Whether you're a busy parent or simply need more space to relax, converting your garage into a family room is an excellent way to create a cozy and functional area. You can convert your garage to any type of living space, provided you follow the local building codes and zoning rules.
The cost of a garage-to-family room conversion can be affected depending on many factors. These include the size and number of rooms you want to add, as well as the quality of the wall finish and insulation.
1. Wall Finish and Insulation
Garage walls are not often insulated or finished so it is likely that they will need to be insulate before being converted into living spaces.
2. Windows
Windows are essential for natural light and views to the garden when you convert a garage into an family room. To reduce the glare from external sources, you can use the same type of windows that you used in your home.
3. Ceilings and beams
If your garage is in an area with harsh winters, you may want to install a faux-beam ceiling to make the room more comfortable during the colder months. Ceilings with beams or trusses look cozy and rustic. They also visually tie the space together.
4. Home Office
Garages can make great places for home offices if you work remotely. You can use it for many purposes, especially if there is a large window.
5. Playroom
Garages can be great for families that are growing fast. A garage can be used to add climbing walls, reading nooks and homework stations so that they have more time to play.
6. Home Cinema
A home cinema is a great addition for those who want to take serious movie-watching seriously. If the room faces south, it is a good idea to plan ahead and get soundproofing and blackout blinds.
7. Home Bar
If your garage is not connected to the house or is detached, a homebar is a great way to turn it into a family room. You can easily purchase a kit that includes the bar, cabinets, and seating, or you can have it custom-made to fit your garage and your budget.
8. Guest Bedroom
Converting your garage as a guest room is an option if you have a small house. However, you'll want to make sure the new room is practical -- especially if there isn't access to a toilet or shower in the existing bathroom.
FAQ
What is the difference between renovation and remodel?
A remodel is major renovation to a room, or a portion of a rooms. A renovation is minor changes to a room, or a portion of a bedroom. For example, a bathroom remodeling project is considered a major one, while an upgrade to a sink faucet would be considered a minor job.
A remodel involves replacing an entire room or part of a whole room. A renovation involves only changing a portion of a room. Kitchen remodels can include changing countertops, sinks, appliances and lighting. You could also update your kitchen by painting the walls, or installing new light fixtures.
Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom is more expensive.
Remodeling a bathroom or kitchen can be expensive. It might be more cost-effective to upgrade your home than you think, given how much you spend each month on energy bills.
You could save thousands each year by making a small upgrade. A few easy changes like adding insulation to ceilings or walls can reduce heating/cooling costs by as much as 30%. Even a modest addition can improve comfort and increase resale value.
Remember to choose durable and easy-to maintain products when you are planning your renovations. Solid wood flooring, porcelain tile, and stainless steel appliances last longer than vinyl and laminate countertops and require less maintenance.
It is possible to reduce utility costs by replacing older fixtures with more modern models. Low-flow showerheads or faucets can help reduce water usage by up 50 percent. Compact fluorescent bulbs can be replaced with inefficient lighting to reduce electricity consumption by as much as 75 percent.
Why remodel my house when I could buy a new home?
It's true that houses get cheaper yearly, but you're still paying for the same square footage. Although you get more bang, the extra square footage can be expensive.
It costs less to keep up a house that doesn't require much maintenance.
Remodeling can save you thousands over buying a new house.
Remodeling your home can make it more comfortable and suit your needs. Your home can be made more comfortable for your family.
Is $30000 too much for a kitchen redesign?
The cost of a kitchen remodel can vary from $15000 to $35000, depending on the amount you spend. You can expect to spend more than $20,000. If you are looking for a complete overhaul of your kitchen, it will cost more. For less than $3000, you can update appliances, add lighting, and replace countertops.
An average full-scale remodel costs $12,000 to $25,000 However, there are ways to save without sacrificing quality. You can replace an existing sink with a new one for around $1000. A second option is to buy used appliances at half their cost.
Kitchen renovations take more time than other types. So plan accordingly. You don't want your kitchen to be finished halfway through.
Start early. Begin looking at the options and getting quotes from different contractors. Then, narrow down your options based upon price, quality, availability.
