Transforming Your Garage Into A Bedroom: A Step-By-Step Guide

Decorating a garage into a bedroom is a creative way to add living space to your home. It can be a challenging task, but with proper planning and execution, it can be achieved. The first step is to decide on the layout and functionality of the new bedroom. It is important to consider local regulations and obtain the necessary permits for the conversion. The next step is to address insulation, ventilation, and utilities such as plumbing, electricity, and heating. The garage door should be removed and replaced with a standard-size door, and windows should be added or modified to meet bedroom requirements. The interior design can be personalized with paint, lighting, and storage solutions. The floor can be leveled and insulated, and the ceiling can be enhanced with beams or skylights. Overall, converting a garage into a bedroom requires careful planning and attention to local regulations but can add significant value and functionality to your home.

Planning permission and permits

Planning Permission:

• Internal Work: In most cases, if the conversion work is entirely internal and does not involve enlarging the building, planning permission is not required. This includes projects such as converting a garage into a utility room, storage space, home gym, or home office.
• Habitable Living Space: If you plan to convert your garage into a habitable living space, such as an extra bedroom, you may need planning permission. This is because the garage will be used as a separate dwelling, which may require approval from local authorities.
• Detached Garage: Converting a detached garage into living space typically requires planning permission since it is considered external work.
• Enlarging the Building: Any additions or increases in the size of the garage, such as adding a second story, will likely require planning permission as they do not fall under Permitted Development (PD).
• Windows: Installing windows on the sides or rear of the garage may require planning permission due to considerations of neighbour's privacy and fire safety. However, adding a window to the front where a door previously existed usually does not require permission.

Permits:

• Building Regulations: Even if planning permission is not required, ensuring compliance with building regulations is essential. This includes considerations of structural integrity, ventilation, fire safety, and insulation.
• Lawful Development Certificate: Although not mandatory, obtaining a lawful development certificate can provide added assurance. It proves that your conversion project was constructed legally and protects you if planning policies change in the future.
• Local Regulations: Familiarise yourself with local regulations and consult your relevant local council. Certain areas, such as conservation areas, national parks, or listed buildings, may have specific requirements for planning permission.
• Plumbing, Electrical, and Gas Permits: Converting a garage into a bedroom may involve plumbing, electrical, or gas work. These types of work typically require separate permits and inspections by licensed professionals.
• Contractor Requirements: Depending on your location, your town or state may mandate that the conversion work be performed by licensed contractors, plumbers, or electricians. Be sure to check and comply with local ordinances and laws to avoid fines or legal issues when selling your property.

Flooring

Preparation

Before installing the new flooring, it is essential to prepare the garage floor. This includes ensuring that the floor is level and flat. If your garage has concrete floors, you may need to level and insulate them. One way to do this is by installing sleepers on the floor and insulating between them before adding subflooring and finish flooring. This step is especially important if you live in a cold climate, as it will help regulate the temperature in the room.

Building a Subfloor

In the example of the garage conversion to a bedroom and bathroom, the author built a subfloor using 2x10s and a main beam down the center, anchored to the ground with bolts. The goal was to match the new floor height with the existing floor level in the house. A laser level was used to ensure the new and existing floors were aligned. Before installing the plywood subfloor, the subfloor was insulated with fibreglass insulation.

Choosing the Right Flooring

When it comes to the finish flooring, there are a variety of options to choose from. For a bedroom, you may want to consider a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing option such as wood flooring. Wood flooring can add a touch of warmth and elegance to the space. However, if you plan to use the converted garage as a gym or yoga studio, rubber tile flooring might be a better option. Rubber flooring is shock-absorbent and can ease the strain on your knees from high-impact workouts. It also protects the concrete underneath from damage caused by dropped weights.

Once you have chosen the type of flooring, it is essential to plan the layout and cut the flooring material to fit the space. If you are installing wood flooring, you may need to acclimate the wood to the room's temperature and humidity before installation. It is also important to leave a small gap between the flooring and the walls to allow for expansion and contraction of the wood. After installing the flooring, you can add baseboards and trim to give it a finished look.

Additional Considerations

If you are keeping the garage door and plan to use part of the area for storage, consider installing a garage door threshold to prevent water from entering the bedroom. Additionally, if you live in an area with strict building codes, you may need to consult an expert to ensure that your flooring choices meet the necessary requirements.

Overall, converting a garage into a bedroom involves several important steps, and flooring plays a significant role in the comfort and functionality of the new space.

