Garage remodeling Cost
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Cost to Remodel or Convert a Garage

Last Updated on December 29, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by Certified CFA CFA Alexander Popinker

Of course, a garage is primarily a parking space. However, garage remodeling is much more common than you might think. Those who have different hobbies know that extra space is needed for them, and those who have children are always looking for solutions to increase the playground of the little ones. But all these can find their solution in a garage. Although it seems hard to believe, such a space can easily be transformed into a playground, a movie theater, an office, a gym, an extra bedroom, or, why not, even a studio where up to three people can live without problems.

Thus, a garage can be transformed into an additional space, after the electrical installation is set up, and the floor and walls are finished. Then all you have to do is decide how you want to arrange the things in the garage.

How Much Does it Cost to Remodel or Convert a Garage?

The amount of money you are going to spend in order to remodel your garage will depend on the changes you will make. For sure you will have to pay more if you want to transform it into an in-law suite with a bathroom and kitchenette while tuning it into an office or a basic living room is less expensive. However, the average cost to remodel or convert a garage is anywhere between $10,500 and $15,500.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a new garage, a guest house, or the installation of a garage door opener.

If you want to simply improve the garage and still use it as a garage you will have to pay anywhere between $1,200 and $5,500. In general, this project does not require any permits and can be done as a DIY conversion.

On the other hand, for a basic conversion into a bedroom or office, you should plan on spending anywhere between $5,500 and $10,500. Jobs that have to be done include adding cooling and heating, adding dropped ceilings, and drywalling off the door and the rest of the room.

The costs will increase if plumbing is necessary. So, you will have to pay anywhere between $10,500 and $15,500 if you want to convert a garage into a bedroom with a bathroom. Also, the cost to convert a garage into an in-law apartment with a bath and kitchen will be anywhere between $15,500 and $25,500.

In the table below you will find the average costs for garage remodeling in different cities from the United States from America.

City Average Price Paid
Charlotte, NC $14,500
Boston, MA $14,500
New York City $10,750
Los Angeles, CA $38,450
Houston, TX $8,600
Chicago, IL $8,300
Philadelphia, PA $9,450

Garage remodel return on investment

The value of your home may be lowered when converting the garage into a living space. The garage is a very important selling feature for most buyers, especially for those in geographic areas with low temperatures. However, this doesn’t mean that you will have to let your garage as it is and not convert it if it is what you want.

Also, as a general rule, it is recommended by the experts to not remodel your garage if you plan on selling your house in the near future.

But there is an exception to this rule. The value of your home may increase if you choose to convert the garage into a rental unit. Moreover, there are states that encourage their residents to remodel and convert their garages into rental spaces because in this way more affordable living opportunities are created. In an effort to lower the high rental cost, California state has passed a state law that will make it easier for homeowners to convert their garages.

What are the extra costs?

In case there is no window in the garage, you will have to cut one. It is required by the building codes to have a window that is large enough for a person to get through in case of emergency in all living spaces. Plan on spending another $1,100 to have a window cut and installed.

How to choose a contractor?

Garage remodelingSearching for a contractor to help you with remodeling your garage may be pretty difficult, but here are some tips to help you with this decision.

First of all, look for a professional with experience in remodeling and converting garages. Ask for pictures of the previous projects as a good contractor will be able to show you some garage conversion designs made by him.

Search for multiple price offers and choose the one that works the best for you. However, pay attention to the quotes which are very low or high. A low price may mean low quality, but the highest price doesn’t mean the best services.

Ask for references and do some background research about the company you intend to hire. Also, you can call the local building department and get some information about the contractor you are interested in.

Be sure the contractor you hire is insured and licensed. In case the company you are hiring is not insured, you will be financially responsible for any accidents that may happen on your property during the construction.

Finally, ask for a written arrangement where all the details are listed such as the start date and the end date of the project and all anticipated costs, including the costs of labor and materials.

Alec Pow
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