How To Transform Your Garage Into An Extra Room?

A location to go where you can relax and let your mind wander after a long day at work is invaluable. To get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, your garage is a welcome haven of peace and quiet. If you follow these simple instructions, you may turn your garage into a brand new room where you can host parties, spend time with loved ones, or simply relax.

Turning Your Garage Into A Living Space: Considerations

Temperature

As the two buildings are joined, you can use the same HVAC system in both the house and the garage. If that doesn't work, you may need to look at alternative methods. Examples of heat sources include electric baseboards, wood fireplaces, and gas room heaters. Having a room air conditioner is the only way to beat the heat. Before deciding on a heating or cooling system, it is important to insulate the floor, walls, and ceiling. Since radiant floor heating can be simply put over an existing concrete floor, it is a potential solution.

Wiring

Will there be an increase in the existing electrical consumption of the transformed space? At the very least, a new 20-amp circuit is required. Many garages only have one lighting circuit, despite the fact that most rooms use more electricity. It's possible that many new circuits may need to be installed if the converted space is to be used as a fully-equipped bedroom with electronics. Don't forget that if you lay a conduit beneath the floor of the garage, you can run extra wiring from the main house to the outbuilding. To avoid trouble with the law or personal injury, it's best to seek the advice of a professional if you need assistance.

Plumbing

Be prepared for some hassle if you decide to turn your garage into a living space because of the plumbing work that will be required. While getting water into the garage shouldn't be too tough, draining might be an issue. Talking to a plumber might help you understand your plumbing options. Remember that the cost of running new water and sewage lines to a garage may end up being the most expensive part of the renovation. A Granny flat, which is a type of tiny house, doesn't need to have plumbing because it's intended for an elderly person to live in.

Compliance With Local Building Codes

It is still considered construction, regardless of whether the work is done in an existing structure, hence a building permit is needed. Depending on the proposed use and the proposed changes to the building's exterior, local authorities may have some input. Find out if a permit is necessary in your area before beginning any remodelling projects.

Windows

Putting in windows will make the area feel less like an addition and more like a whole room. If your garage looks out onto a garden, you can make it feel more open by replacing one wall with a large window or folding sliding door. The approval of building control is not required for installing new windows, however they must be double glazed and energy efficient.

Garage Walls

Typically, garage walls are constructed with a single course of brick, which may not be up to code in terms of moisture resistance or insulation. Putting up an insulated stud wall inside the room should do the trick. You'll have plenty of room for insulation and utilities inside. It's also possible to erect folding or sliding walls, or use curtains, to divide the space.

Replacing Doors

It's possible a new garage door is needed. And that could necessitate laying brand-new groundwork. However, there are a number of alternatives from which to pick. In order to put more weight on the current foundations, lintels might be installed at a slight angle below the surface.

Room Layout

Considering the room's function is essential when transforming a garage into liveable space. Use this to help you plan out your bedroom layout. Think about the current garage entrance and whether or not more entrances would be more practical. The dimensions of a room on a floor plan are essential for determining what goes where. It is necessary to convert some of the garage into storage space if you intend to use that area for that purpose.

What Do You Think Of This Change?

Under the right circumstances, turning your garage into a living area could be the answer to your housing woes.

You Can Easily Get A New Garage Door.

The space formerly occupied by the garage door could serve as the entrance to a new room. If you can't move the garage, at least make sure the new wall you construct blends in well with the rest of the house and nobody will ever know it was originally a garage.

Heating And Cooling Costs Are Covered In Your Budget.

If your current HVAC setup can handle the additional square footage, you can cross that expense off your list. This necessitates the installation of a new vent in the garage. A new system can be installed, or alternative methods of heating and cooling the larger space can be explored.

We Have Access To Plumbing.

If you want to construct a bathroom, you should start looking for a plumber right once. It's possible that you'll need to add things like drainage and plumbing if your renovations are really extensive.

Store And Park Elsewhere.

Converting a garage means giving up both parking and storage space. Changing a garage into a living space is not a good idea if doing so will cause you to lose parking spots or make it difficult or dangerous to park in the garage.

Do You Need Approval From The City Planners?

You probably don't need it. If you want to be absolutely sure, though, check with the relevant authorities in your area. However, you will need to obtain approval from the local planning agency before you can turn the garage into a listed property or move it into a conservation area.

These permits for development occasionally involve stipulations. The building or garage's construction conditions must have been pinned down to the specifics. This means you'll need to get approval from the relevant authorities before beginning the conversion process.

