Garages are often an overlooked potential living space. Using a garage for this purpose can mean giving up the entire garage, or just a portion of it. It is important to evaluate your needs and decide the best way to use this space.

Practicalities

Converting a garage will take a few extra steps. It is not like any other room in the home where you can just change paint and floors and then add furniture. First, if your garage and home are on different ground heights, you may need to raise the floor a bit. This will prevent things like water from seeping into your new space. You also need to assess insulation, security, heating and air conditioning, plumbing and electricity. You will want the space to be functional all throughout the year, so all of these are necessary to make this happen.

Know Local Building Regulations

Since this is a remodel, your area may require certain permits before you can start work. This is especially true when things like electricity are involved because they often have to be inspected for safety and to ensure that it was installed properly. You can find contact information for your local office that handles permits on the internet.

Which Room Do You Want?

Once you have the practicalities and regulations all hashed out, it is time for the fun stuff. You will start to plan your room. Do you need an office? How about a family room? This space can become anything that you want. Now, before you head to the hardware and furniture stores, it is time to create your design. You should measure the space and note what the exact dimensions are. This is critical because not having exact figures can cause problems down the road. You should also sketch out things like furniture placement so that you have a rough idea of how things will go.

Getting the Lighting Right

Most garages are not the richest sources of natural light. This is where you have to decide on the right lighting strategy. You can install windows, but this can get pricey and might require a professional. Recessed lighting is always a good option because it is bright enough without being too much. It also takes up no space, making it ideal for areas that are a little smaller in size.

Outfitting Your Space

Having storage, the right furniture and a few decorative pieces is the final step in the process. For example, with the right cabinetry, Concord homeowners can ensure sufficient storage space without taking away from the overall function and aesthetic.

With this information, you can start to make your plans for your garage. Make sure to take your time with elements, such as lighting and cabinetry in Concord, so that everything is done right.