A Garage Reborn: From Storage to Sanctuary
When my husband Craig first suggested turning our garage into a bedroom and bathroom, I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical. It seemed like such a massive undertaking – how on earth could we transform that dusty, cluttered space into a cozy, functional living area? But as soon as I found out I was pregnant and our two-bedroom house was going to feel downright cramped, I started to warm up to the idea.
What started as a simple sketch on the back of a napkin ended up becoming a beautiful, fully-realized project that added significant living space to our home. And you know what? It was totally worth the effort. Not only did it give us the extra room we needed, but it also increased the value of our house. Looking back, I’m so glad we took on this challenge.
Navigating the Permit Process
Of course, before we could start knocking down walls and running plumbing, we had to make sure we were doing everything by the book. The permitting process for a garage conversion can vary widely depending on where you live, so it’s important to do your research upfront.
In our case, we submitted our floor plan to the town, got a permit to do the work, and then had the town inspectors come out to check the plumbing and electrical. It was a straightforward process, but I know that’s not always the case. Some areas have much stricter requirements, so you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the local guidelines and zoning laws before moving forward.
One thing I’ll emphasize is the importance of doing things properly and legally. Trying to cut corners could result in fines down the road, and it could also be a major headache if you ever decide to sell your home. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort to make sure everything is above board.
Laying the Foundation
Once we had the green light from the town, it was time to start the actual renovation work. The first step was preparing the garage to become a livable indoor space. We got a shed to put our storage items in, clearing out the garage so we had a blank slate to work with.
Next, Craig tackled the subfloor. He built a sturdy foundation using 2x10s, insulating it with fiberglass and topping it with 3/4-inch tongue-and-groove plywood. The goal was to seamlessly match the new floor height with the existing flooring in the house. It was a crucial step that set the stage for everything that came after.
With the subfloor in place, we could move on to the framing. Craig removed the existing ceiling joists and collar ties, replacing them with three 2×10 support beams to create a lofted ceiling. He also built the interior walls and doors to separate the bedroom, bathroom, and hallway.
Bringing in the Experts
Of course, we knew we’d need some professional help for the more technical aspects of the project. After the framing was done, we scheduled the electrician and plumber to come in and do the rough-in work.
The electricians installed the wiring for the ceiling lights, outlets, and switches so Craig could plan accordingly when it came time to hang the drywall. And the plumbers put in the rough plumbing for the shower, vanity sinks, and toilet – which we were able to connect to the basement through a hole in the subfloor.
We also had a company come in and do spray foam insulation in the ceiling. Let me tell you, that stuff is a game-changer when it comes to energy efficiency. And there are some great tax incentives available for using it, so be sure to check with your accountant.
Bringing It All Together
With the major infrastructure work taken care of, it was time for the fun part – the finishes! Craig installed the drywall, taped and plastered the seams, and then sanded everything down to a smooth finish. He opted for a vaulted ceiling, using a mix of 1x8s and 1x10s that he painted with a crisp white.
In the bathroom, Craig built the shower walls to fit the pre-made shower pan, using cement board and layers of Venetian plaster for a beautifully seamless look. He also tiled the floor with a gorgeous hand-painted Fireclay tile, using white grout to really make the colors pop.
The last major step was the flooring. We went with Sawyer Mason’s prefinished oak planks – they have such a rich, warm look that perfectly complemented the rest of the space. Craig installed the baseboards and window trim to really polish things off.
The Final Touches
With the big construction tasks out of the way, it was time to add those little finishing touches that really make a space feel like home. Craig installed the vanity, sinks, toilet, and shower door, and we brought in our IKEA wardrobes to maximize the storage.
The end result is a cozy, inviting bedroom and bathroom that blends seamlessly with the rest of our house. It’s incredible to see how we were able to transform that old, cluttered garage into such a functional and beautiful living area. And let me tell you, having that extra space has been an absolute game-changer for our family.
A Lesson in Perseverance
Looking back, I’m in awe of how much work went into this project. It was the biggest renovation we’d ever taken on, and there were definitely some challenges along the way. Between my pregnancy hormones, a newborn, and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were times when it felt like it would never come together.
But Craig is nothing if not determined, and his meticulous planning and problem-solving skills kept us on track. Even when we hit roadblocks or had to pivot our plans, he never lost sight of the end goal. And I’m so grateful for his dedication, because the end result is truly breathtaking.
A Glimpse into the Future
This garage conversion project has left us feeling inspired and emboldened. If we could take on something this ambitious and pull it off, just imagine what else we’re capable of. In fact, we’re already dreaming up plans to tackle a similar project in our Vermont home, which also has a garage we’d love to transform.
I can’t wait to see what we come up with and how we’ll put our newfound skills and know-how to the test. One thing’s for sure – I’ll be documenting the entire journey on our website. After all, if our garage conversion story can inspire and inform other homeowners, then the hard work will have been more than worth it.
So if you’re considering a garage-to-living-space transformation of your own, take it from someone who’s been there: it’s a big undertaking, but the rewards are so, so worth it. With the right planning, the right team, and a healthy dose of determination, you can turn that dusty old garage into the sanctuary of your dreams.
