Your garage could become a potential living space and even a source of rental income if you lease it to a good renter. But the garage door is a big part of what makes a garage truly livable through potentially four seasons of sometimes extreme weather. The garage door can provide access when up and privacy when down. But if you need to fix your garage door, it cannot do either task well.
With a quality garage door that works well, it is a lot easier to convert a garage into an apartment. A service that offers door to door garage door repair can diagnose and fix any problems with an existing garage door. If you have affordable garage door companies nearby, you could obtain a replacement and have it put up quickly and properly.
Garage doors should be very sturdy and help to make the interior of a converted garage into a much more livable apartment. If the door just needs some maintenance and light repairs, that makes the conversion easier and more affordable. You could hire some experienced garage door help to do any maintenance and repairs that you might be need done on the current garage door.
Unused garages can be the perfect solution for additional living space for your own family or even generate extra cash flow as a rental unit. When thinking about whether you want to transform your garage into a comfortable living space, you have to first think about what that space is going to be used for.
There are different styles of garage apartments. One acts as a sort of guest room or addition to your house. This style features a comfortable living space with a bathroom but does not typically include a kitchen. The second is essentially a ‘stand-alone apartment’ and offers all the amenities that would be seen in a typical apartment setting, including living space, bathroom, and kitchen. Both options provide numerous benefits and can be tailored to your needs.
When undergoing the task of converting a run-down detached garage into an apartment space, there are many areas of the construction process that need to be taken into account. You want to create a comfortable and updated space for whoever will be residing there.
Before You Begin
While it may seem strange as you are simply converting a structure that is on your property, you still need proper building codes. Building codes are there for a reason. They are set in place with the end goal that the finished constructed space will be safe. Building codes cover every aspect of the structure itself; the electrical, plumbing, and the location. After going through your local Building Inspection Office to obtain the proper permits, you’re ready to start construction.
The Structure
Many detached garages can get to the point where they need a little extra care. Determining the structural integrity of the current structure, the addition of both wood frames may be the best option. Having flimsy or worn walls is a recipe for disaster. The advantage to turning a run-down detached garage into an apartment is that you have more flexibility in the actual design of the structure. Taking it down to the nails and walls means that you can impose a new architect design. As you will be removing the garage door, it is important to decide where the most practical location to install a new door is in accordance with where the detached garage is located on your property.
Once the wooden frames are set in place, it is time to hire an electrician and a plumber to install both amenities before you move forward with the project. While electricity may already be present, it is still important to have it examined by a professional to ensure that it is up to code and can provide power for all planned additions. Next, a plumber needs to be contacted – here is where you need to decide if there will be a kitchen, or simply a bathroom – a plumber will be able to install the lines needed to provide water for the shower, sinks, toilet, and dishwasher.
The next step is drywall. Typically, it is uncommon to see drywall installed in a detached garage. There is no need for it when the garage is not located directly next to the house. When transforming your detached garage, you will need to add drywall. This will provide the same insulation from the elements that you would see in your own home.
The Roof
An essential part of any comfortable living space is a sturdy roof. Unmaintained roofs suffer from cracks and general wear and tear, meaning that leaks will become a hazard and cause damage to the living space.
While it might seem simple to target and fix problems on the roof, there is often more to it than meets the eye. Hiring a roofing contractor is a great step in the process. Not only can they identify and correct any issues, but they can also add additions. Proper shingles, soffits, gutters, downspouts, and windows are all important areas that a roofing contractor evaluates. Making sure that all is sealed well and that there is no risk of water leakage to the roof will save the unexpected headache of damage caused. When working in such a small space to create a living area, ventilation is important. A roofer can install a vented roof system, increasing the airflow throughout the space.
When thinking of hazards, consider tree removal. Nearby trees have the potential to fall or lose branches in storms or if they are in ill health. On the aesthetic side, removing trees can also provide a greater source of natural light. Like with any home, annual maintenance and inspections by a roofing contractor are recommended.
Flooring
While it may seem tempting to install carpeting, consider the fact that there will be higher traffic in all areas. The best bet for flooring is either going with wood or laminate. Both of these are easy to clean, show less wear, and can be installed throughout.