Once you have identified potential contractors, request estimates and compare their prices. Sometimes the lowest bid doesn't necessarily mean the best. It's important to find someone with similar work experience who will provide a detailed estimate.
Add all costs to the final cost. These may include labor or material charges, permits and so forth. Be realistic about your financial limitations and stay within your budget.
Be honest if you are unhappy with any bid. You can tell the contractor why the first quote isn't what you want and get another one. Do not let your pride stop you from saving money.
How long does it take for a bathroom remodel?
Remodeling a bathroom typically takes two weeks to finish. This depends on the size and complexity of the project. Some jobs, such installing a vanity and adding a shower stall, can take only a couple of days. Larger jobs, like removing walls, installing tile floors and fitting plumbing fixtures, may take several days.
A good rule of thumb is to allow three days per room. This means that if there are four bathrooms, you will need 12 days.
What would it cost for a home to be gutted versus what it would cost to build one?
The process of gutting a house involves removing all contents inside the building. This includes walls, floors and ceilings, plumbing, electrical wiring and appliances. It's usually done when you're moving into a new place and want to make some changes before you move in. It is often very costly to gut a home because of all the work involved. Depending on your job, the average cost to gut a home can run from $10,000 to $20,000.
A builder builds a house by building it frame by frame. Then, he adds walls and flooring, roofing, windows and doors. This is usually done after buying a lot of lands. Building a home usually costs less than gutting and can cost between $15,000 and $30,000.
It really depends on your plans for the space. If you want to gut a home, you'll probably need to spend more because you'll be starting over. But if your goal is to build a house, you won't need to disassemble everything and redo everything. You can build it as you wish, instead of waiting to have someone else tear it apart.
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How To
How can you plan a bathroom within a budget?
The most important aspect of any remodeling project is ensuring you can afford it. How can you expect to pay for it later if you cannot afford it now?
You need to be able to budget and plan for bathroom remodeling. Bathroom remodeling can be very expensive. There are many factors that influence the cost.
One of the biggest expenses is labor. Labor costs vary depending on the size of the job and whether you hire a professional contractor or a DIYer. Because of their expertise and experience, professionals usually charge more than DIYers for an hour.
Materials are another large expense. Prices per square foot can vary depending upon the type of material.
The final factor is the cost for energy. This includes both electric and gas bills. Peak demand is when energy costs are most high.
Also, consider how much time it will take to complete the project. Bathroom renovations generally require a lot of time and patience. While some projects can be completed in weeks, others can take up to months.
These three main categories are not the only ones that matter. There are also smaller items like wallpaper and flooring that can increase the overall project cost.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right approach for your bathroom remodeling project.
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Determine your Budget - Before you begin any remodeling project, it is important to determine what you can afford. It doesn't make a difference if you have the money or not. It's important to create a realistic budget that allows you to see exactly where your financial situation is.
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Plan ahead - Try to plan your bathroom remodeling for the off-season if you can. Winter months are known for having lower energy consumption, so you can save on cooling and heating costs. Even better, consider scheduling your remodel during the night when less people are using the restroom.
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Shop Around - Once you have determined your budget, you need to look around for potential vendors. You have many options, including local shops, online retailers and even family members who are willing to collaborate on your project.
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Choose an Estimator – Once you have identified all potential vendors, you need to contact each individual for estimates. To ensure that you receive competitive pricing, you should get multiple quotes.
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Get multiple estimates - Once you have received your initial estimates, compare them to find the best price. Once you have found the right vendor, you can ask them to give you a written estimate.
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You should include all costs in your estimate. Make sure to include all fees and taxes that might apply in your area.
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Don't ignore the small details. While you are planning your bathroom renovation, you must also consider the finer points. Are you looking for a new toilet, or do you just need one? Is there enough room to install a shower curtain rod or a shower curtain? These changes can easily increase the total amount spent on the project.
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Insurance is a must - You should check with your insurer to confirm that you have enough coverage. You could end up paying more if you don't.
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Hire A Professional - Finally, once you have completed your bathroom remodel, always hire a professional to install the final fixtures. You may be able handle the job, but it is more efficient to hire a professional to do the job properly.