DIY Plans to Add a Room Above a Garage

Type of Room

• Determine what you will use the room for. A bedroom, office, craft room or storage are all common uses. Draw a sketch of where utilities will be located to assist in planning for wash tubs, bathrooms, outlets and other specific needs for the type of room planned.

Plans

• There are bonus room plans on the Internet that can be purchased. Type "bonus room plans" into your web browser and choose one that will work for you. There is also software that can be purchased that helps you design the room above the garage yourself, or hire an architect to draw up blueprints for the project.

Budget

• Besides the cost of the materials, you will need tools, some of which can be expensive. Add the cost of those you do not already have. Add the cost of required permits and inspections. Include the cost of professional assistance in skills you are not competent in. Electrical is one area where a professional electrician is needed. Add a fund for unexpected items.

Regulations and Codes

• Each city has specific regulations and building codes for everything that is done to the house. Inquire about these to ensure that your plans fall into what can and cannot be done. A city building inspector will need to come out and evaluate if the existing garage is properly built to withstand another room above it and how hazardous materials will be dealt with that are stored in the existing garage.

  Before starting to work on this remodeling project, purchase the necessary permits. According to Home Building & Remodeling.com, your city and sometimes the state require you to get a permit when you add a room above a garage. These permits need to be acquired before construction begins and will require you to submit a copy of the plans for approval. Familiarize yourself with the list of inspections that will need to be performed before moving on to the next phase of construction.

DIY or Contractor?

• If you are skilled in every aspect of remodeling to add a room above a garage, have all the tools necessary and have the time needed to accomplish the task, then do-it-yourself is the way to continue. Be honest with yourself when contemplating this so there will not be a point in the middle of the construction where a professional will need to be called. This will cost extra time and money.