Wood flooring can make a great fit for any detached garage apartment. With many different types of wood to choose from, the look and feel of your garage apartment can be achieved. Wood flooring is often difficult to install correctly, which is why going through a flooring contractor will not only help you select the proper flooring but also install it for you. Wood flooring can also be a project that you tackle yourself. When installing wood flooring, it is important to lay the planks just right, so that there is no spacing in between. This prevents expansion between the boards due to moisture. After installation, turning to hardwood floor sanding companies can save you time and money. Rather than renting the necessary equipment needed and sanding, hardwood floor sanding companies take care of that entire process for you.
Laminate flooring mimics the appearance of wood flooring at a lower cost. Laminate also has the benefit of being easy to install yourself, the planks simply need to lie in place. Laminate also has a lower need for maintenance than wood flooring does, it is more resistant to moisture and frequently trafficked areas. Long gone are the days when linoleum all looked the same. There is an expansive range of options out there. You can select between styles that mimic all varieties of wood flooring and have treatments available depending on the overall appearance. The linoleum is also a better selection for the bathroom area, due to prolonged humidity from the shower, without strong ventilation and care, the wood floor will need to be replaced.
Cabinets
Now that the structural and exterior aspects of converting your detached garage into an apartment have been completed, it is time to turn to the interior.
With smaller spaces, cabinets for both kitchen and bathroom spaces can be difficult to find. While stock cabinets may seem like an attractive choice due to cost, they have standard sizes that don’t accommodate angles or small areas properly. Custom cabinets, on the other hand, are just that, custom. They can be designed to fit sharp angles, meaning that there will be no gaps between the counter surface and the wall. They also offer the ability to customize both the height and width and are made with higher quality materials.
With custom cabinets, there is also the chance to create a design that uniquely represents your style. In a detached garage apartment, space can be one of the issues that most people are concerned about. With custom cabinets, extra storage can be built-in. This can be extremely beneficial for the kitchen area, even though you’re creating a small kitchen, it doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice the number of items that you keep in it. While custom cabinets need to be ordered and designed, meaning that planning ahead while you complete other projects is a great idea, the time is worth the wait.
The Kitchen
When constructing the kitchen, consider what amenities are needed. Appliances are made in smaller sizes that are designed to fit in narrow or low spots. These include fridges, stoves, and even dishwashers. It is important to consider which of these amenities you will be installing when making the decision about your cabinetry and countertops. To avoid any issues, hiring a kitchen remodeling service can help your idea become a reality.
There is a lot that goes into the kitchen remodeling process. There are some aspects of it that, if not done properly, can result in starting from scratch again.
A kitchen remodeling service takes all that guesswork out of it. Their job is to assess the space and help navigate between the selection of everything from appliances to the location of where everything would best fit. A kitchen remodel is a large undertaking. Having a professional there can make the process move smoothly. They are there to listen to what it is that you are looking for and make that a reality in the most effective way possible. Another thing that a kitchen remodeling service does is keep you grounded. You may have big ideas about what you would like to install, but those big ideas could have a bigger price tag than you were initially planning for.
The Bathroom
As with the kitchen, the appliances in a garage apartment are going to be smaller, but that does not mean that you have to skimp on style. During the initial planning phase when your plumber comes to install the pipes, they can be consulted as to where the best location for the bathroom would be. Once that has been decided, working with a bathroom contractor can allow the process of creating a small bathroom that doesn’t feel claustrophobic.
In a smaller bathroom, it is useful to install custom cabinets. This gives the option of bathroom storage, a custom-sized sink, and won’t take up the entire room.
The Finishing Touches
Before you’re ready to begin installing furnishings and decorations, there are a few more steps that need to be completed.
Garage door screens are different than what you see inside the home. They come in different styles and are less expensive. Installing screens is important to keep pests out while allowing ventilation. Garage door screens can also be made out of a flex material. This material provides more sun protection than a regular screen, while still increasing airflow. When living in a small space, the last thing that you want is for the sun to heat the room significantly during certain times of the day. Selecting the right style of screen can prevent that.
As you are transforming your detached garage with the intent of it being a living space, doors and windows must be secure. Calling a local locksmith company to install locks and deadbolts is necessary to provide the same peace of mind that you would have while living in a traditional apartment or home. A locksmith will also be able to install window locks. A skilled local locksmith will have the knowledge to advise you on what type of locks are recommended for your location.
The Finished Result
After your project is complete, you now have a separate home that can be used in many situations. Whether it is an apartment that is designated for family and guests, or if you are planning on using it as a rental property, the added space has a big impact.
