Below is a guest post on the subject of converting your garage into livable space to then rent out as a source of income.  Maybe a good idea , maybe not….but even if you don’t want or need to do a conversion of the garage to lease out, you may still want to use it as additional living space for yourself.   Perhaps a teen hang out space?  Or a men’s den?

While it is not as easy to do as simply putting down an area rug and adding a sofa, it can be done much more easily than building an add on structure from the ground up.

Converting Garage Into a Living Space

Cities all around the country are experiencing tremendous growth in real estate and asset prices, and people are looking for ways to cope (or cash in) on the recent spike in rent prices. If you are a homeowner who perhaps is recently out of work, or just are looking for another stream of income, then perhaps you should consider converting your garage into a living space.

Perhaps your child has just graduated college and is having trouble finding work. While their old bedroom has been demolished and rebuilt into your new library, the garage is still a viable spot for them to live, with a quick renovation. San Francisco, New York, and other cities in the United States are seeing astronomical rent prices, so there’s a chance that your new rental space could be quite a cash cow, even if it is just a spruced up garage. here are several reasons to consider renovating your garage into a living space. There are several aspects to consider, which we have outlined below.

Remodeling Essentials

When you are remodeling your garage into a living space, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. If the garage is attached to the house, then you will need to think about how the renter will be able to access this space. Will they be passing through the main house to access the space? A detached garage will require more insulation, as it is a separate structure from the main dwelling. Many people are renting out these spaces as “mother in law” units, especially in college towns where students are looking for a cheap place to sleep.

Insulation and Temperature Control

Windows and doors are where the vast majority of heat is lost from a structure, so your first priority is ensuring that these areas are insulated with high quality materials. Insulated windows and doors can do an incredible job on cutting heating and cooling bills, and they are definitely worth the investment. Since a garage door is much larger than a standard door, insulating this door is especially important for temperature control.

Living spaces likely require more privacy than the typical garage, so be sure to install blinds and curtain rods. Likewise, you will want to make sure that the door used to access the room has a lock and is working smoothly. If the floor is concrete, then it can be dreadfully cold in the winter. Installing snap-in wooden flooring is a relatively cheap way to make the space more attractive and livable.

Interior design Considerations

Garages are small, so you should focus on creating utilitarian shelving and storage spaces that allow people to organize their things and avoid clutter. Installing a wooden or vinyl flooring will ensure that the floor is more comfortable and cohesive.

Pay attention to the lighting in the room. A nice floor and new blinds won’t make up for a single lightbulb dangling bare from the ceiling, attached with a bright orange extension cord. Even a cheap overhead lighting fixture coupled with a lamp or two can make a space look much more cozy. Christmas lights are popular lighting choices for students, and they’re quite affordable to boot.

Shelving and modular furniture can be very useful for using a garage as a living space. A futon is another student staple, and the ability to use it as a couch and a bed makes it very attractive for someone living on a small budget. Tables with integrated cabinets and storage can meet a variety of needs in one piece, allowing you to save space and maximize usefulness to the user.

Natural wood materials are very on-trend and also match the rustic charm of converting a garage into a living space. Consider drying a tree stump and using it as an end table. Raw wooden planks can also be painted with bold colors for a more edgy look. No matter what decorative palette you use, it will be a hit as long as the space is inviting and functional. Following these tips will help you renovate your garage a desirable and attractive living space. Renters will be flocking to rent out your space, and your wallet will be much heavier.