Are you looking for ways to upgrade your garage into a more functional and aesthetically pleasing space? Garage renovations can be overwhelming, but with the right mindset, budget, and team of experts, you can bring new life to your property. With some expert tips, you can transform your garage into an additional living space and increase the value of your home. Check out the information below for the best tips for turning your garage into a living space.
Set a Budget
Decide how much money you can afford to put into the project to make informed decisions about who to hire and what materials to use. Many aspects of a garage renovation require upfront investments, such as labor costs, materials, permits, and any necessary equipment. Accurately budgeting your money is one of the best ways to ensure your renovation is stress-free.
Additionally, having an established budget will help you prioritize certain aspects of the project depending on how much money is available. For instance, if you want to replace concrete floors with wood but have a lower budget, laminate that looks like wood is your best option.
Pro Tip
If you don’t know how much you have to spend, create a cost sheet in which you note the money you have per month after bills and groceries. You may need to cut some frivolous spending to save money for your garage renovation.
Acquire Necessary Permits
Acquiring the necessary building permits before you begin your garage renovation is important to ensure your project meets all local building codes. Building permits protect you from fines that city officials can issue if you start the project without these legal documents. Moreover, as every city and county may have different regulations, acquiring a permit will also ensure you follow all requirements related to your specific area.
Have a Building Plan
While you can turn your garage into a permanent living space, this isn’t your only option. Some homeowners only make their garages a partial living space so that they can still serve as a place to store their cars. When doing this, installing insulation isn’t necessary, and if you place a refrigerator out there, you’ll need to know how to safely store a fridge in the garage. This prevents damage to the appliance so that you can use it whenever you’re out there.
Hire the Best Team
The final tip for turning your garage into a living space is to assemble the best team. A skilled contractor can ensure all aspects of the renovation are done correctly, from electrical wiring and plumbing to structural repairs and installation of new features. Additionally, experienced contractors should know how to stick to your budget and create an appropriate schedule.
Read through customer reviews for an idea of the type of work the contractor does, their level of service, and their pricing. This will allow you to decide who will be a good fit for your project. With the right contractor, materials, and budgeting, you can turn your garage into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space faster than you thought possible.