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Converting a garage is worth it because it can significantly increase your home's value while providing additional living space for your family or guests. Adding a bedroom or bathroom enhances your property's appeal to potential buyers, and creating a guest suite or apartment can even generate passive rental income while you still own the house.

A garage conversion can take between two and six weeks for the construction work, depending on the size and complexity of the project. Before construction begins, you need to secure the proper building permits and hire a contractor. Keep in mind that contractors are often in high demand and might schedule several weeks out. If your garage conversion is extensive or involves significant structural changes, the timeline could extend to eight weeks or more. For attached garages, the proximity to your living space may cause some disruption during construction.

To make your garage livable, at a minimum, you need to insulate the walls, add in legally required egress windows, install flooring, put up drywall, and add in air conditioning and heating. If you intend to use the space as a bedroom, office, bathroom, or kitchen, you will need to consider additional electrical and plumbing needs.

A garage conversion counts as living space when it meets certain criteria. The converted garage must be attached to your home and include permanent features like proper insulation, finished walls and ceilings, and adequate ventilation. It should be suitable for year-round living, with heating and cooling systems to maintain comfortable temperatures in all seasons. Meeting these standards allows the converted space to be included in your home's total square footage, potentially increasing its value.

In most cases, you do not need to hire an architect for a garage conversion. An experienced garage conversion contractor usually has the skills to help create your desired design and ensure the project meets building codes. However, if your conversion involves complex structural changes or a large-scale redesign, hiring an architect can be beneficial. An architect can provide detailed plans and oversee the design to maximize space and functionality, ensuring the conversion aligns with your vision and complies with all regulations.