Do you want to make the most of your home’s floor plan? Adding more square feet to an existing home is often more difficult than it’s worth. With this in mind, you may be overlooking one of the easiest ways to add a new room or living space to your property.
Garage conversions are becoming increasingly popular, especially in areas where the real estate market is booming. Converting your replacement garage is a great way to increase the functionality and value of your home without major construction work.
For more information on how to transform your home’s floor plan, check out these great garage conversion ideas.
1. Stylish ideas for remodeling an apartment garage
Converting a garage into a full-fledged apartment is neither cheap nor easy. However, if you want to get the most functionality out of your garage conversion, this is definitely the way to go.
By converting your attached or detached garage into an independent living space, you are adding an additional living unit to your property.
While many homeowners choose this type of garage remodel to accommodate a family member or close friend, it can also be a great financial investment.
You can rent out your garage apartment to tenants. If you live in a place where there is a lot of tourism, you may even be able to list this new space on a platform like Airbnb.
2. Set up a cozy bar
A garage bar isn’t as practical as an apartment or home office. But the great thing about being a homeowner is that you get to call the shots!
Additionally, a quality bar in the right market can significantly increase your home’s property value.
Before you get started, consider how you plan to use your new home bar. If you want a bar with a sink in your garage conversion, you will need to consider the necessary plumbing.
You can replace your garage door with more traditional sliding doors or windows. However, there is nothing wrong with keeping the original door and opening it for summer grilling.
3. Innovative bathroom ideas
If you want your converted garage to become a full-fledged living space, you’ll need to include a bathroom somewhere in your design. However, what the final product actually looks like is entirely up to you.
Converting even a small portion of your garage into a bathroom can add tremendous value. The additional bathroom can serve as a room for guests. It can also be used to keep dirt, mud and grease out of your main living space.
Keep the space simple with regular drywall or protect your new bathroom walls with tiles or wood panels. If your converted garage features materials such as exposed brick or plumbing, be sure to incorporate these industrial elements into your final design.
4. Relaxing retreat in the bedroom
Converting your garage into an additional bedroom is certainly one of the most practical garage conversion ideas. This is a great option if you need a guest room or want to temporarily increase your home’s capacity to accommodate a friend or family member.
Converting a garage space into a guest room can be as complicated or straightforward as you want. Provided the room is clean and safe to use as a sleeping area, insulation is one of your top priorities.
If you want the flexibility to use your converted garage as storage space or another type of living space, invest in convertible or multi-purpose furniture. A daybed or a murphy bed are a few good options.
5. Unleash fun
Not all garage conversions arise from the need for more usable living space. It’s perfectly fine to turn your garage into something that’s more fun than functional – like a game room.
This is the perfect place to put your beloved arcade machines. Many game rooms keep things stylish and include must-haves like a pool table and dartboard. Or it can be a private hideaway with all your favorite board games and video games.
The ideal game room remodel plan really depends on what you like to play. Sufficiently comfortable seating is a must. If you want to add a bar or toilet to your games room, remember that you will need to equip the room with plumbing.
6. Fitness at home
Converting a garage into a home gym is one of the easiest and most common conversions homeowners make.
Whether you want to forego your expensive gym membership or are simply looking for a more convenient way to exercise, having your own private gym is a luxury no one should miss out on!
The fitness equipment you choose for this garage remodeling project will depend on how things run in your household. Some people may need little more than a treadmill. Others want complete weightlifting equipment.
In any case, it’s a good idea to protect your old garage floor with special gym flooring. Install hanging storage to organize your gear. Add a personal touch to your room with wall hangings and a stereo system.
7. Creative living room makeovers
It’s not uncommon for families to spend most of their time at home in the living room. However, if you have a large household and a small house, it can be easy to find yourself wanting a little more space.
Converting a garage into a living room is actually an extremely efficient remodeling project. Unlike a kitchen or bathroom remodel, you don’t have to worry about plumbing.
Adding a living room with a garage remodel allows you to free up your existing family room for use as a more formal space. You can decorate your formal living room to your heart’s content while providing your family with a playroom to enjoy.
8. Use space
Would you like to convert your garage into a functional space, but can’t do without the parking space? Then a loft conversion is the ideal solution.
There are no limits to the use of your new garage loft. Open lofts make great media rooms or home offices. If your loft offers some privacy, you may be able to convert it into a guest room or granny flat.
Your garage doesn’t necessarily have to have a vaulted ceiling to add a loft (but it certainly doesn’t hurt). An experienced builder can create a floor plan that fits your needs and available space.
9. Increased productivity
Working from home isn’t always easy. The distractions are never-ending (especially if you have pets or children). Creating a home office is one of our favorite garage conversion ideas for anyone looking to increase their productivity and privacy.
Even if your garage conversion serves as a family room or additional living space, you should reserve a dedicated space for your desk and other work supplies. When designing your office, don’t skimp on functional storage or feel-good decoration.
You can convert any type of garage into a home office. Converting an attached garage gives you convenient access to electricity, plumbing, and other amenities. A detached garage offers more privacy, but at the expense of a more involved conversion.