Living in San Diego can be expensive. If you are struggling with finding more space in your house and aren’t in the market of buying a new home, you might be considering the option of converting your garage into an additional living space. This is a big decision to make and before going all in, there are several things to keep in mind.
Factors to consider
Zoning and permit laws are important to look into first. The specific laws depend on your location, so it’s best check with your city’s building department or visit their website for the details. After you have the right permits, the next thing to consider is how much everything will end up costing. Just to start, garage floors are slanted towards the garage door, so you’d need to level out the floor and likely install a type of flooring like ceramic or wood. Aside from the flooring, you will need to make sure proper insulation is installed and possibly add a heating and/or cooling unit.
If the living space is going to be used frequently, you might consider installing an insulated garage door. Insulation keeps your garage warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer all while minimizing street noise, you might opt to also install proper plumbing and wiring. In addition, you could consider just removing the garage door all together and installing an entrance from the front. When you start to think through everything that may need to be modified, it can really add up and be on the expensive side. If you are able to set a budget and stick to that throughout the process, you will be in great shape.
After evaluating the up-front cost side of the picture, you’ll want to think about the long term effect converting your garage may have on the value of your home. Converting your garage to a living space may work well for you and your family, but it might not work with potential buyers in the future. To better understand how this could change for better or worse, it’s best to consult with a real estate agent who is familiar with the neighborhood.
The last couple things to keep in mind relate to how you will handle the loss of storage space and where you will park your car. If you are used to parking your car in your garage, and now have to park your car on the street, consider the availability of open spaces and how often you come and go. Along the lines of storage, you might end up having to rent a storage unit for your belongings if there isn’t enough space in your house which can add to the extra overall cost.
Do your research
The decision for whether or not convert your garage to a room depends on your individual circumstances and there is not a one size fits all answer. The important thing is to do your research and make sure you think about how losing a garage can affect your home. Living in San Diego, garages may not be as necessary as they are for somewhere where the weather is less consistent, but nonetheless, it’s a major change to be made which involves a lot of planning.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your garage door, Rockstar Garage Door Services is here to help!
