Converting your garage is a great way to increase the space in your garage, without building an extension. But you'll want to consider your options before committing to the project.
Convert your front of house
A garage conversion often involves removing a wall connecting the garage to your house. This can have an impact on how your property appears from the street. To ensure that your new space blends in well with the rest of the house, hire an architect to take a look at how you might best blend the two structures.
You can convert an existing garage into a sunroom, porch, or other outdoor space if it is positioned back from the house. This will let you enjoy the outdoors and increase your home's value.
A fence or deck can make the most your converted garage. This will allow your garage to be enjoyed while still being safe for your pets.
A slim deck will add visual depth to your garage and will avoid the look of a big box. This will improve your home's curb-appeal and make it more inviting.
How to turn your garage into an ADU
Some homeowners convert their garage into an ADU. If this is your plan, be sure to research your local zoning laws and regulations before you begin the process. This will help avoid any potential problems like building permits or limitations on the amount of cars you can park in the garage.
A bar or entertainment area can make your ADU a wonderful place to entertain family and friends. The bar is made from car memorabilia and other industrial fixtures, giving it a unique look that pays tribute to its garage roots.
Losada Garcia Architects' design is a fantastic example of how you can transform your garage into something useful. This design makes the space feel larger than it is because of the natural light and high ceilings.
Another design idea is to replace your garage door with a windowed wall, as seen in this project from Studio Losada Garcia. This will give the space an open feel and allow you to see your garden.
Insulating your garage with internal insulation can keep it warm and help you save money on heating costs during winter. The interior walls will be lined with rockwool or insulation panelling between the blockwork and a wooden stud wall.
You can also consider installing a layer of spray foam or insulated plasterboard to cover the entire internal area of your garage. This will help to reduce heat loss and prevent condensation.
FAQ
What are the top expenses associated with remodeling a Kitchen?
Planning a kitchen renovation can be costly. These include demolition, design fees, permits, materials, contractors, etc. Although these costs may seem relatively small, if you take them all together, they can quickly add up. However, when you combine them all, they quickly add-up to become very large.
Demolition is the most costly cost. This involves removing old cabinets, appliances and countertops as well as flooring. The drywall and insulation must then be removed. You must then replace these items with new ones.
Next, an architect must be hired to create plans for the space. The permits will be required to ensure the project complies with building codes. You will then need to find someone to perform the actual construction.
Once the job is complete, you will need to pay the contractor. All told, you could spend anywhere between $20,000 and $50,000 depending on how big the job is. Before hiring a contractor, it is vital to get estimates from multiple people.
Planning can help you avoid many of these expenses. You may be able get better material deals or to skip some of the work. You will be able save time and money if you understand what needs to done.
People often try to install their cabinets themselves. They believe this will save money, as they won’t have to hire professional installers. The problem is that they usually spend more money trying to figure out how to put the cabinets in place themselves. A professional can usually complete a job in half of the time that it would take you.
Another way to save money is to buy unfinished materials. It is important to wait until all pieces have been assembled before buying pre-finished materials, such as cabinets. By buying unfinished materials, you can start using them right away. And you can always decide to change your mind later if something does not go according to plan.
Sometimes, though, it doesn't make sense to go through all of this. You can save money by planning your home improvement project.
What is the difference between renovation and remodel?
Remodeling is making major changes to a particular room or area of a given room. A renovation involves minor changes to a specific room or part of it. A bathroom remodel, for example, is a major undertaking, while a new sink faucet is minor.
Remodeling entails the replacement of an entire room, or a portion thereof. A renovation involves only changing a portion of a room. A kitchen remodel might include the replacement of countertops, sinks as well as appliances, lighting, and other accessories. You could also update your kitchen by painting the walls, or installing new light fixtures.
How long does it typically take to renovate a bathroom?
Remodeling a bathroom typically takes two weeks to finish. However, this varies greatly depending on the size of the project. For smaller jobs such as installing a vanity or adding an stall to the bathroom, it can usually be done in just a few hours. Larger jobs like removing walls or installing tile floors and plumbing fixtures can take several hours.
As a general rule, you should allow at least three days for each bedroom. This means that if there are four bathrooms, you will need 12 days.
Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom is more expensive.
Remodeling your bathroom or kitchen is expensive. However, when you consider how much money you pay each month for energy bills, upgrading your home might make more sense.
