How to Change a Garage to a Den

Create a plan to incorporate the garage area into the overall home design. Measure the garage interior to create a floor plan layout for the den. Draw each interior wall with existing windows on graph paper. Figure out the best way to connect the new den to the kitchen via a hallway, for example. Plan how you will appropriately cover the garage door space on the exterior, too. Sketch the home's front facade to include new windows and siding to replace the garage door.

Take down the garage door and tracking system, so you can frame the new space. Recycle or sell the old garage door. Frame the open space where the main garage door stood.

Install windows and siding to cover the garage door space. Add insulation on the interior between studs across the garage door area. Remove the driveway leading to the garage.

Frame the skeleton of the new den, plus bath and storage, if needed. Run all plumbing and wiring for the den and bath area while walls are open. Insulate exterior walls with roll fiberglass insulation before drywall is nailed into place.

Complete walls and flooring. Nail drywall sheets on the ceiling area and on all wall space. Finish with joint compound, sand and paint. Paint the whole space before laying flooring, so you will not scratch hardwood or tile floors or drip paint on new floor surfaces. Hang interior doors and nail baseboard material in place to finish up the den.