When you purchase your home, it seems as though it will be all you’ll need. However, as time goes on, it doesn’t take long for all that extra space to fill up. A growing family, a new hobby or the accumulation of belongings over the years can lead you to the decision that you need more room. As you consider your options, think about what a second floor over your garage could do for you.
You love where you live, your children go to a great school, and the home you’re occupying is where you plan to stay. How can you improve your living space without spending a fortune or relocating?
Expand Your Living Space Over the Garage
Adding an extra room over top of your garage, whether detached or attached, is always a viable option, and it’s reasonable in cost!
- Staying put and adding a room is cheaper. Buying a bigger home will increase your mortgage.
- If you ever put your home on the market, an addition like this is an investment that you will likely get back with the purchase price.
- Think about what else you could do with the space if you unexpectedly face a problem like job loss or divorce. The extra room could turn into an apartment for a rental or a place to stay while figuring life out.
Check out these 6 reasons to add a studio apartment if you’re still unsure if an extra room over the garage is the right choice.
Did you read it? Are you convinced now that building a second story over your garage is an excellent decision? Make sure you review these 5 steps first to guarantee your project turns out flawlessly.
Are You Allowed to Build?
Check the local laws and codes before you get started with your municipality. You have to follow the rules, and that’s a point you can’t overlook.
The building permits required for home expansion vary from region to region. Additionally, the costs that accompany these building permits are different. The height of your second story, along with how much space you need next to the property line, are imperative aspects to determine before you start planning. Some municipalities are stricter than others, so clear it up first and avoid a headache later on.
This infographic, published in Michael McDermott's article on CRD Design Build, will help you save time and cut out some of the complicated paperwork.
Plan Carefully and Realistically
Is your current mortgage affordable? Is the neighborhood you live in selling homes at rates that make it attractive to spend the money on improvements?
You want to do whatever you can to make your home as comfortable and attractive as possible. However, when doing so, we often overlook the major points that include whether it's a good investment and the potential for reselling your property in the future if you have to. Before you get too excited about decorating, you must think clearly about these aspects.
Put on your logical thinking cap and sit down with a professional if you have to. Think about how much you’ve invested in your home and make the changes you’re considering with caution.
Talk to your bank or financial advisor about the following:
- What can you get approved for to add to your current mortgage?
- How much will your monthly payments go up?
- Will you be adding additional time to your existing mortgage?
- How many years will have you be required to stay in the home before you can feasibly get a return on the investment with a resale?
Think about these scenarios seriously:
- How much are you going to have to give up making this home renovation? Will you have to eliminate vacations, dining out, and other activities you love? How long with the changes last?
- Is the city you’re located in a place where there’s a demand on the housing market? Is it a decent neighborhood where families are looking for properties?
- Are things going smoothly in all other areas of your life? Will adding a home remodeling project to your task list cause strain that could ruin your relationship, job, or disrupt your family? If you are hesitant, you may want to reconsider the timing. Even when working with the best contractor, these kinds of changes are stressful, and it could be too much right now.
Did you know that adding a second story above your garage cost can between $300 and $500 per square foot? Reports from Fixr.com state the average amount you’ll have to spend.
Planimage photo – The project: A closed garage was first constructed over an existing carport before 2 rooms were built in this second-story space. The two areas were turned into a music room and an additional bedroom by the property owners. They also changed the exterior of the house during the renovation.
It's Good to Have a Dream
This is one of the most exciting steps of the process. Don’t get too discouraged until you take a look!
Here is where you and your partner get to think big. It should be fun and relaxing, so do it in a peaceful time when no time constraints are rushing you through the process.
Start making lists with no limits. Don't think about the price, don't reject any idea, regardless of how extraordinary it seems. These are your dreams, and it's what will help turn your space into something you'll genuinely enjoy.
Some food for thought – 5 practical considerations
1. How will you get into the additional space?
Attached garage
Planimage photo – The Project: The owners added a balcony to the front of this home when they built a loft above the attached garage.
Think about what your new room will be used for. What’s the most logical way to create an access point to it?
Is the additional space going to be a master bedroom, office, or den for the family? If so, you’re likely going to want the access point to be included with the rest of the main house. It allows for privacy, but it’s still a convenient way to get in.
Do you like the look of this garage door? This is a 9' x 7' North Hatley LP design in Desert Sand featuring windows with Richmond Inserts.
Is the office space for a private business you're running? Is it going to be used as an apartment rental? Would you rather not have quick access attached to the home? Then a separate exterior door may be the way to go.
Choosing a staircase inside the home to design the entrance place is typically the most affordable option. Consider that when calculating your budget.
Detached garage
Like this look? It’s Plan 69701 from Planimage
The garage isn't attached to the house, so you don't have a choice but to make a staircase to access it. Do you want it taking up room where you store your cars and other belongings? Would you mind leaving the stairs exposed to the elements to keep your square footage?
Traditional? Contemporary? Rustic? There is plenty of inspiration on Pinterest. Take your time and consider what you like. There are endless style options, and you shouldn’t limit yourself.