With more and more people looking for affordable and eco-friendly housing, smaller homes such as detached garage apartments are now more attractive than ever. Renting out a detached garage apartment provides an extra income boost.
In considering creating a detached apartment garage, it is important to carefully think over each step of the process, consider budget, and always ensure that everything passes building code inspection requirements.
Unused garages can be the perfect solution for additional living space for your own family or even generate extra cash flow as a rental unit. When thinking about whether you want to transform your garage into a comfortable living space, you have to first think about what that space is going to be used for.
There are different styles of garage apartments. One acts as a sort of guest room or addition to your house. This style features a comfortable living space with a bathroom but does not typically include a kitchen. The second is essentially a ‘stand-alone apartment’ and offers all the amenities that would be seen in a typical apartment setting, including living space, bathroom, and kitchen. Both options provide numerous benefits and can be tailored to your needs.
When undergoing the task of converting a run-down detached garage into an apartment space, there are many areas of the construction process that need to be taken into account. You want to create a comfortable and updated space for whoever will be residing there.
Before You Begin
While it may seem strange as you are simply converting a structure that is on your property, you still need proper building codes. Building codes are there for a reason. They are set in place with the end goal that the finished constructed space will be safe. Building codes cover every aspect of the structure itself; the electrical, plumbing, and the location. After going through your local Building Inspection Office to obtain the proper permits, you’re ready to start construction.
The Structure
Many detached garages can get to the point where they need a little extra care. Determining the structural integrity of the current structure, the addition of both wood frames may be the best option. Having flimsy or worn walls is a recipe for disaster. The advantage to turning a run-down detached garage into an apartment is that you have more flexibility in the actual design of the structure. Taking it down to the nails and walls means that you can impose a new architect design. As you will be removing the garage door, it is important to decide where the most practical location to install a new door is in accordance with where the detached garage is located on your property.
Once the wooden frames are set in place, it is time to hire an electrician and a plumber to install both amenities before you move forward with the project. While electricity may already be present, it is still important to have it examined by a professional to ensure that it is up to code and can provide power for all planned additions. Next, a plumber needs to be contacted – here is where you need to decide if there will be a kitchen, or simply a bathroom – a plumber will be able to install the lines needed to provide water for the shower, sinks, toilet, and dishwasher.
The next step is drywall. Typically, it is uncommon to see drywall installed in a detached garage. There is no need for it when the garage is not located directly next to the house. When transforming your detached garage, you will need to add drywall. This will provide the same insulation from the elements that you would see in your own home.
The Roof
An essential part of any comfortable living space is a sturdy roof. Unmaintained roofs suffer from cracks and general wear and tear, meaning that leaks will become a hazard and cause damage to the living space.
While it might seem simple to target and fix problems on the roof, there is often more to it than meets the eye. Hiring a roofing contractor is a great step in the process. Not only can they identify and correct any issues, but they can also add additions. Proper shingles, soffits, gutters, downspouts, and windows are all important areas that a roofing contractor evaluates. Making sure that all is sealed well and that there is no risk of water leakage to the roof will save the unexpected headache of damage caused. When working in such a small space to create a living area, ventilation is important. A roofer can install a vented roof system, increasing the airflow throughout the space.
When thinking of hazards, consider tree removal. Nearby trees have the potential to fall or lose branches in storms or if they are in ill health. On the aesthetic side, removing trees can also provide a greater source of natural light. Like with any home, annual maintenance and inspections by a roofing contractor are recommended.
Flooring
While it may seem tempting to install carpeting, consider the fact that there will be higher traffic in all areas. The best bet for flooring is either going with wood or laminate. Both of these are easy to clean, show less wear, and can be installed throughout.
Wood flooring can make a great fit for any detached garage apartment. With many different types of wood to choose from, the look and feel of your garage apartment can be achieved. Wood flooring is often difficult to install correctly, which is why going through a flooring contractor will not only help you select the proper flooring but also install it for you. Wood flooring can also be a project that you tackle yourself. When installing wood flooring, it is important to lay the planks just right, so that there is no spacing in between. This prevents expansion between the boards due to moisture. After installation, turning to hardwood floor sanding companies can save you time and money. Rather than renting the necessary equipment needed and sanding, hardwood floor sanding companies take care of that entire process for you.
