Find a Garage Conversion Specialist near you
The average rating for Bark Garage Conversion Specialists is 4.82, based on 85,963 reviews
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based on 85,963 reviews
Considering making use out of your empty garage space by getting it converted to a bedroom or home office, but not sure of the cost? Read on to find out how much you’ll pay for a garage conversion.
Most people who have a garage attached to their home don't use it for their car - instead, most of us use our garages as a place to store junk we’ve accumulated over time, making them pretty useless spaces. And more of us have these spaces than ever. In fact, according to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 63% of occupied households in the US have a garage or carport. It's no surprise, then, that garage conversions are so popular - they can give a little-used part of your home a new lease of life, transforming it into a practical living area that also adds property value.
If you're thinking of extending your living space into your garage, you're probably asking how much garage conversions cost. In this guide we'll break down the price you'll pay for a professional contractor, what affects the price of your new room, and how you can keep yourself on budget. These prices are based on national averages and our own data, but to get a truly accurate number we recommend you request free quotes from local garage conversion specialists. Let's jump in.
Depending on the size of your garage and the layout of your home, your garage conversion can serve a variety of functions. For example, you could extend your kitchen, create a downstairs bedroom for elderly relatives or those with mobility issues, or make a home office or a gym. A garage conversion is one of the most versatile home projects you can pay for - and it's certainly easier and cheaper than building a brand new extension.
Of course, it's important that you weigh up the disadvantages too. Converting your garage involves an initial financial outlay, so if you're planning on selling your home in the very near future, it isn't a given that your conversion will pay for itself - this is more likely in the long term. You'll also have to live with short-term noise and disruption to your daily routine while the work is being done. But for most people, the benefits outweigh any disadvantages - it's all up to you, your budget, and your final goals.
Right, on to the important stuff! Like many remodeling projects, the cost of a garage conversion can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the finish of the project and your garage size. To help you get a better idea of how much you’ll pay, here’s a rough idea of costs based on local US professionals:
| Type of garage conversion | Highest average price | Lowest average price |
| Small | $8,000 | $5,900 |
| Medium | $14,500 | $12,000 |
| Large | $28,000 | $17,000 |
According to our research, garage conversions range in price from $5,900 for the smallest and most basic finish up to $28,000 for large, high-spec conversions. Homeowners will pay $13,700 on average which includes all of the external and internal works.
Of course, the ranges above are based on averages - something really large or special, especially in a location with a high cost of living, could cost even more. That's why getting garage conversion quotes based on your property is an important (and interesting!) step.
Whether your project is on the lower or higher end of the scale, any type of garage conversion will be less expensive and less disruptive than a full-on property extension. It’ll also add value to your home, so you’ll reap the rewards for years to come.
If you are converting the garage into an extra bedroom, it will also be cheaper and less hassle compared with moving house.
The average cost of your conversion will depend on a few things, including:
Size of conversion
Experience and quality
Your location
Purpose of the room
Let's look at them in more detail.
This is the most obvious one - the bigger your conversion, the more you can expect to pay. This is because labor and material costs will naturally be higher. Your contractor should give you a quote for the whole job upfront once they've reviewed the size and scope of your garage, so you can compare prices between vendors.
Not all contractors are equal, and sometimes it can be tempting to go with the professional who quotes the lowest price. This might be fine, or it could be a sign that the quality of work, or materials used, is lower than you ideally want. Very experienced professionals, those who work on premium projects, or those who are in high demand are likely to charge a bit more for their services. To ensure you're making the right decision, compare ratings and reviews as well as quotes.
The state, city, and locality you live in will all affect the cost of your conversion. This is mainly down to varied costs of living and how much competition there is between professionals. Here are some ballpark figures for different average costs by location, based on materials plus labor:
| State | Average cost of a garage conversion |
| New York | $15,000 - $22,000 |
| Florida | $13,000 - $17,000 |
| Washington | $15,500 - $20,000 |
| Illinois | $12,000 - $16,000 |
| Colorado | $14,000 - $18,500 |
| Texas | $12,000 - $16,500 |
| Minnesota | $13,000 - $17,000 |
Your costs will change depending on what you want to use your garage conversion for. If you're looking at creating a den, for example, you probably won't need or want plumbing - but a kitchen will requite both of those, and more. Here are some of the average costs of a garage conversion based on national averages:
| Conversion | Average price |
| Bedroom | $15,000 |
| Bathroom | $18,500 |
| Gym | $7,000 |
| Kitchen | $27,000 |
| Office | $10,000 |
| Den/entertainment space | $8,000 |
| Utility room | $8,500 |
Depending on what you're using the room for (such as an office or a secure storage space), you might also want to add some security, such as burglar alarms or secure locks. Here's our guide to the price of hiring a locksmith.
When you pay for a garage conversion, you won't just budget for the work itself; while some things may well be included in your quote, others won't. Remember to check with your contractor when they're costing the job, so you know what you need to pay for on top. Here are some common extra costs to factor into your budget:
| Item | Rough cost |
| Architect for floor plan | $800 |
| Building permit | $300 - $2,000 |
| Plumbing | $2,000 |
| Electrical work | $500 - $1,200 |
| New windows | $400 - $1,200 each |
| Internal door | $800 |
| External door | $1,000 |
| Flooring | $5 - $15 per square foot |
| Insulation | $500 |
| Painting and decorating | $500 |
Architectural services are crucial for designing a functional and aesthetically pleasing floor plan for your garage conversion. While the average cost may be around $800, this can vary based on the complexity of the project and the extent of customization required. Investing in professional architectural services ensures that your space is optimized for your needs and complies with building codes, potentially saving you money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes.
