WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT GARAGE CONVERSIONS
Garage conversions can be a great way to add functional space to a property without building on to an existing home.
A need for more space compels many a
homeowner to consider home renovations
each year. While some homeowners
decide to pull up stakes and move after
realizing they need more room to maneuver at
home, a real estate market marked by low inventory
and high prices has made it more affordable
for many property owners to stay put
and convert existing spaces.
A garage conversion project is one way for
homeowners to create more space in their current
properties. Homeowners considering such
renovations can benefi t from a rundown of what
a garage conversion entails and what to expect
when the project is completed.
• A new fl oor will likely be part of the project.
Whether you’re converting the garage into
a living space or simply hoping to make it look
nicer as a workshop or artist’s studio, the existing
fl oor will likely need to be replaced. Many
garages feature concrete fl ooring, which cracks
easily (homeowners considering a garage renovation
may already see cracks in an existing
fl oor). When converting a garage, renovation
experts will undoubtedly advise replacing
the existing fl oor, and some will recommend
polyaspartic fl oor installation. Various garage
conversion experts note that polyaspartic fl ooring
is ideal for garage spaces because it’s durable,
resistant to damage that can be caused by
chemicals and offers much more aesthetic appeal
than a concrete fl oor.
• The room will need ventilation and heating
and cooling. A garage used for traditional purposes
(i.e., parking cars, storing lawn and garden
tools, etc.) likely will not be connected to a
home’s existing HVAC system and may not feature
a window that can be opened or closed to
allow for fresh air to enter the space. The space
will need ventilation and heating and cooling
capabilities if it’s being converted.
• Location and climate bear consideration.
Before going forward with a garage conversion,
homeowners should consider where they
live and the local climate. Homeowners living
in urban areas where parking is at a premium
may be doing themselves (and future owners) a
disservice by converting a space where they can
presently park a vehicle into something else. In
addition, people living in locales where outdoor
activities like surfi ng, kayaking and cycling are
popular will have to determine where items necessary
for such activities will be stored if they
decide to convert their garages into living spaces.
Of course, garage renovation teams can incorporate
storage into a design, so homeowners
should not hesitate to discuss their lifestyle with
contractors to ensure the room accommodates
their hobbies after the conversion is complete.
• Zoning laws may or may not affect the
project. Laws vary depending on where homeowners
live, so it’s impossible to say with certainty
if homeowners will or won’t run into
zoning issues during a project. However, the
design of the fi nished product may offer hints
as to any permit-related hurdles homeowners
may need to clear. For example, if the garage
doors are staying and the space behind those
doors is merely being converted with a new
fl oor and other amenities that won’t change the
look or function of the space, then homeowners
may not encounter any permit issues. A need
for permits and some restrictions may emerge if
garage doors are being replaced by a new wall
so the exterior space seamlessly blends in with
the rest of the home. Investigate any potential
restrictions prior to going forward.
SM4 - Edition 803 Spaces Fall 2025 www.ALLISLANDMEDIA.com 10022460