How much does a garage conversion cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does a garage conversion cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does a garage conversion cost?

$3,000 – $17,000drywall and finishing renovation cost
$5,000 – $50,000+cost to convert garage to living space

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$3,000 – $17,000 drywall and finishing renovation cost

$5,000 – $50,000+ cost to convert garage to living space


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Tara Farmer
Written by
Tara Farmer
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Tom Grupa

Garage conversion cost

A professional garage conversion costs $5,000 to $50,000+ on average, depending on the size and living space type. The cost to convert a garage to a bedroom is $5,000 to $17,000. A garage-to-apartment conversion costs $20,000 to $100,000+. The cost to finish a garage is $10 to $30 per square foot.

Garage conversion cost
Finish Average cost (per square foot) Average total cost Includes
Partial renovation $1 – $10 $500 – $5,000 Cosmetic updates, new paint, resurfaced flooring, or new door.
Full remodel (finished garage) $10 – $30 $3,000 – $17,000 New flooring, custom cabinets and storage, finished walls, new garage doors, etc.
Conversion to living space $50 – $200 $5,000 – $50,000+ New floors, new wall, windows, insulation, drywall, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.

Get free estimates from garage conversion contractors near you.

Cost to convert garage to living space

The cost to convert a garage to a living space depends on the new space's intended purpose and requirements. Converting a garage to a fully functional apartment with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen involves significantly more labor and materials than converting the space to a home gym or utility room.

Cost to convert a garage to a living space
Living space Average cost
Bedroom $5,000 – $17,000
Home gym cost $2,000 – $9,000
Kitchen $6,000 – $54,000
Living room $5,000 – $10,000
Office $5,000 – $10,000
Utility room / mudroom $3,000 – $6,000
ADU / apartment / in-law suite / studio $20,000 – $100,000+

Cost to convert garage to a bedroom

Converting a garage into a bedroom costs $5,000 to $17,000. Small bedrooms with basic elements— a window, insulation, drywall, flooring, outlets and switches, HVAC, and a closet—fall at the low end of the price range. Larger bed/bath suites cost more due to the extra space, fixtures, and plumbing.

Cost to convert garage into a studio apartment or in-law suite

The cost to convert a garage into an apartment or in-law suite is $20,000 to $100,000+, depending on the size and features. Full conversions involve framing, drywall, building a bathroom and kitchen, adding heating and cooling, and finishing the interior. New doors and windows may be required for code compliance.

Covert garage to kitchen cost

Converting a garage to a kitchen costs $6,000 to $54,000+, depending on the size, design, features, materials, and appliances. A basic kitchen needs plumbing, electrical, flooring, insulation, drywall, and ventilation. Cabinets or storage shelves and countertops also add to the cost.

Most kitchens require one or more dedicated electrical circuits.

Cost to turn garage into office room

The average cost to turn convert a garage to an office is $5,000 to $10,000. Office essentials include insulation, drywall, a window, lighting and electrical outlets, HVAC, Wi-Fi or high-speed internet, and updated flooring. Most offices have one or more desks and cabinets or other storage furniture.

Cost to turn garage into a living room

Turning a garage into a living room costs $5,000 to $10,000 on average, the same as s simple bedroom or office as they share the same basic requirements—a window, electrical wiring, insulation, drywall, heating/cooling, and updated flooring. Remember to budget for comfortable seating and entertainment options.

A garage converted into a living room.
A garage converted into a living room.

Cost to convert garage to a utility room

The average cost to convert a garage to a utility room is $3,000 to $6,000. Utility rooms typically house laundry appliances, storage options, and possibly a sink, requiring electrical wiring, plumbing, ventilation, insulation, and drywall at a minimum.

  • Laundry areas require at least one dedicated 20-amp circuit for code compliance.

  • Consider shock-absorbing flooring to reduce the laundry appliance sounds and vibrations from affecting nearby rooms.

Cost to enclose a carport and turn into a room

The cost to turn a carport into a room is $7,000 to $20,000+, depending on the new room type and requirements and whether the carport's foundation and roof are up to current building codes.

The average cost to convert a carport to a garage is $25,000, with a typical range of $10,000 to $40,000. However, costs can go as low as $6,000 or as high as $65,000+.

An attached carport typically costs less to enclose than a detached structure because it already has one or more walls in place and often has the same foundation footings as the house, requiring less construction to create a code-compliant space.

Cost to remodel a garage by size

Cost to remodel a garage by size
Garage size Full remodel and finishing Convert to living space
1-car $2,900 – $11,800 $5,000 – $20,000+
2-car $4,000 – $17,300 $10,000 – $50,000+
3-car $5,800 – $25,900 $30,000 – $75,000+
4-car $8,600 – $47,500 $50,000 – $100,000+
RV / camper van $5,000 – $15,000 $15,000 – $35,000+

Cost to finish a garage

The cost to finish a garage is $500 to $5,000 for partial cosmetic updates like new paint, flooring, and a new door. A fully finished garage costs $3,000 to $17,000 and typically includes new floors, finished walls, upgraded garage doors, and custom storage. Finished garages still function as parking and storage.

