How to Build a Master Suite From a Garage

Designing and Framing

• 1

  Examine the basic structure of the garage, and measure the space. Look for any repairs needed for the roof or floor area. Sketch a floor plan to include a hallway leading to the kitchen or nearest room. Avoid having a master suite door open directly into an adjoining room. Use graph paper to draw a bath area and closet space. Obtain a building permit early on.

• 2

  Begin remodeling by taking down the garage door. Remove exterior wall areas to accommodate new windows, if needed. Remove cinder blocks or cut out exterior wall framing to enclose new framing for energy-efficient windows. Rent a concrete saw to cut through cinder blocks. Install concrete lintels over the windows as support beams, or construct wooden beams to hold up wall weight and roof weight above the window areas.

• 3

  Install wooden studs every 18 inches on the interior side of garage exterior walls, using 2-by-4-inch lumber boards. Enclose a bath area with these boards, as well. Frame the bath to be placed near a wall close to another nearby bathroom, if possible. Run water pipes across attic space or directly through wall areas. Frame storage areas and clothes closets, as well, using 2-by-4-inch boards.

• 4

  Run electrical wiring in the wall areas before enclosing framework with drywall. Install recessed lights, electrical outlets and all light fixtures. Install heating and cooling ductwork for connection to an existing heat pump or attachment to an additional one to serve the area.

• 5

  Staple fiberglass roll-type insulation between studs on exterior walls areas. Nail drywall sheets to the ceiling and wall areas next. Insulate between rafters on top of new drywall in the ceiling before you seal the attic.

Finishing Up the Space

• 6

  Finish the drywall of the master suite with joint compound. Install wood trim and baseboards in the master suite, and hang all closet doors and the bathroom door. Seat the commode, and install a tub-shower combo and vanity with sink. Hook up all plumbing drains.

• 7

  Ask a home flooring expert to help you assess how moisture-proof the concrete flooring is before you install wood flooring or tile. Do not lay wood flooring, tile or carpet directly on a concrete floor. Instead, construct a sub-floor that is at least an inch higher than the concrete. Have the concrete floor treated by a professional termite company before adding finished flooring.

• 8

  Paint exterior windows and doors added to the space during construction. Install a heavy-duty steel door as an exterior door, if you include an outside exit doorway in the area. Add deadbolt locks to the door and a motion detector light outside to enhance safety.