Turning a Garage Into a Housing Unit

With the current housing crisis, people are turning to creative solutions. Some homeowners have begun renting out spaces like their basements, mother-in-law suites, or even their garages. Extended families are often living together – but still want some privacy from each other. If you are considering using your garage as a living space, it is important to understand what actually needs to be done to convert a garage into a housing unit. Exactly what needs to be done depends on how you will be using your converted garage. If you are simply turning an attached garage into an extra bedroom for a family member, there is less to be done than if you were converting a detached garage into an apartment to rent out. An experienced Chicago, IL garage building company can help you plan and carry out your conversion project.

Getting the Permits You Need

If you intend to start using your garage as a housing unit, you will likely need permits to have work done. You may need to ensure that your unit will not be in violation of any housing codes or other municipal laws regarding accessory dwellings. An experienced garage builder can help ensure that you are in compliance with all relevant codes.

Turning an Attached Garage Into a Room

Converting an attached garage into a bedroom or extra living space can be a great way to increase the value of your home and give your family more room to spread out. A few things you will need to have done include:

• Insulation and weather-proofing – You will likely want to have the garage doors well-sealed and insulated against harsh winter weather. You may also want to finish the interior walls to help insulate the garage and make it feel more like a room in your house.
• Heating and cooling – You will need to make sure you have a way to adequately heat and cool the unit if someone will be staying in it.
• Flooring – Installing flooring, even linoleum or inexpensive carpeting, will make the garage feel like a normal room.

Turning a Garage Into a New Housing Unit

If you intend for your garage to become an independent housing unit you could rent out or move a loved one into, you may have a sizeable project on your hands. Installing proper plumbing is often a major hurdle, as this can be an expensive and involved project. You might need multiple types of professionals, including garage builders, plumbers, and electricians, to get your detached garage up to code before someone can move in.

Contact a Chicago, IL Garage-Building Expert

Blue Sky Builders, Inc. is experienced in helping people design custom garages. We will do all we can to help you convert your garage into a living space. Call our Cook County, IL expert garage builders at 630-852-8485 for a free, on-site estimate.