Some just see a garage and nothing more, but you see a little more. You see that your garage can be turned into an extra room or perhaps a living area. The following are just a few pointers to consider if you are thinking about converting your garage into something else.Zoning and Permits
You have to make sure that you check with the city, which has to approve your additional living space. There are many things that the city is going to want you to do like bringing the garage up to living conditions. Of course, you can hire a contractor to help make sure your garage is up to code.
Check on Property Values
It may be a good idea to see if adding this additional room is going to devalue your home. You do not want to do this because it may become harder to sell your home if you ever need to. One way you can do this is to see if all the homes in your neighborhood have garages. Those who notice that every home has a garage should rethink this move as it brings down your value. You can also contact a real estate agent to help you find out if this is a good idea.
Store What Needs Storing
You need to make sure that you take care of the things in your garage that you care about. Converting a garage into a living space may cause you to get rid of things without really thinking it through. You do not want to do this and risk getting rid of something you might need later. True, you do not have any space for these items, which is the reason you should consider a good storage facility like Overholt and Sons. You want a clean storage facility that controls temperature to keep critters away while your belongings are kept safely.
Dumpster is in Need
You are going to need a dumpster rental on those days you plan to move things out of your garage. You may not think you have a lot to throw away, but you never know. There is no need to overflow your trashcans, especially because you have your own household waste to deal with, so renting a dumpster is a good idea for your big cleanup day or days. Be sure to check a few quotas around your neighborhood to make sure you are getting the best deal possible.
Consider Small Changes
It might be a good idea to start to thinking about the little things that are sometimes overlooked when converting a garage into living space. For one, it is important that you soundproof the walls or insulate the area. It might be a good idea to re-purpose the driveway to make it look less like a driveway, unless you want to use it to park your car there. You should also make sure you have a place to park your car if it’s not going to be in your driveway.
These are just some of the pointers to remember before making this change. It is a big change, so be sure to take your time to figure out if you are prepared for the renovation.