5 things to consider when creating new living space in the garage

In a recent Ideabook we addressed the need for some of us to accommodate our "boomerang" children and aging parents. In that piece we addressed converting attics and basements into more living space in a home. There are, however, some houses that don't have basements (for example, homes in Florida) or where the attic can't be converted to living space for a variety of reasons (the roof pitch may be too shallow to allow for adequate head room).

 But there are many houses with either attached or detached garages, and these garages can be turned to very nice living areas. In fact, there are 1940s and 1950s-era houses with single-car garages that beckon to be transformed into something livable. Whether you'd like an extra bedroom, home office, music room, craft room, playroom or some other living space, these garages can be ideal candidates. 

As with any such project, you'll want to make sure that the converted garage will have enough light and  space, comply with local ordinances and building codes as well as be warm in winter and cool in summer.

As always, consult with a qualified professional before undertaking such a project.

1. The floor. A converted garage is opened to the kitchen resulting in a bright and spacious great room for family activity. The change in floor heights between the original garage to the main house is converted into a step down from the kitchen in the main house level to the new sitting area, increasing the overall spaciousness of the new room. 

2. The opening. When converting a garage to livable space, there's always the issue of what to do with the garage door opening. Because this opening and the garage doors have such a large impact on the overall look of the house, it makes sense to fill the opening with a large-scale element. For example, a good solution is to keep a garage door in the opening while making sure the door is weather tight.

3. Windows. Additional windows will more than likely have to be installed, as garages typically have few, if any, windows. It's important to check and comply with any local building codes and ordinances when sizing and locating these new windows. 

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