An Addition of a Garage Apartment

Review Structural Issues

• You will need to obtain a building permit and copy of building codes. Your local authorities will likely advise you to hire an expert builder to assess adding weight to your garage. Extra framework, flooring and furniture will place stress on the garage walls. By securing the floor space with columns reaching to the garage floor, for example, you can safely add weight in the loft area.

Plan Basic Space

• Sketch a basic floor plan and think through electrical and plumbing needs. For example, you may want to create a living room and kitchen that are open to each other. Include a sleeping area and a full bath. You will need to figure out the best way to route electrical wiring to outlets and light fixtures and where to install a breaker box in the garage below or the apartment itself. Talk to experts at your power company to see if they provide guidelines and helpful tips. Decide on the best way to bring water lines into the space and run drain lines as well.

Include Personal Features

• Design and décor should utilize the distinctiveness of the space. Plan to vault the loft to its highest peak, for example. Raising the roof this way will make a beautiful and light-filled apartment. Angle iron must unite each side of peak rafters to create an open, totally vaulted ceiling. Consider building a large window of glass blocks on one exterior wall. Four large skylights in the roof area, if your budget will allow for them, will give the apartment more natural light.

Address Kitchen and Bath

• Compact and functional kitchen and bath space are necessary. Build a tiny kitchen on one wall by using a short refrigerator under a countertop, as one choice. Construct a shower in a small, odd-shaped space by using tile work to build the shower versus a large pre-made shower. Use a pedestal sink in the bathroom to save floor space, too.

Incorporate Security Planning

• Plan the bedroom next to a fire escape. A deck with a sliding door is a good idea in case someone in the apartment needs to get out fast. Build the bedroom deck with stairs leading to the ground. Install a motion detector light and subscribe to a burglar monitoring system if the garage is far from the house. Keep in mind that some national security companies offer low-cost, high-quality intruder monitoring for a one-door space.