I’m planning on converting a 21x21 garage to a living room in the next couple years. I’ve got pretty much everything figured out I believe, and it seems a bit simpler than the bonus room conversion I finished earlier this year.
Has anyone done this, and have any tips / unexpected things I might encounter?
Thing’s Ive investigated / confirmed / planned so far:
- Leveling the graded concrete floor
- Filling the entrance hole with an exterior rated wall + windows
- Insulating the preexisting exterior wall segments
- HVAC connection
- Additional electrical outlets
- Framing an entrance to the space in the adjacent load bearing wall
Do you live in an area that requires permits? There are a ton of unpermitted garage conversions in my area that are not up to code, some of which have become serious headaches for the owner if code compliance comes knocking or when trying to sell.
Is your HVAC rated for the additional sq ft? Are there any ventilation concerns? (eg gas furnace or water heater)
I’ll definitely be getting permits and inspections. Went through that process when converting the bonus room and it wasn’t as painful as I was expecting.
The HVAC question is something I’ll definitely have to look into. I added ~250sqft when I finished my bonus room, and although the system has operated fine with the additional load, adding another 400sqft might put us outside it’s abilities.
Our appliances are all electric so there are no combustion related vents.
Edit: However, I am seriously contemplating installing a zero clearance wood burning fireplace in the room. We have one in another room and I love it. That is a topic that will come with it’s own set of wrinkles (chimney case framing, blower vents, outside air intake, etc). I’ve yet to make a decision on that but will delve deeper into it if/when I do.
Make sure your garage door seals or your going to have nonstop bugs.
A ductless mini split system might be a great choice for your new space. Super efficient, quiet, and reasonably priced - especially when you save on not adding duct work. Good luck and post some pics when you get a chance.
I would also be concerned about any chemical stuff now being present in a living space. For example, if there was any oil spilled on the concrete, now that’s going to be under the flooring, and any remaining vapors are going to be seeping into the room (which has much less air exchange than a garage).
If you leave the driveway in front of where the garage door is, you may want to think about a curb stop or two so no cars accidentally accelerate into your new living room. You also mentioned leveling the graded garage floor so you are probably fine on this point, but, you will just want to make sure that outside the new wall water doesn’t run back and stand.
Yea I’ll definitely chop up the parking pad, don’t want cars directly in front of the window. I’ll probably leave a narrow portion as a walkway from the new garage to the front door.