Do You Need Permission From The Building Department?

There is logic behind the existence of building codes. If you don't crush them underfoot as you try to turn your garage into a spare bedroom, that is. For the sake of everyone living in the home, you must strictly comply to these building codes. Ventilation, thermal performance, acoustics, and fire safety are typical areas covered by the rules. For this, you'll need to submit a request to the local office of building control. They would check the building to make sure the proposed changes wouldn't violate any codes. Afterwards, you will receive permission to complete the change.

What Other Rooms Can Be Created From A Garage?

Probably, you have already planned out your garage's new use. On the other hand, here are some more suggestions for garage renovations:

• Bedroom
• Playroom
• Office
• Establishment devoted to the creation of art
• Efficiency dwelling
• Kitchenette

The Cost Of Converting A Garage, Roughly Speaking.

In most cases, you should expect to pay between $6,000 and $20,000 to convert your garage. That much of a disparity exists due to the large variety of garage sizes and the corresponding customization requirements. Converting a garage into a habitable space, such a bedroom, doesn't always necessitate installing new pipes. In addition, we might turn our garage into a new bathroom or kitchen, which would necessitate extensive pipe installation.

Can You Handle It Yourself?

The answer to that question is dependent on the complexity of the conversion and your level of construction expertise. You might, however, pay an architectural designer to assist you if you have the means to do so.

Obviously, experts in construction can get the job done. Assuming you have the necessary building abilities and are on a tight budget, you might perform the majority of the conversion on your own. Instead of trying to figure things out on your own, it's best to hire a pro if you have no background in building.

Phase Two: Building Your Garage Apartment

Construction begins in this phase.

Raising The Floor And Covering It

A common feature of garages is a lower floor level compared to the rest of the house. Many people don't give much thought to the garage's floor level until it's time to convert, but raising it is a fantastic idea. After the floor has been raised to its new level, it must be covered. Unlike bottom-up expansion, it's not completely irrelevant. The floor of a garage conversion can be finished in a variety of ways, including engineered wood, lamination, tiles, luxury vinyl plank

To Keep The Garage Warm, We Insulated The Door

Instead of tearing down the garage door and constructing a new wall, insulation should be added.

Wiring And Plumbing

A renovated garage also necessitates new plumbing and electrical outlets. This is why these particulars of the changeover receive so much attention. If you plan on installing new power mains in your garage, you should remove any old wiring beforehand. This is because it's possible that the existing mains supply servicing the other rooms won't be able to withstand the load of an extra room. If you want to turn your garage into a bathroom or toilet, you should check the dirt outflow. The similar level of forethought is needed for the plumbing.

Disadvantages Of Garage Conversion

When weighing the pros and downsides of a garage conversion, there are a few things to keep in mind. For example: You're turning a multipurpose room into a room with a single function. This may sound apparent, but consider it for a second. As a result of the change, parking your automobile inside is no longer an option. Besides requiring regular washing, exposure to the elements can accelerate the deterioration of your car. There are also other risks to your automobile. You would also need to relocate all of the items currently stored in the garage. Keep in mind that the primary reason these things were placed there was because they didn't belong in any of the other rooms but also couldn't be thrown away.

Reconstituting storage for these items may be a bother. Converting a garage is an expensive project. The time required to secure necessary authorizations and permits could be lengthy and frustrating. Converting a garage into living space is a popular home improvement project, but it may not boost the property's value. This is because many homebuyers prioritise properties with garages.

Think Differently

Do you feel like you need more space but an addition would be too costly? To generate income, you may transform your garage into a studio apartment or office. Compared to a brand-new structure attached to the main house, the price tag on converting a garage is typically far lower.

Class Act

According to the NCC, a garage is a Class 10a structure, so in order to turn it into a habitable space that satisfies the standards for Class 1a, development approval must be obtained.

Your garage may not be appropriate for conversion if it is attached to the main structure of your house and has a concrete ceiling that is lower than 2.4 metres above the finished floor level. Raising the roof of a detached or externally attached garage could be an option for meeting the height requirement.

For this, first the roof and supporting structure must be taken down, then the walls must be extended upwards, and finally the roof must be rebuilt. A professional architect or building designer should be consulted, as not all garages are amenable to transformation.

They know the NCC through and out and can give you advice on regional specifics. For instance, many municipalities require a detached house to have covered parking, which means you may only be permitted to convert a portion of your garage unless you also build a carport.

