Construction & Contractors Blog
Finishing the garage is an excellent option if your family needs more space but you don't want to move. The following are five things to consider before you begin your build.
1. Permitting
Some aspects of a garage finishing project may need to be permitted. This is especially the case if you are turning the garage into a finished room, as unpermitted work of this level may cause issues if you ever sell the home. You may also need a permit if you will be having electrical or plumbing work done in the garage, walling in the overhead door, or extending the size of the garage.
2. Insulation Needs
Many garages aren't insulated, which doesn't work once you finish the space. Not only will it cost more to heat and cool an uninsulated garage, but condensation problems and the resultant water damage can be worse when there is no insulation. If there is no finishing in the garage, insulation can be added with inexpensive batt or roll insulation. If the walls are already finished, blown-in or spray insulation is the easiest and most economical choice.
3. Finishing Options
In most garages, the walls, ceiling, and floor will need to be finished if you want the garage to become part of your home. Drywall is the most common option for garage walls and ceilings. It is cost effective and goes in much quicker than options like plaster. Drywall can simply be installed over the existing studs and ceiling joists in your garage with little to no preparation. A drop ceiling or ceiling tiles are another option, especially if you want to still access the area above the joists for storage. As for the floor, you can have the concrete sealed and polished, or you can have carpet or tile installed over the top.
4. Overhead Door
If you opt to keep the overhead door, you will want to invest in an insulated and sealed door to cut down on noise as well as air leaks. Otherwise, you will need to have the door removed and a wall put in. Most people want the new wall to blend seamlessly into the rest of the house, which means you may need masonry or stucco work, or you may need to install siding. With siding, you may need to paint the entire house to ensure a good color match.
5. HVAC and Utilities
Do you plan to use the garage room year-round? If so, you will want to connect it to the main HVAC system. This may mean extending the ductwork so that it reaches into the garage. You may also need to upgrade your HVAC units so that they can handle the additional square footage.
Contact a construction contractor in your area so they can help you plan for your garage finishing project.
Share13 August 2020
My name is Debbie Greenberg. I’m a single woman who owns her home, and like most homeowners I dread home repairs. I’m not very handy with do-it-yourself projects around the house. I can do a few minor repairs when necessary, but for the most part I have to call in a professional. Last year I had a leak in my roof. When it rained, water would leak into my kitchen. What appeared to be a simple fix turned out to be anything but simple. It took over four months to finally identify the problem, and double the money I was initially quoted to fix it. The problem ended up being that the flat part of my roof didn't have shingles, but a sheeting material. I learned a bit about home roofs along the way, and that is what I want to share with you.
