Add Space With A Garage Conversion
Unlocking the Potential of Your Garage
I remember when we first bought our house, and my husband Craig suggested turning the garage into living space. At the time, I brushed off the idea – it seemed like such a big undertaking, and we had so many other projects to tackle. Little did I know that this garage conversion would transform our home and our lives in the most incredible way.
When I found out I was pregnant, and our cozy two-bedroom house was about to feel even more cramped, I finally started to warm up to Craig’s vision. What started as a simple sketch on the back of a napkin turned into a beautiful new bedroom and bathroom that we built from the ground up. Today, I’m excited to share the details of our garage conversion journey and hopefully inspire you to unlock the hidden potential of your own garage.
Planning for Success
The process of converting our garage was a big undertaking, but Craig’s meticulous planning really paid off. We started by clearing out the garage, which was mainly used for storage. We purchased a shed to move all our belongings to the backyard, freeing up the space we needed to get to work.
Next, Craig focused on building a sturdy subfloor that would serve as the foundation for the entire project. He used 2×10 boards and a main beam down the center, securing it to the ground with anchor bolts. This attention to detail ensured that the new floor would seamlessly match the existing flooring in the rest of the house.
With the subfloor in place, we were ready to tackle the fun part – framing the new walls and carving out the bedroom and bathroom layout. Of course, we had to coordinate with electricians and plumbers to ensure the rough-in work was done properly before enclosing everything.
Bringing in the Expert Touches
While Craig and I took on a lot of the work ourselves, we knew there were some tasks that required the expertise of professionals. For the electrical wiring and plumbing, we scheduled the contractors to come in at the right times, ensuring their work could be easily integrated into the rest of the construction.
One area where we were really glad to have the pros on board was the insulation. We opted for spray foam insulation in the ceiling, which not only saved us time and labor, but also helped with energy efficiency – a major bonus in the long run.
The tricky part was navigating the permitting process. As it turns out, the requirements can vary widely depending on where you live. In our case, we submitted our plan to the town, obtained a permit, and had the town inspectors come out to sign off on the plumbing and electrical work. This gave us peace of mind knowing everything was done by the book.
Designing the Dream Space
With the structural elements in place, it was time to start bringing our vision to life. Craig took the lead on the drywall, taping, and plastering, creating a smooth, durable finish that would serve as the perfect canvas for our design.
For the ceiling, we opted for a vaulted look using a combination of 1×8 and 1×10 primed pine boards. Craig also installed a skylight in the bathroom, flooding the space with natural light.
When it came to the flooring, we chose a stunning pre-finished hardwood that complemented the rest of our home. The finishing touches, like the baseboards, window trim, and IKEA wardrobes, truly made the space feel like it had always been there.
The Finishing Touches
One of the most important aspects of any garage conversion is ensuring the proper heating and ventilation. For our project, we installed an electric heater with a thermostat, which keeps the space cozy and comfortable year-round. And for the art studio portion, we added a specialized fume extractor to keep the air clean and safe.
The final step was outfitting the space with all the elements that would make it our own. We chose a beautiful vanity, fixtures, and tile for the bathroom, and filled the bedroom with cozy furnishings and personal decor.
Looking back, I’m amazed at how much we were able to accomplish in this garage conversion. What started as a simple idea has become a beautiful, functional space that has added so much value to our home. And the best part? We get to enjoy it every single day.
If you’re considering a garage conversion of your own, I hope our story has inspired you to take the plunge. With a little planning, a lot of elbow grease, and the right team of experts, you can unlock the hidden potential of your garage and create the space of your dreams.
Ready to get started? Head over to ABC Home to learn more about our services and how we can help bring your garage conversion vision to life.
