If you're looking to add extra living space to your home, converting your garage can be a good solution. Garages can be turned into playrooms, mother/father-in-law quarters, media rooms, extra bedrooms, and so much more. But, before you begin this type of home remodel, there are several things you'll want to consider to ensure the project goes smoothly.
1. Assess your garage for potential issues. Most garages are not designed with living space in mind. Because of this, you may need to take a look at the electrical, insulation, egress to and from the main house, as well as the walls and floors to make sure there are no structural issues like buckling, leaks or cracks, subsidence, or sloping. 2. Make sure you are allowed to have a garage conversion. It's not uncommon for homes within homeowners associations to have rules within their CC&Rs that prohibit certain home modifications. Avoid a headache and look into this ahead of time if your home is part of an HOA. Aside from HOA governance, your home might also be subject to certain zoning restrictions. Checking with your city or county's planning department can help you determine if a garage conversion is permissible and if permits are required. 3. Plan out how you will want to use the converted garage. Because of the time, expense, and often permits that are involved with a garage conversion, it's important to plan out how you are going to use the space. This will mean hiring an architect or contractor to draw up floor plans that can be submitted with permit applications. Also, knowing what the space can be used for will be helpful when you go to sell your home. For instance, planning ahead for a bedroom can add more value in the eyes of a buyer than perhaps a man cave or other general use space. 4. Have a realistic budget. Most homeowners don't generally have a sense of the expense involved with a garage conversion. Typically budgets are underestimated since the garage is an already existing structure. However, there are still items that can significantly impact your budget if you don't plan for them up front. These expenses include items like waterproofing, insulation, laying a new floor, running electrical or plumbing, adding windows, and then the finishing touches like cabinetry, fixtures, wall finishing, hardwood or carpet, etc. Many homeowners choose to tackle a garage conversion on their own. However, it is a good idea to involve a general contractor who has experience in this type of project and who knows the current building codes. If you choose to hire a contractor, look for someone who routinely performs the type of work you want to have done. A handyman might have relevant construction skills, but might not be aware of the required building codes or have the labor force to get the garage conversion done in a timely manner. Lastly, depending on your garage conversion, you may also need to hire an engineer. Working with a general contractor will make sure the proper professionals are involved with the project so everything is built properly and to code. If you live in the Eugene-Springfield area, please give the team at Fort Rock Construction a call at 541-767-1611. Our general contractor team has been helping homeowners with new construction and home remodels since 2001.
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You've probably heard a lot about man caves, whole basement remodels, and attic makeovers. There are always new ideas for making the most out of your home. And today's looks are all about giving you your own space while not taking away from the rest of your family. If your home has an unfinished basement or attic, now is the perfect time to call your home remodeler. It doesn't matter if you live in Eugene, Cottage Grove, Springfield, or a nearby area, the Fort Rock Construction team of experts can help you transform your unused spaces into the most enjoyable living spaces. There are any number of ideas for making the most out of unused space in your house. Let's have a look at a few of them. Man Caves / Woman Caves. We've heard about Man Caves for quite some time but they are still a great addition to any home, and they're not just for men anymore. Women are getting their own special rooms, too. These rooms can be filled with all the things he or she loves most, be it all of the sports and hobby paraphernalia or crafting supplies that don’t – and perhaps shouldn’t – have a place in the living room. When you call Fort Rock Construction, we will show you how to get the “look” you've been thinking about. Need a place for your spouse and his pals to watch the games? A comfy place to take care of your crafting or sewing or other hobby? You can make it happen when you call our remodeling team. Office Nooks. You may have turned an office into a bedroom for baby #3. So, what do you do now that you have no place for your important documents and paperwork? Especially if work from home, where will you claim for your office? Why not convert a portion of your unused attic into an office that is perfect for your needs? Or you can convert your garage into a perfectly livable room; one that you can use for office or craft space. Attic Remodels. Many older homes have attics that seem to be good for nothing but holding our collected junk from over the years and collecting dust. When you call Fort Rock Construction, a remodeling company in Eugene, we will show you all of the different ways you can make your attic a large livable space. You can add a bedroom, a bath, or convert part of it into storage space. The rest is for you. There are as many ways to use the spaces in your home as you can think up. Call our home remodeling team today for more ideas, expert advice, and hands on expertise when it comes to converting your home's unused spaces. 541-767-1611 |
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