows will need to be slightly higher up. This also makes sense from a privacy perspective, as windows higher up mean that you get more privacy.
Subflooring and Insulation
The next step in most garage to bedroom conversions is to build the subflooring and to insulate the room. Most garages do not feature insulated walls and ceilings, so that is a job that is definitely going to need doing.
Insulation will not only help keep the occupier of the bedroom warmer in the winter months, it will also help keep the room cooler in the summer, it will prevent condensation and damp, and it will help to keep your energy bills low each year as well.
As for the subflooring, this is important because this is essentially the foundation of the entire bedroom. You can’t just go ahead and lay wooden flooring or carpet over the uneven concrete floor of the garage, you’re going to need the subflooring.
Unless you are skilled and qualified, this is a job which you should of course leave to your contractor.
If you’re having underfloor heating fitted as well, this can be setup before you have the primary floor fitted.
Drywall
Once the walls and ceilings have been insulted, another thing to consider is the drywall. This is exciting because once this has been fitted you can really begin to see your new bedroom take shape.
After the drywall has been fitted, you can have things such as electrical outlets, plumbing, and sockets fitted.
Wiring and Plumbing
Before you can begin decorating and furnishing your new bedroom, you’re going to have to get the wiring and plumbing taken care of professionally.
These should only be done by qualified professionals. Never try to do it yourself unless qualified and certified, no matter how skilled you may be. Not only would this be dangerous, it could also invalidate your insurance. Here you may have any plumbing taken care of if building an ensuite, as well as electrical wiring and HVAC systems set up.
Finishing Touches
Once the structural and logistical things have been taken care of, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your new bedroom.
Here you can have your flooring of choice fitted, you can paint the walls and ceiling, fit new doors, furnish the room, hang curtains and pictures, and of course, get your new bed in there.
