A professional garage conversion costs $50 to $200 per square foot or $5,000 to $50,000+, depending on the size and features of the new living space. A garage-to-apartment conversion costs $20,000 to $100,000+. This is typically a much more complex project involving framing, drywall, building a bathroom and kitchen, adding heating and cooling, and finishing the interior. You may also need new doors and windows to comply with local building and zoning codes.

If you want to give your garage a face lift but keep it functioning as a garage:

• A partial garage renovation focused on simple cosmetic updates like new paint, resurfaced flooring, or a new door costs $1 to $10 per square foot or about $500 to $5,000 total.
• Remodeling or finishing a garage costs $10 to $30 per square foot or $3,000 to $17,000 total on average for new flooring, integrated storage cabinets and shelves, finished walls, and a new garage door.

If you want to make your garage livable and meet building codes, the basic requirements may include.

• Leveling or raising the floor.
• Installing flooring.
• Adding insulation and drywall to the walls and ceiling.
• Replacing the garage door with an exterior wall and insulation.
• Installing one or more windows for fire safety compliance.
• Installing an exterior door, interior door, or both.
• Connecting to the home's HVAC system if it's sized large enough to handle the extra demand or install separate heating and cooling.
• Connecting plumbing pipes and installing fixtures if the living space includes a bathroom, kitchen, or utilities.

In certain instances, converting a garage can be a worthwhile investment for increasing a house's value. Properly permitted additional living space can be valuable in areas where square footage is highly valued. In regions or areas with cold climates and limited parking options, converting a garage may result in a devaluation of the property.

• Don't convert a garage in a neighborhood where the majority of houses already have one.
• Modify the garage in a manner that allows potential buyers to effortlessly revert the modifications.
• For those looking to sell their house within the next 5 years, most real estate experts discourage garage conversions. Consider making functional enhancements, like upgrading to an aluminum automatic garage door or applying a long-lasting, low-maintenance floor coating.

To obtain permit approval for a garage conversion, many areas require a proposed floor plan signed by a licensed architect or engineer. The safest and code-compliant option for a garage conversion is to hire an architect, design-build contractor, or another registered building professional.

A garage conversion may require a planning permit, depending on the regulations in your area and the type of conversion. Look up permit requirements and zoning guidelines for the local government, and if necessary, check HOA rules. The types of garage conversions permitted can be highly restricted in certain locations.

Depending on the garage type, size, and condition, a garage conversion can take between 1 to 8+ weeks for construction. The required planning, design, and permitting process may extend the project timeline by 2 weeks to several months.

Before you hire a garage remodeling contractor near you, remember to:

• Compare 3 to 5 detailed estimates with similar details from reputable companies'
• Choose a licensed, bonded, insured, remodeling company that's been in business at least 5 years.
• Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Ask for past customer references with contact information.
• Ask to see portfolio of past projects with similar scopes.
• Do some research before renovating the garage to an alternative space. Some areas have laws that require a specific amount of covered parking.
• Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before they begin the conversion.
• Avoid large upfront payments, and never pay in full before the project is complete.

Asking the right questions can help you feel confident you've chosen the best and most qualified professional for your garage remodel, renovation, or conversion:

• How long have you been remodeling garages?
• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured for this type of project?
• What exactly does the estimate include?
• What additional costs should I prepare for?
• How long will the remodel take?
• Do you use subcontractors?
• What permits do I need? Do you handle the entire permitting process?
• How do you handle any damages if they happen on the job?