Question:
I am new to the home repair/remodel world, and I want to convert my garage
into a recreation room of sorts. I am not looking to change the outside
appearance of my home at all. I would simply like to install a wall on the
inside (behind the garage door), a wall/closet to hide the water heater and
furnace, and carpet the floor. Can anybody give me some ideas on where i
can go to get information on how to do this project. I have gone to Lowe's
Home Depot on numerous occassion, but they are always too busy, and I can't
ever seem to get someone's attention long enough.
Any replies/help would be greatly appreciated.
Answer:
-First, you will want to start with a plan. Your plan should cover the
details and the overall project. You will want to consider framing,
installing insulation, adding additional windows, heating and cooling
systems, and floor covering. (Not necessarily in this order and not all
inclusive.)
Your plan will help you break the job down into smaller and manageable task
as well as help you build a budget. After you've finished planning you can
decide how much of the project you want to do yourself.
-Be careful doing this. I had a neighbor who was in the middle of a project like
yours when the city inspector showed up. My neighbor had several problems. The
homeowner had not pulled the permit, the work that he had done (framing,
wireing, etc) had not been inspected before it was covered up, and worst of all,
converting a garage to living space was against building codes for our section
of town. He was forced to tear down all of his work and then have an inspection
to insure that everything was as before.
I think that he was lucky. The city probably could have made him bring the
house up to current code. The house is about 10 years old and the code has
changed somewhat!
-A new neighbor bought a house on my block which already had 1/2
of the 1st floor turned into an apartment. That is somewhat tolerated in my
neighborhood, but this guys new tennant was a motorhead with a tricked-out
Mustang and loud exhaust, burned rubber everytime he drove down the block. Not
to mention all HIS friends with similar hobbies that were congregating on the
block, tuning cars, revving engines... Then the tennent buys a dirtbike with NO
exhaust and proceeds to test it out at 3am... whole neighborhood turned against
him. (Not that anyone was "for" him to begin with).
Then the owner proceeds to convert his garage into living space. Garages are
required around here, if you don't have one you must have at least a carport. I
spoke to the guy about his existing tennant's habit of "shitting" on the
neighborhood, and was met with a cold response. (He was framing the garage at
the time, could see the plumbing for a bathroom and a kitchen sink, and a rear
and side window was already in) I waited until he was about 80% done and turned
the bastard in...
Town came and asked to inspect, owner wouldn't allow inspector in house.
Town inspector comes back next day and knock's on existing tennants back door,
to "inspect for working smoke alarm", tennant allows inspector in who verifies
existance of the 1st illegal apartment.
Town gets affidavit from 3 surrounding neighbors that construction work in
garage was recently done.
Town checks real-estate listing showing no windows in garage before house was
sold.
Town responds to ad in paper for "apartment to rent" (common practice here) and
poses as a prospective tennant to gain access. Happens to be this guy's new
garage apartment.
Once inside town inspector identifies himself.
Town brings owner to court for various violations in building and housing
codes.
Owner forced to restore garage (in litigation) restore original 1st floor (in
litigation) heavily fined (in litigation) and assessed for accessory apartment
fees and late payments (in litigation)
House is currently up for sale...
