Remodeling your garage can increase your home’s functionality and create more space. You can use a garage to store equipment and other resources, not just your vehicle. Homeowners can choose from several remodels, which come in various price ranges. We will share the different ways to build a new garage and how you can finance your project.
Garage Remodel Cost by Type
Each type of garage remodel requires a different skill set and investment. You can choose between a partial remodel, full remodel, or garage conversion.
Partial
A partial remodel requires the least amount of work and comes at the most attractive price point. The average cost is between $500 to $5,000 and only enhances the garage’s cosmetics. A partial remodel preserves the garage’s functionality without making any additions. A partial remodel is an easy way to improve your home’s value and make it more attractive to buyers.
Full
A full garage remodel turns it into a valuable storage space. You’ll need high-quality floor coating to support the car’s weight and some space for cabinets and shelves. A full garage remodel’s average cost range is $7,000 and $15,000.
Conversion
Some homeowners do not need a garage to store a car. These homeowners may not drive a car or prefer to park it across the street. A conversion can turn garage space into a living space and is the most expensive. Conversions have the widest price range due to the many options, but you should allocate $20,000 to $75,000 for the conversion.
Garage conversions have many purposes. Here are some common reasons people convert their garages into living spaces:
- Home gyms: You don’t have to store equipment throughout your house. Allocating the garage for your home gym improves functionality across your home.
- Workshops: You can store materials in the garage instead of throughout your house. It provides similar benefits as a home gym.
- Bedroom: Some buyers will like that your home has an additional bedroom and can accept not having a garage. The extra bedroom can serve as a guest room or rental income.
- Guest House: If your garage is separate from your home, you can turn it into a guest house. You can invite friends over or list the space on Airbnb.
- Home Offices: A converted garage can become an excellent home office. The home office provides respectful boundaries that can increase your productivity.
- Games Room: This remodel turns your garage into a game room for family and guests.
- Pool Houses: Installing a pool in your former garage is a significant investment. However, you get an indoor pool that’s easily accessible throughout the year.
- Utility Room: You can install laundry machines and other utilities in the garage. They will stop taking up space in your home and improve functionality.
Garage Remodel Cost by Quality
The quality of the remodel influences costs. We have outlined the price ranges below.
Low-end
A low-end garage remodel may cost close to $3,000. Most low-end garage remodels are partial remodels that strengthen the aesthetics without adding new features.
Mid-range
The national average cost of a garage remodel is $11,000. However, if you want to add more storage or improve the flooring to accommodate a car, you should anticipate spending closer to the average.
High-end
A high-end garage remodel transforms the garage into a living space. This remodel can cost over $40,000. Homeowners with built-in equity in their properties can consider a cash-out refinance or HELOC to remodel the garage. Homeowners investing in a high-end garage typically spend more on a professional contractor as well.
Garage Remodel Cost by Material
A garage remodel requires materials, but the type of material you use impacts the total cost. Most homeowners use brick, cinder block, or metal for their remodeling.
Brick
Homeowners use brick flooring because it requires minimal maintenance and can last over 100 years. Brick costs approximately $9 per square foot.
Cinder Block
Cinder blocks are a useful material for storing temperature-sensitive items. You will need insulation in the garage to prevent cold air from entering and heat from escaping. Cinder blocks can make your garage more resistant to weather elements and lower your home’s energy bill. Some homeowners paint cinder blocks to make the interior look more appealing. Cinder blocks have more advantages than brick, but this material can reach up to $60 per square foot.
Metal
Metal flooring costs roughly $10 per square foot. Steel can provide an appealing appearance but requires more maintenance expenses to fireproof your home. In addition, steel’s supply is declining more than other materials, and it’s not as durable as brick or cinder block.
Garage Remodel Cost Breakdown
We have covered the materials and quality, but a garage remodel has several elements. This breakdown addresses other factors that influence pricing.
Garage Location
Your location impacts available workers and laws. A garage remodel near the Atlantic coastline typically costs less than a remodel near the Pacific coastline. The costs across each state, city, and county add extra complexity to final costs.
Size
A larger garage requires more flooring. Since the cost of materials goes by square foot, larger garages cost more money to remodel. A larger garage also provides more room for storage and living space. Homeowners seeking a full conversion may get more ambitious with more space.
Framing
Expanding the garage’s framing will significantly increase total costs. Most homeowners work within the garage’s parameters instead of expanding it to save money. However, some garages aren’t large enough for the owner’s needs. If the homeowner wants a pool that won’t fit the current structure, the framing must be expanded.
Roofing
Some homes have separate garages with their own roofs. You will have to add more room to your budget to make roofing changes. The materials you use for the roof will also impact the total cost.
Slabs
Concrete slabs get added to the flooring towards the end of the remodel. Slabs can hold extra weight, such as for cars and other storage.
Insulation
Insulation makes your garage more pleasant. It keeps cold air out of your home and keeps in the warm air. Insulation will add more to your expenses, but it gives you more control over the room’s temperature. Garage insulation rarely exceeds $1,000.
Interior and Exterior Walls
Painting interior walls can make the remodeled garage look more appealing. Some garage owners also modify the exterior cosmetics to make the property look more attractive to potential buyers.
Windows
Installing windows costs between $400 and $1,000, but where you put the windows makes a difference. It’s easier to place a new window on the garage door than one on the walls.