Obtaining a building permit is a necessary expense when converting your garage to living space. The cost can range from $300 to $2000 depending on your location and the scope of your project. While it may seem like an additional expense, securing the proper permits ensures that your conversion meets safety and legal requirements, avoiding potential fines or complications in the future.
If your garage conversion includes adding plumbing fixtures such as a bathroom or kitchenette, budgeting for plumbing costs is essential. The average cost of plumbing for a garage conversion is around $2,000, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the plumbing work required and the fixtures you choose. Hiring a licensed plumber ensures that the installation is done correctly, preventing costly leaks or water damage down the line.
Electrical work is another crucial aspect of a garage conversion, especially if you plan to add lighting, outlets, or appliances. The average cost for electrical work in a garage conversion ranges from $500 to $1,200, depending on the extent of the wiring needed and the complexity of the installation. Hiring a qualified electrician ensures that your electrical system is up to code and safely accommodates your needs.
Installing windows in your garage conversion not only enhances natural light and ventilation but also adds to the overall aesthetics of the space. The average cost per window typically ranges from $400 to $1,200, depending on factors such as size, material, and energy efficiency. Investing in quality windows can improve the comfort and value of your converted garage while potentially reducing long-term energy costs.
Choosing the right doors for your garage conversion is essential for both functionality and security. Internal doors, averaging around $800 each, provide privacy between rooms and can enhance soundproofing. External doors, starting from $1,000, serve as the primary entry point to your converted space and should be durable and weather-resistant. Investing in high-quality doors ensures safety, insulation, and overall aesthetic appeal.
Flooring choice significantly impacts the look, feel, and durability of your garage conversion. Costs typically range from $5 to $15 per square foot, with materials such as hardwood being more expensive than linoleum or carpet. Consider factors like durability, maintenance, and aesthetics when choosing flooring to ensure it suits your lifestyle and budget.
Proper insulation is crucial for regulating temperature and energy efficiency in your garage conversion. Budgeting around $1,000 per room on average for insulation ensures comfort and helps reduce heating and cooling costs. Investing in quality insulation also contributes to soundproofing and overall durability, making it a worthwhile expense for long-term comfort and savings. Here's a guide to the average cost of insulation.
Budgeting for decoration allows you to personalize your garage conversion and create a welcoming living space. While costs can vary based on individual preferences and the size of the room, allocating around $500 for a medium-sized room covers basics like paint, furnishings, and decor accessories. DIY projects and savvy shopping can help stretch your decoration budget further while adding personality and style to your converted space. You can find local painters and decorators here.
Knowing your garage would work better as a living space is the first step. But, every garage is different, so you need to consider how you want to utilize the space you have to work with in the best way possible.
Here are some of the main points to consider to help you figure out both your vision and your budget.
Your current garage space
Usage options
Firstly, you need to think about your current garage space and crucially, the rooms it could potentially lead out onto. Think about whether the room will be separate or extend out onto another room. Most garages will have two access points located to the side and rear of the room.
Garages come in all shapes and sizes and so there are plenty of different things you can do with them. The end goal should be to solve a problem you currently have. For example, creating space for a much-needed extra bedroom or home gym.
A thin and narrow garage might not convert well into an individual room, meaning it won’t increase the value of your home much. However, it could work perfectly as a utility room or even as a dining area if you currently don’t have a large kitchen.
The usage type will have an impact on the type of internal work you’ll need to undertake, which will affect the completion time as well as the budget.
While getting a garage conversion can seem like a big financial commitment, the value it can add to your home is well worth the investment.
Of course, the true figure depends on your location, the scope of the work carried out, and to what standard. Either way, given garage conversions are much cheaper than property extensions, it’s a much more affordable way to add value to your home.
If your garage isn’t used to park your vehicle, then valuable space is going to waste. A garage conversion is well worth the time and money because it will allow you to make the most out of your space. You may need additional rooms for a growing family or an extra bedroom for elderly relatives. Whatever the reason, your garage will provide valuable usability.
What's more, it can dramatically improve the curb appeal of your home, especially when done to a high spec. Overall, a garage conversion will ensure every part of your property adds value and has proper usage.
Still got questions about the cost of converting? Let's tackle some common misconceptions.
You may be eligible for certain financial incentives, tax benefits, or additional charges depending on local regulations and the specific nature of the project. These may include:
Energy efficiency rebates or incentives for installing energy-saving features such as insulation, windows, or heating systems.
Property tax considerations; some jurisdictions may reassess property values after renovations, potentially leading to increased property taxes.
Consultation with a tax advisor or local authorities is recommended to understand any potential tax implications or incentives specific to your area.
While regulations can vary depending on your location and local zoning laws, it's generally advisable to inform your neighbors about significant renovations such as a garage conversion. While you may not be legally required to do so in all cases, maintaining open communication with your neighbors can help avoid potential conflicts and ensure that they are aware of any changes that may affect them, such as increased traffic or noise during construction. Additionally, some homeowners associations (HOAs) or local ordinances may have specific requirements regarding notifying neighbors about property modifications. It's always best to check with your local government or HOA guidelines.
While it may be tempting to save money by converting your garage yourself, it's generally not recommended for several reasons. Converting a garage is a complex and labor-intensive process that requires expertise in various trades such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and construction. Without the necessary skills and experience, DIY garage conversions can result in costly mistakes, safety hazards, and code violations, potentially outweighing any initial cost savings. Additionally, DIY projects often take much longer to complete, leading to inconvenience and frustration. Hiring professionals ensures that the conversion is done correctly, efficiently, and safely, ultimately saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.
The average rating for Bark Garage Conversion Specialists is 4.82, based on 85,963 reviews
5/5
based on 85,963 reviews