An inexpensive upgrade can save you thousands of dollars every year. Simple improvements such as insulation of walls and ceilings can lower heating and cooling costs up to 30 percent. Even a minor addition can increase comfort levels and increase the resale value.
It is crucial to consider durability and ease of maintenance when renovating. Materials such as porcelain tile, stainless steel appliances, and solid wood flooring last longer and require fewer repairs than vinyl or laminate countertops.
You might find that upgrading to newer fixtures can cut down on utility costs. For example, installing low-flow showerheads and faucets can lower water usage by up to 50 percent. You can reduce your electricity consumption by replacing inefficient lighting bulbs with compact fluorescent lights.
How can you tell if your house needs renovations or a remodel?
You should first check to see if your home has had any recent updates. You might want to renovate if you haven’t had any home updates in several years. However, a remodel might be the best option for you if your home seems brand-new.
Second, make sure to inspect the state of your home. A renovation may be necessary if your home has holes in its drywall, cracked wallpaper, or missing tiles. A remodel is not necessary if your home appears to be in great condition.
You should also consider the overall condition of your house. Are the structural integrity and aesthetics of your home? Do the rooms look clean? Are the floors spotless? These are crucial questions when deciding on the type of renovation to do.
Why should I remodel my house rather than buy a new one?
Although it is true that houses become more affordable every year, you still pay for the same area. Even though you may get a lot of bang for your buck, you also pay a lot for that extra square footage.
Maintaining a house that doesn’t need much maintenance is cheaper.
Remodeling can save you thousands over buying a new house.
You can transform your existing home to create a space that suits you and your family's lifestyle. Your home can be made more inviting for you and the family.
Statistics
- Windows 3 – 4% Patio or backyard 2 – 5% (rocketmortgage.com)
- About 33 percent of people report renovating their primary bedroom to increase livability and overall function. (rocketmortgage.com)
- According to a survey of renovations in the top 50 U.S. metro cities by Houzz, people spend $15,000 on average per renovation project. (rocketmortgage.com)
- bathroom5%Siding3 – 5%Windows3 – 4%Patio or backyard2 – (rocketmortgage.com)
- 57%Low-end average cost: $26,214Additional home value: $18,927Return on investment: (rocketmortgage.com)
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How To
How do you plan a bathroom on a budget?
It is important to be able to afford any remodeling project. You can't expect to be able pay for it later, so make sure you have enough money.
It is important to plan carefully and understand the costs involved in a bathroom renovation. It is not cheap to remodel a bathroom.
One of the biggest expenses is labor. Costs for labor depend on the size of your job and whether or not you hire a professional. A professional contractor will charge more an hour than a DIYer due to their experience and expertise.
Materials are another large expense. Prices can vary depending on the material you choose. They may be anywhere between $100 and $1000 per square feet.
There is also the cost to energy. This includes both your electricity and gas bills. Energy costs tend to rise during periods of peak demand.
Also, consider how much time it will take to complete the project. Bathroom renovations generally require a lot of time and patience. Some projects take weeks while others take months.
In addition to these three major categories, there are smaller items such as paint, wallpaper, flooring, etc., which add to the project's overall cost.
These tips will help you decide the best approach to your bathroom remodel 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 matter whether you believe you can afford it. Setting a realistic budget is key to knowing where you stand financially.
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Plan ahead - When possible, schedule your bathroom remodel during the off-season. The winter months typically bring lower energy usage rates, meaning you will save money on heating and cooling costs. Consider scheduling your remodel for nighttime when there are fewer people using the bathroom.
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Take a look at other vendors - Now that you have decided on a budget, it's time to begin looking around for possible vendors. There are many options for you. These include local businesses, online sellers, friends, family, and even relatives who may be willing or able to work with your project.
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Choose an Estimator – Once you have identified all potential vendors, you need to contact each individual for estimates. In order to ensure that you get competitive pricing, it is important to obtain multiple quotes.
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Get Multiple Estimates. After you receive your initial estimates, it is important to compare them with each other to determine which vendor has the lowest price. Once you have located the vendor, ask them to send you a written estimation.
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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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Do not overlook the small details - When planning your bathroom remodel, it is important to pay attention to the smallest details. Is it necessary to replace the toilet? Is there enough room to install a shower curtain rod or a shower curtain? These modifications can easily increase your project's cost.
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Consider insurance - Your bathroom remodel will have a significant impact on your insurance coverage. If you don't, you risk incurring additional expenses down the road.
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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 might be able do the job yourself but it's much more enjoyable to have someone else do it.