How To Use Your Garage as a Living Space
When we’re searching for more space or need a fun place to hang out, we often overlook the garage as a possibility. Get ready for your creative wheels to start turning as we discuss how to use your garage as a living space.
Zoning and Permits
Before making any plans for your fun new room, check with your city to see if it has any permits and zoning requirements. It’s typically not an issue since you aren’t expanding the building, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
What Kind of Room?
So the question is, what kind of room can you turn your garage into? Really, the sky is the limit. No matter how many ideas we come up with, someone else may have yet another. That’s what makes it so great! Here are some popular uses people have found for their garages:
- Rec room for the kids
- Home gym
- Game room
- Bar
- TV room
- Meditation room
- Home office
- Art studio
- Playroom
- Mudroom
- Guest room
Some rooms require plumbing for a sink, such as a mudroom or possibly a bar. Other rooms, however, won’t take much at all. Let’s look at what basics you might need in your garage to use it for a living space:
Drywall
If you’re lucky, the garage already has insulation and drywall. If it doesn’t, start there. Real walls are a must. If you can live without insulation, that’s fine, but you may regret it down the road as temperatures fluctuate. If you already have drywall in the garage, patch it up where necessary, and paint it a great color.
Heating and Cooling
Heating and cooling are vital; otherwise, you won’t be able to use the room much. There are many options to make this happen. Space heaters are easy to install in the cooler months, but to avoid too much humidity, which can lead to other problems, you’ll need a decent air conditioning system in the summer. Central air or a ductless mini-split is your best option. Installing central air is more complicated, so keep that in mind.
Floor Covering
Unless you’ve had flooding issues in your garage before, you should be able to choose any flooring you like. Still, we highly recommend you stick to something that cleans up well and can handle what life throws at it. Vinyl planks that look like wood are perfect when you’re using your garage as a living space.
Outlets and Lights
Many garages are wired for electricity during their original construction. If not, you’ll need an electrician to come out and make those additions. Every room needs a light, and hopefully, your garage already has some form of it. You’ll also need outlets for everyday use.
So what do you think? Are you ready to turn your garage into a living space? If there’s a room you’ve always wanted, your garage may be your answer.
