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Did you know that according to an American Housing Study, that while 80% of homeowners have garages, only a small portion actually use them for parking? This probably doesn’t come as a surprise. Garages tend to act as storage containers sooner or later.
While in some markets garages are prized for their convenience versus on-street parking. If this isn’t an issue in your area, converting your garage can boost your property value. Moreover, a well-designed, functional garage conversion that flows with the rest of your home’s design is typically more affordable than an add-on.
With this in mind, read on for our top garage conversion ideas to get you started.
- Living Room
Is your garage located adjacent to your kitchen? You can open up your home’s layout and add more space by converting your garage into an extra living room or dining area.
Consider your home’s blueprints and your home’s layout. See if converting your layout will lend to the flow of your home. For instance, perhaps your garage can have more than two entrances that act as a connection to another wing of your home.
- Office Space
You may be wondering if your narrow, one-car garage could be converted effectively. If you consider the function of the space before you begin your renovations, you’ll realize you still have a wealth of options. Furthermore, an experienced contractor can do an assessment of the space and make their best recommendations.
Narrow garages can be converted into a small office space, an extra guest bathroom, or even a combination of the two. Consider adding a skylight during your conversion: lots of natural light will help the space feel less confined.
- Entertainment Room
Any home that comes with an entertainment room is automatically seen as more luxurious. Not only that, but an entertainment room can serve large or small families. A growing family can use it as a playroom for their children.
Teenagers can use it as a gaming room – virtual reality games need a lot of space, after all. Maybe your potential buyer collects arcade games or is a big cinema buff that would appreciate a dedicated movie room.
- Art Studio
Consider the city where you live and whether there’s a thriving art scene. Creating a dedicated art studio will attract those local buyers. Create built-in workbenches or comfortable seating.
You can even save money by utilizing an industrial theme and keeping the concrete and metal elements of your garage. Glass panels added to the garage doors will let in natural light and also contribute to that industrial theme.
- Spare Bedroom
An extra bedroom is always a welcome option for homes. Consider saving space with a sofa bed instead of a traditional bed so you can include other attractive elements such as a desk and a built-in closet.
- Home Gym
Focus on creating a comfortable, attractive home gym that focuses on functionality. Include a small bathroom, flat-screen televisions, wall-length mirrors, and of course air conditioning.
If you have any kind of gym equipment lying around the house, this will actually be detrimental to how potential buyers view your property. This is because realtors often recommend that each room should have a specific function. Gym equipment in your living room or tucked away in the corner of the dining room will make your house appear more cramped and chaotic.
- Vanity Room
Create a comfortable, well-lit space that’s dedicated to beauty. Vanity rooms can be built with built-in vanities, comfortable seating, and extra storage for clothes and makeup. This is a great option for small, one-car garages as not a lot of space is required to create a comfortable vanity room that’s stocked with the essentials.
- Short Term Rental
Mitigating your mortgage with rent payments is a smart way to attract buyers, especially if you live in an area with a lot of nearby, desirable amenities like beach access or a populated downtown area. This is a great option for larger, double garages. Create a chic, functional, and comfortable space for vacationers with a mini-home that mimics a studio space.
- Mudroom/Utility Room
Spacious utility rooms are appealing to large families that need to deal with multiple loads of laundry, messy kids, or need extra storage. Make sure to include lots of countertop space to set items down on your way in and out or to fold laundry. Spacious built-ins that offer storage for cleaning products, winter clothes, and even garden tools will provide extra value.
A mudroom is especially useful if your house has a pool. People will have a dedicated space to store their wet clothes or even to take a shower before they enter the house.
- Lounge and Bar
Buyers who entertain often will find a dedicated space for entertaining, lounging, and imbibing to be especially attractive. Including built-in shelves to store liqueur and large countertop space that can be laden with food or a card game adds extra versatility.
Garage Conversion Ideas: More Ideas Than You Think
There are numerous garage conversion ideas available to you. No matter what idea you choose, ensure that the conversion is well-designed so that there’s a seamless transition from your converted garage to the rest of the home.
If it’s noticeable that the space used to be a garage, this could actually be a detriment to your property value.
Want more ideas on how to increase the value of your home? Keep reading our blog for more insightful tips on how to renovate and transform your property.
