For many homeowners, their garage serves as little more than storage space to keep the things that take up residence in the basement or attic.
But garage conversion is gaining popularity as an affordable way to add extra living space to a home—and it can also increase the value of your property. Converting your garage into a livable space can be an excellent choice if you’re looking to make the most of your available living space, especially if you have large or difficult-to-store items that need to be kept in the home.
If you are thinking about making this change, here are five reasons why you should do it. The pros of converting your garage into a livable space outweigh the cons and will make this remodeling project well worth it.
Easier And Less Expensive Than Moving or Building an Addition
You may be surprised to learn that converting your garage into a livable space is easier and less expensive than moving or building an addition. The first step to transforming your garage is evaluating the existing structures, especially in relation to what will happen when it’s converted
If the structure is sound, you’ll need to remove any obstructions, such as insulation and drywall, so that you can frame out the interior walls of the new space.
After this, attach electrical wiring for outlets, switches, lights, and ceiling fans if desired before framing out walls for plumbing or heating vents (the latter two require some foundation). The last step in this process includes framing doors with windows on either side and securing doors from inside and outside the structure.
You Can Turn It into Anything You Want
A garage conversion is one of the most versatile home improvement projects. Need an extra bedroom? Done. Need a home office? Done. How about a playroom for the kids or a man cave? Also done. You can turn your garage into anything you want, which is why it’s such a great home improvement project.
Many garage conversions also benefit from additional building work. Depending on what you want your garage to be, you may need new walls or a kitchen and bathroom. This can add time and expense to your project, but it’s worth it for all the different types of rooms you can end up with!
You’ll Make Room in Your House
If your garage is currently being used as a dumping ground for everything that doesn’t have a home in your house, then you’re not using that space to its full potential. Converting your garage into a livable space will give you extra room to use however you see fit.
In addition to giving you an extra room, converting your garage into a livable space can also help you accommodate family members who visit. While hosting guests in your home can be fun, many people don’t want to or can’t offer up their bedroom. You may also prefer not to host visitors in your living room, especially if it has furniture you’re fond of.
Increase The Value of Your Home
A garage conversion can increase the value of your home by up to 20%. This is because you are adding an extra room (or rooms) to your house. The more livable space in a house, the higher the value. Not only will you be able to sell your home for more money, but you’ll also be able to live in a nicer home while you own it.
Plus, many buyers like houses with unfinished spaces that they can convert into whatever they want. So not only will you make your home worth more on the market today, but you may get even more when you eventually sell!
Creates Room for Extra Income
One of the top reasons to convert your garage into a livable space is that it can create room for extra income. You can rent out the space as an apartment, Airbnb, or even office space. The potential rental income can help offset the cost of the conversion itself.
Plus, you can enjoy all the benefits of owning property without moving. Not only does this provide you with rental income, but it can also increase the value of your home and improve its curb appeal.
