Planning a garage remodel can be exciting. But for a garage remodeling project to go smoothly, there are many things to think about before you start.
How much does it cost to remodel a garage?
Remodeling your garage can increase the value of your home. Beyond increasing home value, a remodeled garage can bring utility to your home life. Garages are highly-valued multipurpose areas of homes. Their utility reaches far beyond car storage.
Homeowners use garages for tool and sports equipment storage or serve as a work area. Many people remodel their garage to convert it into a home gym or an apartment. There is no limit to what a remodeled garage can be used for.
The cost of garage remodels depends on several factors such as:
- Are you refurbishing your garage without making structural changes?
- Is it a cosmetic remodel or a complete rebuild?
- What part of the country do you live in?
- What type of construction was used to build your garage?
The complexity and the options of garage remodeling projects will greatly vary the associated costs. A garage remodel could be done for as little as $8,000. Of course, the cost could be much lower if you can complete the remodel independently without hiring a professional. If you can provide the labor, you only need to calculate material and permit expenses.
How much does it cost to convert a garage into a living space?
Converting a boring garage into a living space can add value to your home. The garage conversion possibilities are endless, from home movie theaters to studio apartments to swanky home offices and even guesthouses.
Converting a garage into a living space can easily cost $30,000 or more.
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How much does it cost to remodel a garage into an apartment?
A full-scale conversion into an apartment is the most expensive garage retrofit. Remodeling your garage into a small apartment can cost $30,000. This type of garage remodel is expensive because it goes beyond aesthetics. A project of this magnitude requires major upgrades. This can include concrete work, adding gas hookups, electric, plumbing and sewer lines, installing a water heater and addressing ventilation over the stove and in the bathroom.
Adding an exterior door to allow for private entry is also expensive.
How much does it cost to drywall a 2 car garage?
Homeowners can expect to spend between $1.50 and $4.25 per square foot. When you estimate drywall cost, you need to consider wall square footage, not floor space. Depending on the climate of your location, you might have to insulate your garage, which could result in additional expenses.
Budgeting for a Garage Remodel
Know how much of a garage remodel you can afford.
Obviously, if the garage roof is leaking, you’ll want to budget for that project first. It is unavoidable. There are must-do garage remodel projects, and there are nice to have garage projects. You should always have a budget for must-do garage remodel projects.
If you have the extra funds, you could invest in a garage remodel to increase the value of your home. Keep in mind that garage remodels generally do not add the most value to your home. Kitchen remodels, and bathroom remodels tend to create more value in homes.
Before you commit to a garage remodel, make sure that the money you earn when you sell your home is greater than the money you spent on the garage remodel. But garage remodeling projects are not always about increasing the value of your home. Sometimes you just want to create a space your family will enjoy. If you have the funds, you could convert your garage into a fun game room, gym or home theater.
Understand the costs of a garage remodel.
It’s time to bust out your calculator and calculate the costs involved with a garage remodel. Now that you’ve decided to go through with the garage remodel, break down the cost of everything that needs to be done —including materials, labor and permit. Unless you are working in the construction industry, this will take some research.
Keep in mind; you are making an estimate for your garage remodel. You can’t know the true costs until you have received a complete estimate from the contractor. But talking with friends, neighbors, and professionals will give you an idea of the costs.
Make sure to get multiple contractor bids.
Once you have an idea of what you want to be done, you’re ready to talk to contractors. Search online, ask friends and neighbors to find multiple contractors. Make sure that you get bids from at least three legit contractors in your area. Insist on project timelines from each contractor.
The lowest bid may not be the best. Consider everything, not just pricing. Speak with references and read online reviews before you commit to a contractor.
How do I cut garage remodel costs?
If you have the skills and the time, you can save a lot of money completing the job on your own. Many homeowners do their own garage remodels. Even if you don’t have a lot of experience with remodeling, you can still save on your garage remodeling:
- You could save by doing some of the labor, such as demolition. Many of these jobs require little to no skills. If you have the energy, you could tear down drywall or rip out flooring to cut costs. —and you might burn a few calories while you are at it!
- Shop for used or recycled materials. If you really want to save some money, search online for inexpensive building materials. Before you buy any building materials, discuss it with your contractor to make sure that it is appropriate for the project.
- Only hire for the skills you can’t do on your own. You can hire specific subcontractors for each job you are unable to finish on your own.
- Do your own painting. Anyone can paint. It is one of the easiest ways to save money on your garage remodel. When you do your own painting, all you need to pay for is the materials for the job.
