---

Converting your garage into an additional bedroom is a great way to create some additional room in your home, whether you want it to serve as a guest bedroom, a new master bedroom or you need to accommodate an additional family member. A lot of homeowners choose to pursue this project without removing the garage door altogether, whether it’s to lower the cost of the project or so that they will have an easier time converting back to a garage in the future. If this is something you’re interested in, the following tips can help you complete the conversion.

1.    Plans and Permits

This should be the first step to any garage conversion. Before starting any work, lay out your plans for the entire project. This will give you a better idea of the permits your project may require, such as building permits and certificates. Make sure you don’t overlook anything and consult with a professional if needed to ensure that you’re in compliance with all local codes and regulations.

2.    Utilities

Due to their purpose, most garages have very few utilities, oftentimes just lighting and a few outlets. Take a look at what utilities you would need to add when converting to a bedroom, as a few upgrades will most likely be needed. Consider ventilation, plumbing, and additional electric work. Depending on your area these things may also be subject to local codes and require permits in which case it’s in your best interest to talk to a contractor who can make sure everything is up to scratch both in terms of regulations and safety.

3.    Insulation

Garages aren’t meant to be warm and cozy during the winter, but a bedroom certainly should be. Since you will be keeping your garage door adding the proper insulation to the converted space becomes even more important. Consider your options for adding insulation to the garage door as there are many different materials available. You should also look into insulating the ceiling and walls to make sure that the converted bedroom will be comfortable to live in year-round. Additionally, make sure to weatherproof and add water sealing to the garage door so that it won’t let in any rain or snow.

4.    Add a Wall

If your garage is large enough, you may want to consider building a wall a few feet from the garage door. This will allow you to keep the garage door on the outside while adding more insulation and soundproofing to the converted room. The extra space between the new wall and the garage door can also serve as storage space if you add a door.

5.    Lighting

Most garage doors don’t have windows, and if they do, they’re very small which makes them an insufficient source of light. Keep this in mind when planning your conversion as it may be necessary to add windows to the other walls of the garage to compensate for the lack of light.

6.    The Floor

There isn’t anyone who would describe a typical garage floor as comfortable or homey. This means that when you’re converting to a bedroom you will want to add to it, or perhaps raise it so that you can add insulation. When you’re keeping your garage door, raising the floor may mean that it won’t be able to open depending on it’s opening mechanism. If this is something you’re worried about you will need to look into alternative flooring options, or construct the floor so that there is a gap large enough to accommodate an opening garage door.​