Can I Turn My Garage Into Living Apartment [How?]

Do you need an extra living space for your growing family or a special place for a personal retreat? How about remodeling your garage into a living area? Yes, you can easily have metal buildings with living quarters on your property. It may take about three to six weeks on average for a 2 car metal garage conversion, but it is a worthwhile investment.

You can add up to 400 to 600 sq. ft. to your house with a garage remodeling project depending on your present garage’s size, increasing the functionality & creating a versatile living area. Let’s see how.

A Guide To Create A Cozy Living Space By Transforming Your Metal Garage

Step 1: Assess The Space For Size & Layout

Measure your garage dimensions and take into account existing features such as windows, doors, and electrical outlets. It will make planning easier.

Now, determine the primary purpose of garage remodeling. How do you want to use the metal building with living quarters? Is it for parking cum workshop, a home office, a guest house, or a cozy retreat place?

Next, set a budget for renovation and include costs of insulation [if not already], flooring, and some basic interior.

Step 2: Design The Layout

Start by creating zones for different purposes. For example, if you want your 2 car metal garage to have parking cum workshop/ office space/ living area, assign a dedicated space for parking and plan the remaining space for living.

Make sure the layout allows a free flow and does not create obstruction in parking or movement. If you want to fully remodel your garage into a living quarter without parking, zoning will help in maximizing the usable indoor space.

Step 3: Get Permit

It is important to verify your city/ county’s building codes and zoning regulations to ensure your steel garage remodeling into a living space meets all legal needs.

Secure a permit before reaching out for a hammer or screwdriver. On average, the cost of the permit for a garage conversion into a living space costs between $800 and $1500. Consider a permit for electrical or plumbing if it is not already present in the existing garage.

Step 4: Insulation & Ventilation

An insulator will help keep your living space cozy and warm. For a comfortable living space, you can choose insulation with R-value based on the climate you live in. As an example, if you live in Texas or Florida, the R-value of range R-13 to R-38 will ensure the garage is energy-efficient & comfortable. We offer double bubble as an affordable insulator and woven R17 if you want a higher thermal efficiency.

Tip: You can choose fiberglass, foam board, or woven insulator for roof/ ceiling and side walls.

Ensure your garage has proper ventilation for fresh air circulation, reducing condensation, moisture, and humidity buildup. Some common vents are natural [windows, skylights, wall vents], mechanical [exhaust fans], or a combination of both.

Step 5: Utility Considerations

Since you are going to spend time in a remodeled metal garage with living quarters, it is crucial to add basic amenities like electrical lines and plumbing [if not already exist]. Install a mix of ambient, task, and accent light for a home vibe. One reason to add a gutter to the metal garage when renovating into a living quarter is to prevent melting snow/ rainfall from dripping over your head.

You can also add overhead lights, floor lamps, or string lights to create a cozy retreat. If you are planning to add a small kitchen countertop, ensure you have an electrical outlet for your coffee machine, a microwave oven, and a faucet with a sink for water supply.

Step 6: Flooring

Choose a floor that’s comfortable, but if your garage floor is uneven, it is best to level it first. Here are some suggestions for flooring options when remodeling a steel garage:

Epoxy Floor: It is highly durable, easy to clean, and resistant to stains, chemicals, and wear. You can customize it using different colors.

Vinyl Floor [Affordable]: It is water-resistant, available in various styles that can mimic wood or tiles, is low maintenance, and is easy to clean. It can also handle moderate foot traffic.

Concrete Floor [Cost-Effective]: It is extremely durable, needs low upkeep, gives a sleek & industrial appeal, and you can stamp and polish it to give a wooden floor look. Add carpet or a rug to add texture.

Rubble Tiles [Affordable]: It provide a cushiony surface and is highly suitable for areas where you’ll be standing for long. You can choose the color & pattern that matches your home aesthetics. It is also easy to clean & maintain.

Hardwood/ Engineered Wood Floor: It adds aesthetic and warm appeal to your living quarters but requires regular cleaning and annual refinishing [depending on use].

Step 7: Furnishing & Decorating Tips

Add drywall over the insulator for a finished look. You can choose a color or wallpaper to add some texture to it. You can search online for garage wall ideas to improve interior space & make it Pinterest-worthy.

Select furniture that fits the purpose of the room, such as a pull-out sofa or daybed, is a great choice for a multifunctional space.

You can install a ceiling fan or portable AC for cooling and a space heater or radiator for heating. If you are planning to stay longer in your garage living space, consider investing in a mini-split system for cooling/heating.

You can place a sofa & coffee table near one wall, a sleeping area in a corner, and add some shelves for storage.

Consider changing your garage door to one that has a new, modern, and sleek aesthetic. You can opt for a steel frame with glass, letting natural light enter inside.

Step 8: Safety Measures

Install a lock and alarm system on doors and windows to add security. You can add motion sensor lights to deter any intruder and enhance visibility at night. Don’t forget to install fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, especially when you are considering adding a small kitchen.

Lastly, have an emergency exit with clear pathways. Choose non-slip floor material to prevent accidents if your kids will be around.

Tip: Don’t forget to include your newly transformed space in your home insurance to cover the new living quarter.

Step 9: Final Touches & Personalization

For final touches, choose a cohesive scheme that ties your new living quarter with the rest of the house. You can add personal touches like artwork, plants, etc., to bring in some natural elements.

Choose a smart storage solution for keeping your items, like an ottoman with hidden compartments, shelves, cabinets, vertical shelving, etc., to keep your interior organized and clutter-free.

Select a dedicated corner for the workspace desk with a pegboard or your vision board in front of it.

Effortlessly Turn Your Garage Into A Modern Apartment

So, with these tips, you can have your dream metal garage with living quarters anytime on your property. Not only does it increase the square footage of your home, but you can also use it for personal or rental purposes as well. To get a free quote on a high-quality steel garage & building, call 877-801-3263 today!