Things to Consider When You are Converting Your Maryland or Washington, DC Garage

When you are looking to add space to your home, converting a garage is sometimes the fastest and most affordable way to do so. Garages often offer the ideal location for a new family room or an expanded kitchen. 

The foundation, the footprint, and the walls are already there. If there is an entrance into the house, you’re most of the way there already. However, as you explore the possibilities, there are several elements you will need to consider:

What To Do About The Garage Door

Once you remove the garage door, you will have to decide how that wall is going to be filled in. If you still require outdoor access, you might think about a sliding patio door or framing a door and windows into it. Since most garages do not have many windows, this will be something you want to consider as well.

The Floor In Your Garage Conversion

The floor of your garage is likely an uninsulated concrete slab. It might have a drain in it, in which case it will be sloped toward the center of the floor or the garage door. You may need to consider leveling the floor and installing a curb of some sort to prevent water from getting in and damaging your walls.

HVAC And Insulation In The New Room

Heating and cooling is another concern. If the garage is attached to the house, you will want to be sure that your current HVAC system has enough capacity to heat and cool the extra space. For detached garages, you may have to look into an independent system. Proper insulation will ensure that your heating and cooling solution is as efficient as it can be. Radiant floor heating is another option that is relatively easy to install on an existing concrete slab.

Electrical Concerns For A Garage Conversion

If you think your energy consumption is going to increase significantly, you might want to think about adding a new 20-amp circuit. Your existing garage likely only has a single circuit for lighting, but if you plan to have a kitchen or a family room in there, your power needs will be more significant. At the very least, adding extra circuits is imperative. For detached garages, electrical wiring can usually be run underground from the main house.

Plumbing

If you don’t already have plumbing in the garage, this can be one of the most significant expenses. If your laundry room is already in or attached to the garage, you can think about converting this to a bathroom. Drainage can also be a problem, so it should be addressed by a plumber before you begin.

Storage

If you currently use your garage for storage, you will have to decide what you’re going to do with all of your stuff. You might be able to relocate it into a shed, the basement, the attic, or another storage area in your home. You could also have a garage sale or just give stuff away, but do think about the storage space you stand to lose.

Parking

You will also be losing one or more parking spaces, which can be a concern. Are you building a new, detached garage to answer this need? Are you going to park on the street? In the driveway? Or, have you got another solution? This may not be as much of an issue with some families as it is with others, but in any case, it’s something to consider.

Making Your Addition Look Like It Blends With The Rest Of Your House

From a design standpoint, one of the biggest concerns homeowners have is making sure it blends seamlessly with the rest of the house. You will need to think about matching the siding, the exterior and interior colors, the window and door styles, the landscaping, and more. 

The result should look like it flows seamlessly from the rest of the home and not like an afterthought. This is an area in which our design team shines. We will work closely with you to understand your vision for the new space. Our objective is to give you a beautiful result that brings you and your family joy for many years to come while adding to the resale value of your home. 

If you would like to learn more about what it would take to convert your garage into brand-new living space, reach out today to start the conversation. We would love to show you how we can help.