Ground Control

Class 1a liveable structures have more stringent waterproofing standards than, say, a standard garage slab. The quickest and easiest fix could be to coat the area in epoxy, but in more serious cases a membrane and new slab may need to be poured on top. A termite inspection of the slab is also necessary by state law, as is the installation of a termite barrier in most circumstances. When the requirements for certification have been satisfied, the flooring of your choice can be put in.

Director of Superdraft, if you're going to put tiles, the concrete must be perfectly level. An alternative is a floating floor. Engineered and laminate floors are ideal for use as floating garage floors. Carpeting, on the other hand, can make the converted garage feel cosier and more at home. Before laying down carpet, you'll need to use tack strips and put down padding.

Hit The Walls

A fire-rated wall is required if it is within 900 millimetres of a property line or 1800 millimetres of a primary house. This could mean that you can't put a window or door in that wall, among other things. There needs to be a membrane or wall wrap installed to make the walls watertight. Insulation and plasterboard lining for the walls and ceiling are also required.

Converting a garage in New South Wales into a granny flat requires BASIX certification for energy efficiency. For homes in Australia's other states and territories, the National House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) accreditation is required. A reverse-cycle air conditioner can be used for both heating and cooling. To cut down on cooling costs, plan your interior walls so that air can move freely while the windows are open.

Let There Be Light!

Ten percent or more of the building's floor area must have windows for it to be considered habitable. In most cases, the design of an under-main-roof conversion is determined by the location of the original roller door opening. The simplest and least expensive option would be to remove the garage door and replace it with a window suite, but doing so could have structural concerns for the existing building. The current footing will probably be able to support the loadings, but you will need the engineering plans of the original house to be sure.

Power And A Shower

A 15-amp light circuit is common in garages, so most homeowners hire an electrician to increase the current capacity. A new sub-board and larger cable would need to be laid if air conditioning and electric cooking appliances were to be installed. Also, if the new building will be rented out, you'll need to have metres installed by a licenced electrician. A living room or home office is not the place to budget for a plumbing system. A licenced plumber will need to waterproof the shower area and instal drains if you want a bathroom. As a plumbing fix, you may have holes drilled into the floor to conceal the waste pipes. There is a lot to think about, but when everything is said and done, you'll have a lovely new room to relax in.

Conclusion

You may convert your garage into a habitable space by following these few steps. Before settling on a cooling or heating system, take into account the following considerations. The installation of water and sewage pipes to a garage could prove to be the most expensive aspect of the cleanup. Converting a garage into liveable space may solve many of your housing problems. Finding a plumber to work on your bathroom remodel should be one of your first priorities.

If you're planning on doing a complete overhaul, you may need to upgrade the plumbing and drainage systems. Converting a garage into living quarters is a bad plan if it will result in fewer parking spaces. As a rule, garages have a lower floor level than the rest of the house. Examine the sewage outflow if you plan to convert your garage into a bathroom or toilet. This is because the existing mains supply that services the other rooms may not be able to handle the additional load of the new room.

The decision to turn a garage into a living area is not to be made lightly. Not all garages can be converted, so it's best to check with a specialist first. It's possible that you'll only be able to convert a portion of the garage if you live in a municipality that mandates covered parking for detached homes. If the distance between the wall and the main house is less than 18 feet, it must be fireproof. To prevent water seepage through the walls, a membrane or wall wrap must be used.

A building must have windows covering at least 10% of its total floor area in order to be considered liveable. For this reason, many homeowners employ an electrician to upgrade the standard 15-amp light circuit found in most garages. To get a bathroom, you'll need to have a licensed plumber waterproof the shower area and put in drains.