What do you think about this look? It’s Plan No G-28A from Planimage
2. What do you need for plumbing and electricity?
Hire a professional to examine the plumbing and electricity that's already existing. How easy will it be to tap into those lines if you want a full bathroom added in? If it's an apartment space, you'll need adequate electricity for plugging in stoves, fridges, and other appliances.
In today’s technologically advanced world, don’t forget about the Internet. Can you send a Wi-Fi signal from the house, or is this something that will be necessary to add separately?
Talk in detail with the designer or the architect about what your plans for the addition are. The more information you can give them, the better they can guide you in an efficient and economic renovation of the plumbing and electrical connections necessary.
Never try to do the plumbing and electrical work on your own unless you are a licensed professional. It won’t work out the way you expect.
3. Is this space for more than one purpose? Can you change it down the road?
The second story above the garage sounds perfect for a master bedroom right now. What happens when you get older and can't move around quite as well? Are you still going to be able to reach it? You may think that's a long way off, but you'll be surprised at how quickly time passes.
Maximize your space and your investment by discussing any second potential uses for the room after the years pass. When the kids stop using the area for their hangout in a few years, can you transform it into your craft room or office without having to spend another large sum of money?
4.What about the rest of the outside of the home?
Is it a worthy investment to change the rest of the home's exterior at the same time?
Adding on an extra story above an existing garage can become challenging when you're trying to match roof and siding materials and colors. Sometimes, it's impossible. Does the rest of the exterior have to be changed to avoid significant discrepancies in appearance?
If you're worried about the possibility of creating a seamless look, talk with your contractor about what it would cost to change the entire outside of the property. This is more crucial to consider when the garage is attached, as it could deter potential buyers if you plan to sell in the future.
Roofing options, ceiling heights, dormers, and other features should also be reviewed when talking to the contractor.
The roof that goes over your second story can have several different shape options. The space inside will change depending on how the top is designed, including the slope and whether or not there are dormers.
Planimage Photo – The Project: A garage expansion was first made to fit 4 cars. Then, the addition of the second story was constructed. It includes 2 walk-in closets, a full bathroom with shower and bathtub, all inside a spacious suite.
Many homeowners want to avoid slopes, dormers, and specific roof lines because they can take up space. Instead of thinking about the loss of square footage, consider what those spaces can be turned into.
Take away the square appearance that makes the home look boxy by trying to install a flat roof for more square footage. Get creative with interior decorating instead.
Use a Mood Board to Plan
What’s a mood board? It’s a paper, virtual, or Pinterest-like design board where you put all of your ideas. It’s excellent to have one to show your architect or designers. The mood board helps the professionals better understand your vision.
"Scandinavian", "cottage style decors", "rustic but modern", or "blue" might mean something completely different for you than it does to someone else.
Major hotel chains, luxurious restaurants, Pinterest, and other design websites are excellent resources to get ideas about what you want your space to look like when it’s finished.
Better Homes & Gardens offers 25 solutions for unusual spaces, and there are infinite other places to look and get thoughts about what finished appearance you’re aiming for.
It’s okay to mix and match different features too. Take the lighting fixtures you love from a restaurant and combine them with the kitchen cupboards you located on another website to create an office that’s truly unique!
Everywhere you look, you’re going to find inspiration. Think about how you can incorporate different features from separate rooms into your new space.
How do you like these garage doors? They’re 9' x 7' Standard+ Classic CC, in Ice White with 4 lite Orion windows.
Look Hard at Your 4th Wall
The 4th wall, or garage door, is the cherry on top after you’re done with the rest of the designing and planning.
Is this look for you? It’s a 16’ x 8’ Eastman E-11, garage door, overlays and door in Black with 4 lite Panoramic windows.
What’s the 4th wall of the brand new space you’ve created? It’s your garage door. The R-value isn’t the only thing to rely on while you’re shopping. Energy efficiency is crucial in your new garage door, so be sure to pay attention and ask questions. It could save you a bundle on your energy bills!
Consider if you want to add windows to your Garaga garage door if it doesn't have any. It brings in natural light that changes the feel and boosts your mood.
Adding a 2nd-floor garage is more than just an investment. Besides the financial aspect, make sure it has all the features to make you comfortable too.
Are you a trendy person that loves the most recent products and colors? Here are 2! The Shaker-Modern XL design and the Iron Ore Walnut color.
Does that garage door need to be replaced?
Start by contacting a garage door specialist near you. Your garage door should reflect your style, and our experts can make sure that happens while also meeting the requirements for insulation.
Do you already have a door picked out?
Laurent Overhead Door Systems will email you estimates for all your favorites fast.
Looking for an expert’s professional advice? Call 603-524-4778.
We’re always eager to answer questions and clear up any concerns you may have.
Do you love playing around with apps?
The Design Centre is a fun place to create your garage door in just a few clicks! Searching around for inspiration? Check out our extensive gallery.
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