  • Most finished garages have no open or exposed walls or beams.

  • A finished garage may also include insulation, electrical work, and textured or painted walls.

Get free estimates from garage conversion contractors near you.
A home garage finished with custom storage cabinets and a workbench.
A home garage finished with custom storage cabinets and a workbench.

Garage remodel cost factors

Garage remodel cost factors
Finish Average cost
Custom cabinets and storage $1,100 – $3,700
Debris removal $150 – $800
Drywall $800 – $5,000
Ducts and vents (per duct run) $400 – $600
Ductless AC $2,000 – $15,000
Garage door replacement $400 – $3,700+
Install car lift $2,500 – $5,500
Outlets (each) $150 – $800
Plumbing (per fixture) $450 – $1,800
Raise / level garage floor $300 – $5,400
Soundproofing $2,800 – $17,400
Wall framing $1,000 – $5,000
Windows (each) $150 – $1,000
Exterior makeover $1,000 – $6,000
Permit fees $1,000 – $2,000
Debris removal cost $150 – $800
Insulation $1 – $3+ per square foot
Flooring installation cost $2 – $23 per square foot
Painting $1 – $3 per square foot

A major factor affecting the cost to remodel a garage is the garage size. Other cost factors include:

  • Garage type – A detached garage typically costs more to remodel than an attached garage due to the added labor to connect plumbing and electrical lines. A detached garage may also require foundation work to bring the footing depth up to code when converting to a living space.

  • Garage age & condition – Repairs add to the renovation project cost.

  • Renovation type – A simple cosmetic update costs much less than a conversion to an in-law suite or accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

  • Contractor rates – Most garage conversion contractors charge a flat fee of 10% to 20% of the total project cost to coordinate and manage the renovation.

  • Material quality – High-end materials add to the remodeling cost but are more durable and longer lasting than cheaper materials.

  • Insurance – Homeowners insurance may need adjustment if the garage renovation adds square footage to the home's livable space footprint.

  • Accessibility –Connecting to the plumbing and electrical lines may require breaking through concrete or drywall, increasing labor and material costs.

  • Additions – A garage extension costs $60 to $120 per square foot on average.

Garage conversion plans

Hiring an architect or a design-build contractor to develop and draft a plan is the first step in the garage conversion process. The professional to hire and the fees they charge depend on the geographical region and local building and permitting requirements.

  • Hiring an architect costs $100 to $250 per hour or 5% to 20% of the construction cost. Some cities require a licensed architect or engineer signature when submitting the proposed plan for permit approval.

  • Detailed blueprints cost $0.35 to $5.00 per square foot. Non-certified site plans cost $100 to $250 but some areas do not accept them for permit approval.

  • A structural engineer charges $100 to $220 per hour or 1% to 5% of the renovation construction cost to assess the existing structure and confirm the project's safety and code compliance.

Garage walls, windows, doors, and floors

The cost of walls, windows, doors, and floors when remodeling a garage depends highly on the existing garage condition and the scale of the conversion. Converting an unfinished garage into a home gym requires less labor and materials than converting it to a multi-room living space.

Consider these potential installation costs when renovating a garage:

  • Framing – Wall framing costs $11 to $32 per square foot, including labor and materials.

  • Insulation – The cost to insulate a garage is $0.50 to $3.00+ per square foot for labor and materials. An attached garage typically already has some insulation in the adjoining wall but will require insulation in the remaining walls to create a living space.

  • Drywall - The average cost to drywall a garage is $800 to $5,000 with professional installation, depending on the size and the drywall finish level. Converting a garage to a multiple room space requires more drywall work, costing $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot of wall or ceiling surface.

  • Paint – Interior painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot, including labor. Total cost depends on the garage size, number of walls painted, and whether including the ceiling, doors, and trim.

  • Windows – Window installation costs $150 to $1,000 for labor and materials to install a new full-frame window. Building codes may require a window for fire safety if removing the garage door access during a garage conversion.

  • Soundproofing – Soundproofing costs $2,800 to $17,400 for the entire garage or $10 to $30 per square foot.

  • Floors – Garage flooring installation costs $4 to $15 per square foot, depending on the type. Epoxy coating costs $4 to $10 per square foot or $1,600 to $5,800 for a 2-car garage. Consider epoxy coating when converting the garage to something other than a full living space, such as a utility room or a home gym.

  • Doors

Garage electrical remodeling cost

Garage electrical remodeling cost depends on the type of renovation and number of outlets and fixtures needed. Most garage conversions require at least one new 20-amp circuit. Renovations including a bathroom, kitchen, or new heavy-duty appliances may require one or more dedicated circuits.

