A garage is not just a place to park your car or keep some boxes. It’s also a great place to add extra living space to your home, and with the right tips, you can make the most of it. Above the garage home additions are becoming increasingly popular due to their affordability and convenience. Here are some tips to keep in mind when planning such an addition.
Research Local Regulations
Before beginning any project, it is important to research local regulations and zoning laws. Yes, making renovations to your own home may require extra permission before work can start. Find out if there are any restrictions on height or size for your garage home addition project. Make sure you also check with your municipality about permits or other paperwork you have to file.
For example, you may need to obtain a building permit if you plan on making any structural changes to the garage or constructing an entirely new above the garage home addition. You should also inquire about water and sewage hookups, as well as any other utilities that may need to be connected.
Consult With a Home Appraiser
A home appraiser can give you a sense of what type of return on investment you will receive after adding a living space to your garage. Such information should be part of your decision-making process. An appraiser can also provide insight into the current market value of your home, as well as how much additional value the addition could bring.
Depending on how much space you have to work with, you may be able to add a new room or small apartment. This would be beneficial in terms of rental income. However, you have to make sure such an addition will work for your home and your area.
Research Other Renovations in Neighborhood
Find out what other renovations and home additions your neighbors have done. Seeing what others have done in the past can give you a better idea of what is possible with the space available to you. It will also help you identify which features are common and desired so that you can incorporate them into your design.
For example, you may want to add a balcony or deck to the space over your garage. This could be part of an outdoor living space that could give you extra living space and improve the overall value of your home. Researching other renovations in your neighborhood will help you decide which features are best suited to your needs.
Find The Right Home Contractor
Taking on an above the garage home addition is a major project and will require professional help. Before starting, you should create a list of contractors for your needs. Consider hiring an architect or designer to help with the floor plan and design of your addition. Depending on the scope of the project, you may also need to hire a general home contractor, electrician, plumber, roofer, or other specialists. This will ensure you find the right home contractor.
It’s important to get quotes from several contractors before settling on one. Make sure they are licensed and insured and read reviews to get an idea of their quality of work. You may also want to ask for references and contact them to ensure that you’re comfortable with the contractor’s work.
Get Necessary Supplies
Once you have hired the necessary professionals, you can start gathering supplies to get the ball rolling on this home addition. The materials you need will depend on the type of addition and its size. You may have to look into dumpster rentals for debris removal.
For interior work, you may need to get some paint, lumber, drywall, and other building materials. You may also need to hire a local plumbing service for water hookups, as well as an electrician for wiring and lighting.
Prepare the Garage
Before beginning any construction, you should prep your garage. This includes checking for any problems that need to be addressed before the addition is built, such as a leaky roof or faulty wiring. You may also want to hire an AC repair company and a drain cleaning service to make sure everything is in good working order.
Make the space doesn’t have any debris or clutter and consider investing in a water filter or water purification system if necessary. Pave a way for door contractors to enter and exit the garage by clearing a path or creating an access point.
Invest in an Irrigation System
With an above the garage home addition, water services may be required to keep the lawn or garden healthy. Investing in an irrigation system will not only help you maintain your landscaping, but it will also save you time and money in the long run.
When looking for irrigation companies, consider their services and prices carefully. Quality irrigation systems require professional installation, so make sure to hire a reliable contractor who can do the job right. Water irrigation helps keep your plants healthy and can even help reduce water waste.
Invest in a New Door
Depending on the design of your garage, you may need to invest in a new door for the addition. Choose one that is both stylish and secure to make sure your home is safe from intruders. Door contractors can help you pick out the best style and material for your garage.
Is your garage a standalone structure from your main house? If so, you may also consider adding a door between the two. This will help connect the spaces and make it easier to access the garage. If you plan on making the standalone garage into a separate apartment rental, the aesthetics of the door will be even more important.
You may need a new door installed above the garage if you plan to use the above area as a living space accessible from the outside. A quality door is essential for keeping out the elements, as well as providing privacy. You may also need to install a staircase for outside private access as well.