Windows and doors

Meeting Window Requirements:

To qualify as a bedroom, your converted space must meet specific window requirements as per building codes. Firstly, ensure that at least one window has an opening of 5.7 square feet, with measurements of at least 20 x 24 inches and not more than 44 inches off the floor. This is crucial for emergency exit purposes. Additionally, the total window area in the room must equal a minimum of 10% of the floor space to allow for adequate natural light and ventilation. If your garage's original windows don't meet these requirements, you may need to replace them and utilize the holes left by the old windows for your new ones.

Selecting Window Styles:

When choosing windows for your garage bedroom, consider the style and functionality you desire. You can opt for traditional casement windows, as mentioned in one source, or explore other options like sliding windows or even skylights, which can add a unique touch and provide ample natural light. If privacy is a concern, consider installing windows with obscure glass or adding window treatments such as curtains or blinds.

Door Requirements and Selections:

In addition to windows, your converted bedroom must have a standard-size door. This is an essential element for both functionality and privacy. Consider the size and swing of the door to ensure it fits the space and doesn't hinder the placement of furniture or other fixtures. You can choose from a variety of door styles, such as traditional swing doors or sliding barn doors, depending on your personal preference and the overall design of the room.

Enhancing Security and Privacy:

When selecting windows and doors for your garage bedroom, it is essential to prioritize security and privacy. Opt for windows and doors with secure locking mechanisms to ensure the safety of your belongings and loved ones. Additionally, consider the placement of windows and doors to maintain privacy, especially if the garage bedroom is on the ground floor and has direct access from the outside.

Framing and Installation:

The process of framing and installing windows and doors in your garage bedroom is crucial. Ensure that you or your contractor follow the proper techniques for framing the openings, selecting the correct window and door sizes, and installing them securely. Proper flashing and sealing techniques are also essential to prevent water intrusion and ensure energy efficiency.

In conclusion, when converting a garage into a bedroom, paying attention to windows and doors is vital. By meeting the necessary requirements, selecting appropriate styles, and ensuring proper installation, you can create a comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space that complies with building codes and enhances your home's overall value.

Insulation and walls

Insulating your garage walls is crucial for comfort and meeting building code requirements. If your garage walls are already insulated, you're off to a good start. Otherwise, you'll need to add insulation, especially if your garage has masonry walls.

The type of insulation you choose will depend on your budget and local regulations. The least expensive option is typically batt insulation, which is effective and widely used. If you want to save costs, consider installing the insulation yourself; just be sure to follow safety guidelines and wear protective gear.

After insulation, you'll need to finish your walls with drywall. Standard drywall with a coat or two of paint is the most affordable option. To save costs, you can opt for a simple wall design and paint it yourself. If you're feeling creative, you might even try a fun colour or a mural.

However, if your budget allows, you could consider other wall finishes like Venetian plaster, which adds durability and helps with odours. You could also get creative with natural wood-framed glass French doors, adding a touch of elegance and natural light to your new bedroom.

Don't forget to insulate your garage door as well, especially if you plan to keep using it for garage-type activities. Install a special garage door threshold to keep water from creeping in, maintaining a comfortable indoor climate.

Finally, if your city's building code permits it, you can save costs by leaving the garage door in place and building a simple interior wall. This avoids the expense of installing an exterior finish that matches the rest of your house.

Lighting and electricals

• Install adequate lighting: Natural lighting is important, so consider adding windows or skylights to your garage bedroom. If your space allows, you can even replace overhead garage doors with glass and steel French doors to let in ample light. However, for evenings and darker days, you will need to install ceiling lights. You could wire your ceiling for fibre optic lighting, a unique touch that provides an air of escapism. Alternatively, recessed lighting with a dimmer switch can create a relaxed mood.
• Meet electrical requirements: Consult with a licensed electrician to ensure your garage bedroom meets local code requirements. You will need to add lighting and electrical outlets, and remember to include the cost of these in your overall budget.
• Include a permanent heat source: A room must have a permanent heat source to qualify as a bedroom. Depending on your home's HVAC layout, you can extend existing ductwork or add electric baseboard heat or a mini-split heat pump system.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm: These are essential safety features that should be included in any bedroom conversion.
• Consider adding a window air conditioner: If your budget allows, a window air conditioner can be a great addition to your garage bedroom, especially during the warmer months.
• Soundproofing: If your garage bedroom is facing a busy street or alley, consider soundproofing the walls and door to ensure a peaceful night's sleep.

Converting a garage into a bedroom involves careful planning and attention to detail. By following these tips for lighting and electricals, you will be well on your way to creating a comfortable and functional bedroom space.

Frequently asked questions