How to Convert a Garage or Basement Into a Room

Do research on current home values in your neighborhood. Find "comparables" in terms of square footage, number of bathrooms and bedrooms, and garages. Calculate how much you can spend on a major remodeling job without going "upside down" on recovery-on-investment factors. According to experts at RealEstate.com, you can expect to recoup as much as 98 percent of the cost of remodeling a basement.

Ask a real estate professional how you might actually lower the value of your home by eliminating a garage or a parking stall. Most home buyers require a two-car garage today. Eliminating parking stalls can reduce a home's value significantly, so be sure this loss will be worth the gain in new living space. Build a new garage if possible, even if it is a detached structure.

Draw a floor plan of the space to accurate scale. Note any existing plumbing, electrical, and heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) equipment. Look for hidden floor drains in a basement.

Determine whether current electrical circuits can handle a new room addition or whether installation of a new circuit is necessary.

Evaluate how to provide efficient HVAC to the space, especially for a garage conversion. Seek to incorporate permanent HVAC equipment if possible because "built in" systems are more affordable to operate than "portable" equipment. It is illegal in most communities to install wall-mounted natural gas heaters in sleeping rooms.

Determine the need to insulate the new room. Garage and basement floors and walls often require additional insulation to create a comfortable space. Installing vapor barriers over any concrete floors is also important.

Plan for any new windows and doors. In most communities, basement bedrooms must have special egress windows for safety. Some communities prohibit secondary front exits on single-family homes so check your local building codes before planning for an exit door on a garage conversion.

Consider the effect of a garage conversion on the appearance of the exterior of your home. Determine in advance whether you can match the present siding.

Apply for all the required construction permits in advance of buying materials. Failure to get permits for construction can lead to disaster. Most communities can legally force you to tear down work not covered by a proper permit or not properly inspected.

Investigate the cost of hiring subcontractors to help you manage the conversion. If you lack advanced construction skills, do not attempt a major conversion like this yourself. In many cases, the cost of hiring experienced labor is well worth it in terms of savings on time and materials. Check the references of subcontractors thoroughly and get signed contracts.