Content Summary

1. When converting your garage into a living space, it's important to think about the temperature. As the home and garage are connected, a single HVAC unit may serve both structures.
2. When the temperature outside rises, the only way to cool off is to turn on the air conditioner inside your room.
3. Insulating the floor, walls, and ceiling should come before choosing a heating or cooling system.
4. A conduit laid beneath the garage floor will allow for the extension of electrical service from the main building to the outbuilding.
5. Plumbing The plumbing work needed to convert a garage into liveable space can be a major nuisance.
6. You could benefit from consulting a plumber in order to learn about the plumbing choices available to you.
7. Even if the work is being done within an already-existing structure, a building permit will still be required.
8. Before commencing any renovations, check to see if a permit is required in your community.
9. Windows The addition will feel less like an afterthought and more like a whole space after windows are installed.
10. New Entrances There may be a requirement for a replacement garage door.
11. When converting a garage into liveable space, it is crucial to think about the room's layout.
12. Use this as a guide when you arrange the furniture in your bedroom.
13. Room measurements on a floor design are critical for furniture placement.
14. If you want to use the garage for storage, you'll have to modify portions of it.
15. Converting your garage into a habitable space may be the solution to your housing problems.
16. Purchasing a replacement garage door is simple.
17. Garage door could be relocated to make way for a new room's entryway.
18. There must be a new vent put in the garage as a result.
19. Finding a plumber to work on your bathroom remodel should be one of your first priorities.
20. To convert a garage would necessitate eliminating both parking and storage.
21. If converting a garage into living space would result in the loss of parking space or make parking in the garage more difficult or unsafe, you should reconsider the decision.
22. In order to convert the garage into a listed building or relocate it into a conservation area, however, you will need permission from the relevant local planning department.
23. Laws governing construction have a rationale.
24. Assuming, of course, that you don't tromp on them in your haste to convert the garage into a bedroom.
25. Everybody who will be residing in the house depends on your careful adherence to these building rules.
26. In the end, you'll be given the green light to implement the adjustment.
27. How long it takes to complete a conversion depends on factors such as its intricacy and your knowledge of construction.
28. It's possible you might handle most of the conversion on your own if you have the requisite building skills and are working with a limited budget.
29. Building up and enclosing the subfloor As a rule, garages have a lower floor level than the rest of the house.
30. Until it's time to make the change, most people don't give the garage's floor level any thought, but doing so is a great idea.
31. The floor needs to be covered when it has been raised to the appropriate height.
32. Infrastructure: Plumbing and Wiring New plumbing and electrical outlets are also required for a remodelled garage.
33. You should get rid of the old wiring in your garage before installing new electricity mains.
34. Examine the sewage outflow if you plan to convert your garage into a bathroom or toilet.
35. The modification eliminated the possibility of parking your car inside.
36. Your car could also be damaged by a number of other factors.
37. In addition, you'll have to find a new home for everything that's now being kept in the garage.
38. The cost to transform a garage is high.
39. Although transforming a garage into liveable space is a common DIY project, it may not increase the value of your home.
40. You can convert your garage into a small apartment or office to increase your income.
41. If your garage is attached to the main home and has a concrete ceiling lower than 2.4 metres above the finished floor level, it may not be suitable for conversion.
42. One possible solution to the height problem is to raise the roof of a detached or externally attached garage.
43. Putting down a layer of epoxy could be the quickest and easiest solution, but if the damage is severe, a membrane and new slab will need to be poured.
44. In most cases, a termite barrier and examination of the slab are required by state legislation.
45. After all necessary certification steps are completed, the flooring of your choosing can be installed.
46. If you're going to lay tiles down, Director of Superdraft, the concrete floor needs to be absolutely flat.
47. A floating floor is another viable option.
48. Floating garage floors are most commonly made of engineered or laminate flooring.
49. The addition of carpeting, on the other hand, can make the formerly utilitarian garage space feel more like a part of the house.
50. Strike Out Against the Walls If a wall is within 900 mm of a property line or 1800 mm of a principal residence, it must be fire-rated.
51. To prevent water from penetrating the walls, a membrane or wall wrap must be applied.
52. It is also necessary to instal insulation and plasterboard on the walls and ceiling.
53. In New South Wales, you need BASIX approval for energy efficiency if you plan to convert your garage into a granny apartment.
54. One can utilise a reverse-cycle AC for both heating and cooling.
55. Plan your interior walls so that air may flow freely while the windows are open to reduce cooling costs.
56. For a building to be considered habitable, at least 10% of its total floor area must include windows.
57. Where the original roller door was installed is usually the deciding factor in how an under-main-roof conversion is planned out.
58. Eliminating the garage door and replacing it with a window suite would be the quickest and cheapest solution, but doing so could compromise the building's integrity.
59. AC Current and a Bath For this reason, many homeowners employ an electrician to upgrade the standard 15-amp light circuit found in most garages.
60. Air conditioning and electric cooking equipment require a new sub-board and larger cable to be fitted.
61. If the new facility is going to be rented out, you'll also need to have professional electricity metres installed.
62. It's not wise to put plumbing fixtures in a public area like a living room or office.
63. To get a bathroom, you'll need to have a licenced plumber waterproof the shower area and put in drains.
64. Holes dug into the floor to hide the plumbing fixtures is a common plumbing repair.
65. It's a lot of work, but in the end, you'll have a beautiful new space to unwind in.