Garage conversions are a popular option to transform your garage into an area that you can live in or rent out. They can also be a great way of saving money on your home mortgage.
It is important to choose the right plan when you convert your garage into a studio apartment. This is especially important if you live near an area that requires the space to be rented out. Los Angeles ADU Builder can help you select the right plan for your needs.
Converting a 2 Car Garage into an Apartment
Before you can begin to convert your garage into a apartment, you have to first determine the layout of it. This will affect how big your apartment will be, so take time to think about it.
The best plans for a garage conversion will be those that have open floor plans that are perfect for living. These plans allow for flexibility when it comes time to choose finishes and fixtures.
When building a studio apartment garage, you will want to use wall materials that are warm and welcoming. Plasterboard and drywall are not recommended for walls. They will make the space feel cold and unfinished.
Maintaining a Cool Space
One of the most common problems that homeowners encounter when converting their garages into apartments is that they don't keep them cool enough. This can be prevented by adding insulation to the ceiling or exterior walls. This will lower your energy bills and keep your apartment warm during winter.
It is also a good idea for the garage apartment to be connected to your heating/cooling system. This will allow you to use the same heating and cooling units in your main home, so you can cut down on costs while saving energy.
If you wish to keep your garage cool in summer, an air conditioner can be installed. This can be a bit of an investment, so it's important to shop around for a plan that will fit your needs and budget.
A one- or two-bedroom apartment plan in a garage is available depending on your needs. These are ideal for guests and those who need additional accommodation while they travel.
You can convert a two-car garage into a one-level apartment or choose a loft bedroom design to increase the living space in the upper part of your home. This will allow for a more spacious apartment and save you the space needed to park your car in the garage's lower section.
You could also consider building a detached apartment on top of the garage. This option can be a better option if the space is being used as an in law suite or granny home, but requires more work.
You should check your local zoning laws before starting a building project. These laws will help you determine the type of building permits that you need, as well as the rules and regulations required to create a garage apartment. Los Angeles ADU Builders will help you with this process and ensure that your home's plans follow all the relevant guidelines.
FAQ
What is the difference between building a new home and gutting a current one?
The process of gutting a house involves removing all contents inside the building. This includes walls, floors and ceilings, plumbing, electrical wiring and appliances. It's often necessary when you're moving to a new house and want to make changes before you move in. It is often very costly to gut a home because of all the work involved. Depending on your job, the average cost to gut a home can run from $10,000 to $20,000.
A builder builds a house by building it frame by frame. Then, he adds walls and flooring, roofing, windows and doors. This is usually done after buying a lot of lands. Building a home usually costs less than gutting and can cost between $15,000 and $30,000.
It all depends on what you plan to do with your space. If you are looking to renovate a home, it will likely cost you more as you will be starting from scratch. But if your goal is to build a house, you won't need to disassemble everything and redo everything. Instead of waiting for someone else, you can build it how you want.
What is the difference of a remodel and renovation?
Remodeling is any major transformation of a room or portion of a bedroom. A renovation refers to minor changes made to a particular room or area of a given room. A bathroom remodel, for example, is a major undertaking, while a new sink faucet is minor.
Remodeling is the process of changing a room or part of it. A renovation is merely changing something in a particular room. Remodeling a kitchen could mean replacing countertops, sinks or appliances. It also involves changing the lighting, colors and accessories. But a kitchen update could include painting the wall color or installing a new light fixture.
How long does it typically take to renovate a bathroom?
It usually takes two weeks to remodel a bathroom. However, it all depends on how big the project is. For smaller jobs such as installing a vanity or adding an stall to the bathroom, it can usually be done in just a few hours. Larger projects like removing walls and installing tile floors or plumbing fixtures can take many days.
Three days is the best rule of thumb for any room. So if you have four bathrooms, you'd need 12 days total.
Do you think it is cheaper to remodel a kitchen or a bathroom?
Remodeling your bathroom or kitchen is expensive. It may make more sense to spend money on home improvements, considering how much you pay in energy bills each month.
It is possible to save thousands every year with a simple upgrade. A few easy changes like adding insulation to ceilings or walls can reduce heating/cooling costs by as much as 30%. Even a simple addition can increase comfort and reduce resale costs.