AC Installation
Completing your above the garage home addition may include installing an AC unit. You may want to have a professional come to your home and look at the space before making any purchase decisions. AC installation requires proper wiring and an experienced contractor, so make sure you hire someone who knows what they’re doing.
For an apartment rental or extra bedroom in a hot climate, installing a new AC or doing AC repair to an existing unit in the space can play a huge role in how comfortable people are in the space. Make sure to maintain your AC unit regularly to avoid any problems.
Call a Plumber
When adding a new living space that you want to stand alone as a studio or apartment, or office space, functioning plumbing is a must. You should call a plumber as soon as possible to make sure everything is running smoothly. This may include connecting the waste lines, installing new pipes, or putting in new fixtures. Your plumber can also help you with water purification systems and other plumbing issues.
A drain cleaning service may also be necessary to keep your pipes clean and clear of clogs. This will help ensure that any wastewater is disposed of properly, so it won’t affect the water quality in your home or the environment.
Appliance Shopping
No living space is complete without the right appliances. Depending on how you plan to use the new space once it’s complete, you may need a refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, coffee machine, or other appliances. Visit a local appliance store to see what options are available and get the right size for your space.
You can also look into water purification systems or a simple faucet water filter to guarantee safe drinking water. Properly filtered water is essential for any living space, as it can reduce the number of contaminants and pollutants in your home’s water supply.
Take Lots of Photos
Take lots of photos throughout the entire home addition process. It’ll help you document any issues that come up and can help contractors figure out the best solutions for your needs. Photos can also be helpful when working with dumpster rentals, as you’ll have proof of any garbage or debris that was collected.
Documenting the entire process also helps you track any home contractor costs and can be useful if you ever plan to resell the home. Having some before and after shots is also handy for showing off your work to friends and family.
Reasons To Consider Garage Home Addition
Increase Home Value
Adding a living space above the garage is an excellent way to increase your home’s value, as it can be rented out or used for visitors. It is also an excellent opportunity to add some extra square footage if your home is a bit on the small side. The ROI on additional living space can be quite high.
Add a Workout Room
Don’t feel like driving to a gym but want to stay in shape? Your home renovation over the garage is a great way to create a small and well-equipped home gym without taking up too much space in the main house. You can also use it for yoga, dance classes, or any other type of workout.
Create a Home Office
Working from home? An above the garage home addition can be turned into a cozy office with all the necessary amenities, like internet and electricity. As long as you install a water filter and get some appliances, you won’t have to interrupt your work day to get anything. This way, you can have a dedicated space for work and keep the house free from distractions.
Invite Family and Friends
If your home is too crowded or small, your garage will come in handy. A comfortable space over the garage will make it easier to host family or friends for an extended period. You can also use it for overnight guests, creating a cozy and private living space without intruding on your own.
Keep Rental Occupants Separate
More and more people are using Airbnb or other services to rent out rooms or space in their homes. An above the garage home addition is a great way to provide extra living space for renters without intruding on your daily life. This type of space is useful if you are just getting started with short-term rental services and want to keep things apart from your own home.
Tax Benefits
In some cases, you may be eligible for tax deductions if you use the above the garage home addition as a rental property. Consult your local tax experts to see what deductions you may be able to receive for using the space as a rental. Having a separate space as a designated home office for your business is tax deductible. If you make any energy-efficient updates in your garage addition, those also come with some tax breaks to benefit your home budget.
Whether you’re looking to increase your home’s value, create a workout room, or invite family and friends for an extended stay, an above the garage home addition can be a great option. Gone are the days when the garage only served the purpose of keeping your car locked up. Thanks to home renovation advancements and design inspiration, homeowners can utilize their garage space in more creative and functional ways. To ensure a successful project, hire experienced door contractors, local plumbing service providers, and irrigation companies. With the right research and effort, you can have an amazing home addition in no time.