Garage electrical remodeling costs
Factor Average cost
Electrician labor cost $40 – $100 per hour
120V outlet installation cost (per outlet) $150 – $350
220V outlet installation cost (per outlet) $250 – $800
Light switch cost (per switch) $100 – $300
Ceiling fan installation cost (per fixture) $150 – $350
Dedicated circuit cost (per circuit) $250 – $900
Subpanel cost (one panel) $500 – $1,700

Garage bathroom or kitchen plumbing cost

Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour to install new plumbing and most have a $50 to $200 minimum call-out fee. Total cost depends on accessibility and the number of new lines and fixtures. Adding a simple half-bath costs much less than installing a full bathroom and working kitchen.

  • Installing new plumbing pipes costs $450 to $1,800 per fixture. Installation costs are higher if the new fixtures are far from the existing plumbing lines.

  • The cost to add a bathroom is $20,000 to $30,000+ for a full bathroom. Large bathrooms with luxury items like a double vanity or garden tub fall at the high end of the range.

  • Installation costs increase significantly if the new plumbing lines require digging up and repouring concrete or if you share a sewer line with neighbors.

Cost to raise or level garage floor

The average cost to raise a garage floor is $1,100 to $5,400 for the whole floor or $300 to $2,000 to level 2 to 4 sections, depending on the method used. Mudjacking costs less than foam jacking but takes longer to cure and creates larger hole patches in the concrete.

  • Raising or leveling the garage floor costs 50% to 80% less than replacing the floor with new concrete.

  • Garage floors are often lower than the rest of the house and are typically sloped for drainage away from the home.

Garage conversion permit cost

A garage conversion permit costs $1,000 to $2,000 on average for an attached garage. Permits for converting a detached garage to an apartment or in-law suite typically cost more. Some cities charge flat permit fees, while others assess the permit fee as a percentage of the project cost.

Garage air conditioning and heating

New ductwork installation costs $400 to $600 per duct run when connecting the garage to the home's HVAC system. Ductless mini-split installation costs $2,000 to $6,000 for one zone or up to $15,000+ for a multi-zone system needed when converting to an ADU or multiple room living space.

Garage conversion FAQs

Does a garage conversion add value to a house?

A garage conversion adds value to a house in some cases but not others. In an area where square footage is highly valued, the added living space with proper permitting may add value. Converting a garage in a cold region or area with limited parking options may devalue the property.

  • Avoid converting a garage in a neighborhood where most homes have one.

  • Convert the garage in a way that potential buyers can easily convert it back if desired.

  • Most real estate experts recommend against garage conversions if planning to sell the house in the next 5 years. Make functional improvements instead, like replacing a heavy manual garage door with a lightweight aluminum automatic model or refinishing the floor with a high-traffic, low-maintenance coating.

How can I make my garage livable?

Depending on the intended use of the space, the basic requirements to make your garage livable and building code compliant may include:

  • Raising or leveling the floor.

  • Installing flooring.

  • Insulating and drywalling the walls and ceiling.

  • Replacing the garage door with an insulated exterior wall.

  • Installing at least one window for fire safety compliance.

  • Installing an interior door, exterior door, or both.

  • Installing heating and cooling or connecting to the home's HVAC system if it can support the added space.

  • Connecting plumbing lines and installing fixtures if the living space includes a bathroom, kitchen, or utilities.

How long does a garage conversion take?

A garage conversion takes 1 to 8+ weeks for construction, depending on the conversion type and the garage size and condition. The planning, design, and permitting process—required before construction begins—may add 2 weeks to several months to the project timeline.

Do I need an architect for a garage conversion?

You may need an architect for a garage conversion as many areas require a proposed floor plan signed by a licensed architect or engineer for permit approval. Hiring an architect, design-build contractor, or other registered building professional ensures the garage conversion is safe and code compliant.

Get free estimates from garage conversion contractors near you.

Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion?

You may need a planning permit for a garage conversion, depending on the regulations in your area and the type of conversion. Research local government permit requirements and zoning guidelines and check HOA rules if applicable. Some areas have detailed restrictions on the types of garage conversions allowed.

Getting estimates from garage remodeling contractors

Before hiring a garage remodeling contractor near you, be sure to:

  • Get at least three detailed estimates to compare. Compare the details of each estimate against your own list of must-haves.

  • Hire a company that is licensed, bonded, insured, and has been in business at least five years.

  • Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

  • Ask for references with contact information.

  • Ask for a portfolio of past renovation projects.

  • Check local regulations before renovating the garage to an alternative space. Some cities require a specific amount of covered parking.

  • Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.

  • Never pay in full before the project is complete.

Questions to ask

  • What experience do you have remodeling garages?

  • Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

  • What does the estimate include?

  • What additional costs should I expect?

  • How long will the renovation take?

  • What permits do I need, and will you handle the permitting process?

  • How do you handle damages if they happen on the job?