Transforming Your Garage Into An Extra Bedroom

So many of the older homes here have an “addition” that is very clearly an attached garage that was converted into an extra bedroom or living space. Oftentimes a new garage is added to the property to replace the one that was absorbed by the home. Especially if its an attached garage converting it into an extra bedroom can be a really cost effective way of adding more square footage and value to a home.

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)

Garages often end up becoming neglected spaces in our homes. Some of us use them to store our cars, but often they end up being used simply to store clutter.

Turning your garage into an extra bedroom could be a great way of making better use of this space. It could be the perfect place for guests to stay or it could be a bedroom for you or one of the kids to move into. It’s also likely to add value to your home.

Below is a basic guide on how you can transform your garage into a bedroom. Given that garages can take many forms from detached buildings to underground spaces, not all of these steps may apply.

Decluttering your garage

If your garage has become a dumping ground for clutter, you’ll need to start by relocating or getting rid of all your stuff. You may be able to sell and donate items that you don’t want rather than throwing them away. Make sure that the space is completely empty before you start work – even if you plan to keep certain items in there, they may get in the way while trying to do tasks like adding flooring or insulating. 

Fixing up your garage

If your garage has been neglected for a while, there may be structural damage that needs to be fixed first. This could include cracks in the walls or cracks in the foundations. These could let in moisture, drafts or pests. Make sure that these cracks are sealed up before proceeding with your renovation to get an extra bedroom.

Some garages may have very basic foundations and may need new foundations installed. It’s worth hiring a building inspector to take a look and check what condition they are in.

Garages can become home to pests such as wasps, rats and termites. Make sure that any pest problems are similarly sorted out before you proceed with the conversion.

Improving the flooring

Many garages have hard flooring, which isn’t likely to be suitable for a bedroom. This could be bare concrete or it could have a coating of resin or rubber tiling. Whatever the case, you’ll want to exchange this for something more comfortable underfoot.

You could consider adding laminate flooring over the top – drop-fit flooring could be an easy solution. Alternatively, you could lay down some carpet. In both cases, it could be worth first adding an underlay that will provide insulation and protect your flooring from moisture.

What to do with the garage door?

It’s unlikely you’ll want to keep the garage door there if you’re turning the space into a bedroom. This will need to be removed and filled.

You could choose to replace it with a wall. This is likely to be the easiest option, although you may still want to hire a professional to do it for you (removing the garage door itself is also a job that you’ll want to hire a professional for).

Another option could be to add in a large window – this could help to let in lots of light. Sites like windowwire.com offer several ideas when it comes to large windows. You’ll probably want to hire a professional to install this window for you as it can be a tricky job.

You may even decide to add in an extra front door. This could be useful if you plan to rent the space out to a lodger, giving them their own means of entering and exiting the building. It’s important that this door offers a good amount of security and insulation. 

Adding extra windows

There may be other places that you can add a window to let in more light if your garage doesn’t already contain windows.

One option could be to fit skylights into the ceiling. This could allow natural light to pour in from above.

Alternatively, you may be able to add small windows to the sides of your garage, providing the building is detached. Make sure that these don’t infringe on a neighbours privacy.

When adding windows, consider options that offer a good amount of insulation and security. You should hire a professional to handle the installation process to ensure that your windows are fitted properly.

Adding insulation

Your garage may not be insulated, which could cause it to get very cold in the winter. Adding insulation will keep it cosy by preventing heat loss. 

There are various forms of insulation that you can consider from floor insulation to boards on the walls. It may even be worth adding some insulation to the ceiling. It’s possible to install this insulation yourself if you’re fairly DIY savvy. 

Adding electrics/plumbing

Adding electrics is likely to be necessary if you’re going to be turning the space into a bedroom. The garage may not already have an overhead light fitting, in which case you may want to start by wiring in an overhead light. This could be a single light fitting or multiple spot lights to add extra illumination. Electrical sockets could also be worth wiring in so that electrical appliances and devices can be plugged in. On top of this, you may want to add electrical HVAC or even an extractor fan.

Plumbing may not be necessary unless you plan to add an en suite bathroom or a kitchen. This could include water pipes, as well as gas pipes for heating.

In the case of both electrical and plumbing work, you should hire a professional. Electrical and plumbing work can be dangerous work if you get it wrong. The work should not be too costly providing that you don’t have anything elaborate planned.

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)