Garage Remodeling Costs

Costs Versus Returns

• The average cost to convert a 380-square-foot garage into a room is more than $3,000, according to Homewyse.com. By converting a garage into a usable room, the homeowner increases the interior square footage of the home. The average return rate upon resale, however, is less than 60 percent of the actual costs, according to Homewyse.com. A high-quality remodeling can return more, but factors such as housing prices in the neighborhood and the overall condition of the home also shape sale prices.

Materials

• Material costs of a garage remodeling are relatively inexpensive, but they vary depending on quality and the company you order them from. Painting the garage yourself will average at least 66 cents per square foot, according to Homewyse.com.

  Other materials, such as plumbing or fixtures, might be inexpensive but may require a special contractor to install them -- which influences labor costs.

  List the materials you require for your remodel, such as paint, drywall, or carpeting. Compare prices from different suppliers to estimate how much your materials will cost.

  If using a contractor, ask first whether the contractor will allow you to use your own purchased materials, rather than his, to save on costs.

Contractors

• Because the garage is already framed, you will not incur costs associated with building from scratch. However, you may still require a professional contractor. Extensive electrical work or installing plumbing systems, for example, might require professional help. You will need to factor in costs such as hourly wages charged to you by the contractor.

  Shop around and get different quotes from contractors before signing with a company. Make sure that estimates include man-hours for each job, hourly wages for each category of man-hours listed, equipment rentals, material costs, and applicable taxes you must pay.

  Factors outside of material costs and hourly wages may cause one contractor's bid to be higher than another's. For example, one contractor may have greater operating costs such as support staff, insurance, or utilities, making her bid higher to assure a profit.

Tips and Ideas

• According to Homewyse.com, limit the project costs of your garage remodeling to 2.25 percent of the overall home value. This will maximize your return on resale. Keep the overall project similar in quality. For example,if you use high-quality flooring, pair it with high-quality fixtures and appliances.