Laminate flooring mimics the appearance of wood flooring at a lower cost. Laminate also has the benefit of being easy to install yourself, the planks simply need to lie in place. Laminate also has a lower need for maintenance than wood flooring does, it is more resistant to moisture and frequently trafficked areas. Long gone are the days when linoleum all looked the same. There is an expansive range of options out there. You can select between styles that mimic all varieties of wood flooring and have treatments available depending on the overall appearance. The linoleum is also a better selection for the bathroom area, due to prolonged humidity from the shower, without strong ventilation and care, the wood floor will need to be replaced.
Cabinets
Now that the structural and exterior aspects of converting your detached garage into an apartment have been completed, it is time to turn to the interior.
With smaller spaces, cabinets for both kitchen and bathroom spaces can be difficult to find. While stock cabinets may seem like an attractive choice due to cost, they have standard sizes that don’t accommodate angles or small areas properly. Custom cabinets, on the other hand, are just that, custom. They can be designed to fit sharp angles, meaning that there will be no gaps between the counter surface and the wall. They also offer the ability to customize both the height and width and are made with higher quality materials.
With custom cabinets, there is also the chance to create a design that uniquely represents your style. In a detached garage apartment, space can be one of the issues that most people are concerned about. With custom cabinets, extra storage can be built-in. This can be extremely beneficial for the kitchen area, even though you’re creating a small kitchen, it doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice the number of items that you keep in it. While custom cabinets need to be ordered and designed, meaning that planning ahead while you complete other projects is a great idea, the time is worth the wait.
The Kitchen
When constructing the kitchen, consider what amenities are needed. Appliances are made in smaller sizes that are designed to fit in narrow or low spots. These include fridges, stoves, and even dishwashers. It is important to consider which of these amenities you will be installing when making the decision about your cabinetry and countertops. To avoid any issues, hiring a kitchen remodeling service can help your idea become a reality.
There is a lot that goes into the kitchen remodeling process. There are some aspects of it that, if not done properly, can result in starting from scratch again.
A kitchen remodeling service takes all that guesswork out of it. Their job is to assess the space and help navigate between the selection of everything from appliances to the location of where everything would best fit. A kitchen remodel is a large undertaking. Having a professional there can make the process move smoothly. They are there to listen to what it is that you are looking for and make that a reality in the most effective way possible. Another thing that a kitchen remodeling service does is keep you grounded. You may have big ideas about what you would like to install, but those big ideas could have a bigger price tag than you were initially planning for.
The Bathroom
As with the kitchen, the appliances in a garage apartment are going to be smaller, but that does not mean that you have to skimp on style. During the initial planning phase when your plumber comes to install the pipes, they can be consulted as to where the best location for the bathroom would be. Once that has been decided, working with a bathroom contractor can allow the process of creating a small bathroom that doesn’t feel claustrophobic.
In a smaller bathroom, it is useful to install custom cabinets. This gives the option of bathroom storage, a custom-sized sink, and won’t take up the entire room.
The Finishing Touches
Before you’re ready to begin installing furnishings and decorations, there are a few more steps that need to be completed.
Garage door screens are different than what you see inside the home. They come in different styles and are less expensive. Installing screens is important to keep pests out while allowing ventilation. Garage door screens can also be made out of a flex material. This material provides more sun protection than a regular screen, while still increasing airflow. When living in a small space, the last thing that you want is for the sun to heat the room significantly during certain times of the day. Selecting the right style of screen can prevent that.
As you are transforming your detached garage with the intent of it being a living space, doors and windows must be secure. Calling a local locksmith company to install locks and deadbolts is necessary to provide the same peace of mind that you would have while living in a traditional apartment or home. A locksmith will also be able to install window locks. A skilled local locksmith will have the knowledge to advise you on what type of locks are recommended for your location.
The Finished Result
After your project is complete, you now have a separate home that can be used in many situations. Whether it is an apartment that is designated for family and guests, or if you are planning on using it as a rental property, the added space has a big impact.
With more and more people looking for affordable and eco-friendly housing, smaller homes such as detached garage apartments are now more attractive than ever. Renting out a detached garage apartment provides an extra income boost.
In considering creating a detached apartment garage, it is important to carefully think over each step of the process, consider budget, and always ensure that everything passes building code inspection requirements.