If your garage is underutilized or simply just a dark, dank storage space, it could be the right time to convert it into a more useful space with a garage remodel. Converting your garage is a practical and cost-effective way to add functional space and value to your home. You can renovate your garage into a rental unit, guest accommodations, a personal hobby space, or any of the ideas we mention below.
Creating a Home Office
In recent years, more and more people have been working from home, requiring a quiet, dedicated workspace. If your home has a small garage that you’re not using, you can convert it into a home office where you can do your job away from distractions. Generally, studies suggest that a home office boosts property value by approximately 5% to 10% in the long term and is attractive to buyers.
As you remodel your garage into an office, maximize natural light by adding windows or a skylight. A proper office should also have smart storage solutions like built-in cabinets and desks on the walls. To make sure your work is productive, make sure you install an electrical setup with ample outlets and internet connectivity.
Transforming into a Rental Unit (ADU)
One of the most profitable garage conversions is the rental unit also known as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Renovating your garage into a rental unit can add an average of 35% to the property value. Adding an ADU to your home has the potential of generating anywhere between $800 and $3,500 per month depending on the neighborhood, size, and quality of the rental unit. Alternatively, you can make this room a flexible space for your family or guests.
For a rental unit to attract renters, install a kitchenette with compact cabinets for appliances. In addition, add a full bathroom with proper drainage and plumbing units and make sure the ADU entrance is separate for the tenant to have privacy. If your garage already has electricity, remodeling this room should cost you about $30,000, including permits and utilities.
Building a Home Gym
Another renovation you can do is to build a home gym for a convenient and private workout area in your home. Doing this will save you on gym memberships and commute time. The best part is that you can customize your small gym for your specific fitness needs including strength training and yoga.
To create an effective gym, install rubber flooring that can absorb impact during use. Adding full-length mirrors on the walls improves the lighting in the room and helps with the workout visibility. Better yet, install windows that suit the space for the best lighting possible for your gym. You also want to include smart storage for weights and equipment to avoid clatter during use. To ensure that your gym is usable all year round including the winter, you should properly insulate and finish the walls. Doing this may cost you anywhere from $1,500 to $12,000 depending on the material and finishes but it’s worth the investment.
Crafting a Music or Hobby Studio
If you’re artistic and want a place in your home for creative pursuits, crafting a home studio is the way to go. Whether it’s for painting, recording, or woodworking, converting your garage into a hobby studio provides a motivating environment to keep pursuing your dreams.
A hobby studio needs insulated walls to remain warm, especially during winter. You must also attach acoustic panels on the walls to buffer noise, keeping the rest of the home peaceful and quiet. Sturdy flooring is also necessary for comfortable moving around the room. Consider putting down vinyl flooring with the proper underlayment for acoustical absorption. This will cost you anywhere between $8,000 to $20,000 depending on the soundproofing needs. Remember to install adequate lighting tailored to the hobby such as task lights for painting.
Adding a Home Theater
Do you love watching movies and TV shows? Renovating your garage into a home theater can transform this space into the entertainment center of your dreams. By making a dedicated space for entertainment, you reduce the need for costly outings to the cinema and encourage family bonding.
When it comes down to designing a home theater, you will need soundproof wall-finishing, theater seats, and dimmed lighting for an authentic cinema experience. If you go with mid-range equipment and professional finishing, it will cost you anywhere between $5,000 to $15,000. Higher-end entertainment equipment and extra features like 4K projectors, and automated sound and control systems may increase the costs significantly. You can save money by starting with a basic setup and upgrading over time.
Designing a Utility Room
If you find yourself stashing garden equipment and random stuff in the garage, then it’s time to design a utility room out of it. This is where you can store garden tools or relocate all your cleaning items like mops and brooms. Your utility room can double as a mudroom for garden access and pet cleaning space. This adds functional value, especially in family homes, and frees up other rooms like the kitchen.
A utility room requires sufficient storage cabinets to keep cleaning supplies and household cleaning items. The floor has to be durable and waterproofed to make it easy to maintain. For an efficient laundry area, we recommend that you spend between $1000 to $3000 on a stacked washer and dryer because they take up less floor space. You can also add simple cabinetry and fixtures to your walls for more storage.
Setting Up a Workshop for DIYers
As a DIYer, you want a dedicated space for home improvement projects and crafts. Whether you are a casual hobbyist or a serious DIY enthusiast, you will appreciate having a room where you can keep your carpentry and power tools.
To make your workshop efficient, install a sturdy workbench with ample workspace and integrated storage. Remember to add pegboards and wall-mounted racks for organizing tools and include proper lighting, such as overhead LED lights and task-specific lamps.
Converting a Garage into a Playroom
Kids’ toys can be a nuisance in the home but having a dedicated playroom for your children offers a good solution. It keeps toys and clutter out of the main living areas. Plus, as your children grow, you can gradually transform the room into a study area.
One of the key elements of a playroom is soft flooring materials like foam mats or carpeting. Children can be rambunctious and playful and could hurt themselves, requiring you to undertake childproofing measures like secured shelves and rounded furniture. Also install bright lights, stimulating colors, and creative storage solutions.
Adding a Cozy Wine Cellar or Home Bar
If you love to drink at home or enjoy collecting wine, turning your garage into a wine cellar or bar can be a rewarding idea. A wine cellar or bar should have temperature-controlled storage for wine and other drinks with built in wine racks. You may need a pair of bar stools or a comfortable seating area to make the place more inviting. Dimmed lighting is also an important part of a wine cellar or bar as it sets sophisticated mood of the space. You can make your bar or wine cellar luxurious using natural wood and stone for entertaining guests or personal indulgence. If your budget is limited, start with basic wine and liquor storage and upgrade over time.
Conclusion
There are many ways to renovate your garage and make it a more useful room that can add value to your property. You just need to plan thoughtfully, balancing budget and creativity. If you need help transforming your garage into any of the ideas above, request a quote about our garage remodeling services at Lumina Construction or call us at 212-920-9163
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can convert your garage into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) with a separate entrance, kitchenette, and bathroom. Just make sure you are abiding by local code when building it.
Garage renovations add functional space, increase property value, and can even generate rental income.
Rubber flooring is great for a gym, waterproofed flooring works well for utility rooms, and aesthetic options like wood or laminate are great for hobby studios.
Yes, renovations like home offices and rental units can increase property value by 5%–35%, depending on the type of renovation.
Yes, you can create a home theater with soundproof walls, dimmed lighting, and cozy theater seating for a cinematic experience.
Permit requirements depend on your local regulations and code, especially for major renovations like creating a rental unit or adding plumbing or electrical.