Converting single car garage to extra living space

3/4/2017 at 9:05:57 PM

Yes it is I just recently completed one.

Undo the spring. Build a wall in front of the door insulated and then drywalled.

$1000 to $1500

3/4/2017 at 9:32:16 PM

You could build a wall that fits as close to your door on the inside as possible that acts as an exterior wall minus the exterior siding. Cheap alternative, but you won't get a full building envelope.

The exact price would vary greatly pending the situation.

3/4/2017 at 9:35:24 PM

Yes it is possible but I would approach the project like this: A garage door must be replaced at some point and it doesn't provide the best insulation. There is always some air movement through garage door and just building a wall behind the garage door is really a lazy and poor way of doing it. When the garage door does ultimately have to be replaced you will have a significant headache. If I was doing the job, I would remove the garage door, build a wall that is properly insulated and waterproofed with vapor barrier applied. Secure the wall directly to the structure so it is a permanent wall. Then either attach the garage door panels to the exterior of the new wall, each one separately OR get some exterior grade plywood and 1x6 with cove trim and rebuild a door facade and stain or paint it. Whatever you decide to do, make sure the grading is away from the garage so that no water (or snow?) will come in contact at the bottom of the the garage door or new wall. You definitely want a defence against water protruding into the garage. The last thing you want is to have issues with wood rotting or mold over time. Without more specifics it's too hard to know the cost exactly but about 2 1/2 days of labor plus materials start to finish with plastering, painting, attaching the garage door to the exterior, etc.

3/4/2017 at 10:54:42 PM

Yes, it is as mention by the other contractors. My suggestion would be to put in a subfloor first and then build the wall on top of it. Moisture and heating in a garage conversion can be a challenge. That's why I would suggest a subfloor with a good moisture barrier first. The cost could vary depending if you want electrical in the wall or not.

3/5/2017 at 9:52:43 AM

Hi Chris,

It's easy enough to build an exterior wall behind the garage door. Newer garage doors have tracks that door travels on. You will have to remove the garage door tracks at the ceiling and probably the torsion spring. Which you should have a professional do! Then you can then build an exterior wall.

You will also, have to figure the cost of finishing the space, heating it and insulating the ceiling. That would be comparable to finishing a basement.

Not sure if your garage is single or double, but I would estimate the finished cost at around $7000-$9000 for a single with standard finishes.

It's a great way to add space. I have been playing around the idea myself. Just have to convince the wife.