It is essential to remember that renovations should be done with durable, easy-to-maintain materials. Material like porcelain tile, stainless-steel appliances, and solid wood flooring are more durable and can be repaired less often than vinyl or laminate countertops.
You may also find that replacing old fixtures with newer models can help cut utility expenses. Low-flow faucets and showerheads can reduce water consumption by as much as 50%. Up to 75 percent of electricity can be saved by replacing inefficient lighting fixtures with compact fluorescent bulbs.
How much is it to renovate and gut a whole kitchen?
You may be curious about the cost of a home renovation.
The average kitchen remodel costs between $10,000 and $15,000. You can still save money on your kitchen remodel and make it look better.
You can cut down on costs by planning ahead. You can do this by choosing a design style that suits you and your budget.
An experienced contractor can help you cut down on costs. A skilled tradesman will know exactly what to do with each stage of the construction process. This means that he or she won’t waste time trying out different methods.
You should consider whether to replace or keep existing appliances. A kitchen remodel can add thousands to the cost by replacing appliances.
Additionally, you may decide to purchase used appliances rather than new ones. You can save money by buying used appliances.
Last but not least, shopping around for materials or fixtures can help you save some money. Many stores offer discounts on special occasions such as Cyber Monday and Black Friday.
How do I know if my house is in need of a renovation?
First, you should look at whether your home has been updated recently. You might want to renovate if you haven’t had any home updates in several years. However, a remodel might be the best option for you if your home seems brand-new.
Your home's condition is also important. A renovation may be necessary if your home has holes in its drywall, cracked wallpaper, or missing tiles. It's possible to remodel your home if it looks good.
A second factor to consider is your home's general condition. Does it have a sound structure? Do the rooms look nice? Are the floors in good condition? These questions are important when deciding which type of renovation you should go through.
Statistics
- Following the effects of COVID-19, homeowners spent 48% less on their renovation costs than before the pandemic 1 2 (rocketmortgage.com)
- 55%Universal average cost: $38,813Additional home value: $22,475Return on investment: 58%Mid-range average cost: $24,424Additional home value: $14,671Return on investment: (rocketmortgage.com)
- About 33 percent of people report renovating their primary bedroom to increase livability and overall function. (rocketmortgage.com)
- 57%Low-end average cost: $26,214Additional home value: $18,927Return on investment: (rocketmortgage.com)
- Windows 3 – 4% Patio or backyard 2 – 5% (rocketmortgage.com)
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How To
Are you looking to save money on your patio renovations?
A stylish pergola is the best solution! Pergolas add shade, privacy, and shelter to patios while keeping the area open and inviting. Here are 10 reasons you should consider adding a pergola to your next outdoor remodel.
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Privacy - A pergola can be added to your condo or apartment to create privacy between you and your neighbors. It also helps block out noise from traffic and other sounds. Creating a private space makes your patio feel more secluded.
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Pergolas provide shade & shelter in hot summer. They also help keep your patio cool on warm days, especially if you use them as a covered seating area. Plus, a pergola adds a decorative element to your patio.
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Enhance Outdoor Living Space - Adding a pergola to your patio creates a comfortable, relaxing space for entertaining friends and family. If you choose, it can also be used as a small living room.
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Make your patio stand apart with unique designs - There are many design options available. A pergola can be used in any style, whether it is traditional, contemporary, modern, or something else.
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You can make your patio more energy efficient by including large overhangs that will protect your furniture or plants from extreme weather conditions. This not only protects your belongings but also keeps your patio cooler.
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Keep Out Unwanted Guests - Pergolas come in various shapes and sizes, which allows you to customize them according to the needs of your patio. For example, pergolas can be constructed with trellises, lattice wall, or both. You have the ability to choose which design option you prefer.
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Pergolas Are Easy to Maintain - Pergolas have been designed to withstand extreme weather. The paint you used may mean that the pergola will need to be repainted every few years. Dead branches and leaves may also be removed.
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Increase the Value of Your Home by Adding a Pergola - A pergola can make your home appear larger. The pergola will not cost much as long you keep it in good condition. A pergola is a beautiful addition to a home.
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Protect your patio furniture and plants against wind damage with pergolas. They can be easily installed and removed if necessary.
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It's easy on the budget - A pergola can be built without spending a lot of money. Most homeowners find pergolas to be less expensive than $1,000. This means you can easily afford this type project.