How to Turn Your Garage Into a Suite

Examine the space for any structural issues. Look for cracks in the foundation, concrete flooring or roof leaks that need repairing. Replace asphalt shingles and guttering, for example, to make sure the new interior space stays dry. Add downspouts and splash blocks if the guttering system lacks these components. Rain hitting the edges of garage foundational space can weaken the floor base.

Create a floor plan layout and plan all utilities. Sketch the rooms on graph paper to define interior walls. Plan any needed windows and how you will enclose the garage's roll-up door space. Consider using 4-foot walls to separate a living space and small sleeping corner, for example. Build a tiny kitchen along one wall facing into the living room. Enclose the bathroom space to create a half bath or bath with a tiny shower. Figure out how to run electrical wiring and all plumbing lines into appropriate spaces.

Level the garage floor, if needed, before enclosing walls with stud framing. You will need to carefully inspect the concrete floor with a carpenter's level. Ask a concrete mason to advise you on leveling any swags or low areas. Plan to break up the floor and repour it to support new floor covering in most instances. For example, a tile floor will need a smooth, level concrete base. Use 2-by-4 inch boards on 16-inch centers to form skeleton framing for outer walls and interior walls. Install stud framework to hold both insulation and new drywall covering.

Insulate the garage space and run utilities before covering walls. Make sure all exterior walls are well-insulated, along with the ceiling area. Run wiring and water lines before adding drywall over the framework. Keep in mind you will need to install ceiling drywall before laying fiberglass roll insulation between rafters from the attic side. Use blown-in insulation if this works best.

Install small kitchen appliances and seat bathroom fixtures. Use a small refrigerator that fits under a counter and a microwave, along with a small sink. Add a toilet, bath sink and small tiled shower, if you desire. Add new flooring in the bathroom before seating the toilet.