Are you thinking about converting your garage into a room? You are not alone. A growing number of homeowners choose to convert their garage for a number of reasons. These reasons include adding more space, creating an extra living area, and increasing a home’s resale value. As far as home remodels and renovations go, converting the garage is a fairly simple and quick process. The first step in the garage conversion process is to hire a remodeling contractor in Miami that you can trust to oversee the project from start to finish. JMK Contractor has years of experience doing home remodels, including garage conversions. Read on to learn more about converting a garage and the things you need to consider before beginning the project.

What Will the Converted Garage Look Like?

When it comes to converting your garage, the options are endless. This is a great way to add extra square footage to your home. Here are some things to consider converting your garage into:

Living room
Home office
Kids’ playroom
Game room
Home gym
Art studio
Yoga studio
Man cave
Library
Extra bedroom

Get creative when planning for your garage conversion. Therefore, think about what type of space you need and what is lacking in your current home. JMK Contractor can help you figure out the best use for your converted garage and how the renovation will look.

Cost of Converting A Garage with Remodeling Contractor in Miami

For those looking to add an extra room onto their house while sticking to a budget, a garage conversion is a more reasonable option. According to HomeAdvisor.com, the typical range of costs to renovate or convert a garage is between $5,958 and $21,015. Alternatively, HomeAdvisor.com also reports that building an additional room onto a house typically costs between $21,086 to $69,698.

Since garage conversion does not involve the heavy construction or foundational changes that an additional room requires, most of the fees paid will go towards employing a remodeling contractor. If you would like to expand the space provided by your garage conversion, your contractor’s tasks will include framing out new walls and expanding the room’s foundation. If the garage conversion emphasizes reorganization, without expanding any space, the costs incurred will typically come from the purchase and installation of shelves and cabinets.

Another additional cost to consider is whether your current HVAC system can handle heating/cooling an additional room. If so, expect the energy bill to increase each month. If not, homeowners will need to budget for updating their current HVAC system or getting a separate and independent system to heat and cool the converted garage.

Permits

In order to convert the garage to a new living space, typically a permit will be required from the local planning department. This permit should be acquired before any work begins. At JMK Contractor, we help residents obtain these necessary permits to make sure all work is in compliance with the regulations set forth by the local planning department.

How Will Garage Conversion Affect My Home’s Resale Value?

When done correctly, a garage conversion can be lucrative for your home’s resale value. However, quality matters. For example, if you are planning to convert your garage into a bedroom, it is important to design the bedroom as if you are building a new room from scratch. Neglecting the minor details, such as natural light insulation and maintenance of a comfortable room temperature, will not contribute anything positive to your home’s value.

Making sure the project is appropriate, professional, and functional will guarantee that your garage conversion successfully increases your home’s resale value. Converting a garage allows homeowners to capitalize on existing space and structures. There is even more of a reason to pursue garage conversion if your home has a driveway or dedicated parking spaces. In these scenarios, garage conversion does not require the loss of functional space.

When you put your home on the market, being able to list your converted garage as an additional part of the home will separate your house from others. Potential buyers will love having the extra square footage and will jump at an opportunity to purchase a home with a unique design.

When Is the Right Time to Convert a Garage?

Determining the right time to convert a garage should emphasize the planning stage. The planning stage includes drafting a budget and sticking to it as closely as possible. Failing to stick to your budget can lead to overspending, and in a worst-case scenario, even losing money on your resale. JMK Contractor, a remodeling contractor in Miami, provides an online quote feature as a helpful resource for determining what a garage conversion might cost you and your family. It is also important that the homeowner and the remodeling contractor establish a good rapport to ensure the project’s longevity.

Fortunately, the physical conversion of a garage is a relatively quick project. The project can take weeks to complete but is definitely a less intrusive option than building an additional room. The ultimate concern for determining the right time to convert your garage comes down to what you intend to use the new space for and whether it is time-sensitive for its intended purpose.