How do I redesign my garage?
Before you answer the question “How do I revamp my garage?” you should know what your ideal garage looks like.
Before you redesign your garage, answer these questions:
- What would you like to do in your garage? The first step of every garage remodel is to find out how you want to use the space. If you just want to organize clutter, you are looking at a much simpler project than someone who wants to convert their garage to an apartment.
- What is your budget? Your budget will have the biggest impact on your garage remodel project.
- How much of the remodel can you do or want to do to save money? One way to save money is to do some or all of the project on your own.
How to avoid garage remodeling mistakes?
Starting a garage remodel without a plan is a huge mistake. Before you pull the first nail or rip out the flooring, you must have a plan. You should know what needs to be done, how it will get done and what tools and materials you will need to complete the tasks at hand. It would be best if you also had a realistic timeline before you start.
If you don’t know what you are doing, it’s best to hire a professional. Even something as simple as demolishing work, if done incorrectly, can do a lot of damage. Tackling a garage remodel without proper expertise could cost you more than hiring a pro to help you.
Hiring the wrong garage remodeling company is a common mistake. Sometimes people hire the lowest bidder. And by the time the project is finished, the low bid has mysteriously skyrocketed. Before you hire a contractor, look beyond dollar signs. Make sure you are working with a reputable contractor. Check references and get at least three bids.
Don’t overlook safety risks during your garage remodel. In any garage remodel project, plumbing and electrical work should only be done by a licensed professional.
How can I make my old garage look new?
A fresh coat of paint is the fastest and least expensive way to make an old garage look new. If you feel adventurous, you could apply epoxy to your garage floor to create that showroom quality finish.
The best way to make your old garage look new is by tossing the junk. Getting rid of junk covered in dust will make it easier to clean your garage and it will make your garage more aesthetically appealing.
How to prepare for a remodel?
Home improvement can quickly feel like a home invasion to you and your family. But, there are many things you can do to prepare before the contractors begin to turn your home into a construction zone.
Homeowners shouldn’t be afraid to lay down the ground rules from the beginning of a big-budget remodeling project. Be clear from the start about what areas of your home are off-limits, where construction materials will be stored, and your expectations of a spotless work site. Think through how the project will affect both your and your family’s daily routine – especially when you are talking about a kitchen or bath remodel.
I want to provide homeowners a few valuable tips to help you keep your sanity both before and during a remodeling project:
- Map out your routine. Every home remodeling project will likely affect your routine in one way or another. If it’s a bathroom or kitchen remodel project, determine how you will re-route the family during mealtimes and the “getting the kids out the door in the morning” routine.
- Set limits. Before the work begins, talk with your contractor about the areas of your home that are off-limits and agree on the hours the crew will be onsite. Another critical point is establishing whether the crew will have access to a bathroom in your home for their use. If not, you should discuss whether a portable toilet will be leased and how that cost will be covered.
- Designate storage space. Agree with the contractor on where supplies and tools will be stored. You don’t want to constantly walk over or have to move supplies to get to things you need every day. As well, it will help ensure that supplies and tools don’t come up missing or lost.
- Define what “clean” means to you. You should expect a large amount of dust and dirt throughout any remodeling project. However, it would be best if you established the ground rules with your contractor for cleaning up the worksite at the end of each workday. Just because the work crew will be back “first thing in the morning,” it’s not OK to leave out trash and supplies.
- Protect your children. Talk to your contractor to make sure workers act and dress appropriately. As well, a construction site can be an exciting yet dangerous area for your children. Set the rules early. Only allow them to watch from a safe distance, but prohibit them from playing in the worksite and let them know that tools and materials aren’t toys. A pile of dirt can make for fun playtime adventures for your kids, but if it’s spread across your yard, it’s not very useful to your contractors.
- Don’t forget your pets. It’s natural for homeowners to acquaint their cats or dogs with the crew at the beginning of a project. If the remodeling project will be deafening or stir up a lot of dust and dirt, you may consider boarding your pet for a couple of days during the most hectic construction period.
- Get out of town. Some homeowners suggest planning a relaxing vacation during your remodeling project. However, only do this if you trust your contractor, and the details of the project have been specifically laid out and agreed upon. You’ll want to make sure your contractor knows how to reach you in case any problems arise. As well, you’ll want to check in with the contractor frequently by phone on the status of the project.
- Create a united front. Don’t let the stress of the project drive a wedge in your family relationships. Think of yourself as a team. If significant issues come up on the project site, discuss them later when you have a chance to reach an agreement privately.
