Start at the permit office. There is a lot more red tape and expense to this than you think.

Converted garages aren't allowed in my area at all (so. cal.).

They probably aren't allowed in the OPs area either, but everyone is doing it anyway.

So what look do you want for those floors, since that seems to be your concern?

"They probably aren't allowed in the OPs area either, but everyone is doing it anyway."

That has happened in my neighborhood, too. But as soon as someone notices, they are ratted out to the building department. Seeing "everyone doing it" might give some the idea that it is allowed. If you are going to do it, at least be aware of the repercussions if it isn't allowed.

Alright already,jeeez she/he didn't ask if anyone knew why they shouldn't do it. Actually they are wisly planning doing it in a way that is eaisly reversiable.

What you do with the floors largly depends on the theme you go with. Stained concrete is huge in Tx even in $1M plus homes but then Southwestern (as it is in Ca,) and Old West are also popular. Tile will leave a mess when removed that will require alot of repair just to look decent in a garage. Vinyl isn't as duable but high quility vinyl is only glued with a 4" band on the perimeter which make's removal simple and clean.

just a fact for you to build upon.

garages, unlike houses, do not usually have a vapor barrier between

concrete & ground. moisture wicks from the ground & into the slab.

unless you know for a fact that your garage has this vapor barrier.

in my years, I've yet to see a slab for a garage where

a vapor barrier was used.

best of luck.

I grew up in a house with a minimally modified converted garage. I hated it. Its probably why I became an architect.

JDS I lived in a concrete block house for a time growing up.

the walls would condensate to the inside in the winter.

what a mess!

my first lesson in thermodynamics.

You say you live in the bay area...which bay?

I'd also determine first whether you want to make permenant changes, or if someday you might put it back into being a garage (for resale, etc).

I would try to find a way to better use the space you already have.

If you just want to clean up the floor so you can put down other floor coverings, I would have it cleaned, degreased, and primed, then put down a feather coat of self-leveling concrete (SLC). That will level out all the divots and other imperfections. However, many garages are built with a slope toward the middle and toward the door for drainage, and using SLC will get rid of that slope. It might be more complicated than you expect.

On top of the concrete you can put tile, or a pad and carpet that can be taken out by a future owner. If you want something simple and very easy to maintain I would consider higher quality sheet vinyl that is only glued on the edges. Since its on top of cold cement it won't be especially warm, but it should be okay in your climate.

If you insulate properly you should be able to heat/cool with a mini-split AC/heat pump unit. However, you need to have enough electrical amps to run the unit, and most garages only have 1 or 2 household circuits. You may end up running new electric to a garage subpanel, which won't be a cheap electrical task in your area. That will be the case for any type of electric heat you use.

Another complication others have found when you install HVAC in a garage is that some cities then apply all the residential code rules to that garage. It can get expensive to seal the large garage door and windows so that it meets all new residential code for insulation, air infiltration, etc. I assume you probably also have to meet electrical requirements for GFCI's, AFCI's, etc.

Bruce

Here is an off the wall idea. Decorative floor mats. Various woodgrain colors and styles. Insulates and is waterproof and is easily removable. Equipment with small feet and high heel shoes are its weakness.

http://www.displays2go.com/P-16667/Interlocking-Floor-Mats-10-x-10-Wood-Grain-Foam-Mat?utm_source=google.pla&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GooglePLA&gclid=CLKx1v_hp8oCFQMLaQodV8IBdg

I don't see any other way you being able to insulate the floor and it be easily reversible.

I assume you have garage doors? Are you building a temporary wall inside the garage in front of them? I'd think pad/carpet would quickly lead to mold...without adding that insulated wall and sealing the floor? As far as permits...doubt they would give one, then again, how would they know what you did...

I just saw some thick rubber tiles used for an outdoor space on TV and thought about this thread. They would work well for flooring that could be easily removed, and much more durable than my floor mat idea. Also come in various colors. Made from recycled tires so good for the environment too.

There are rubber paver tiles also that arent as expensive.

We are in the process of converting our garage and used wood look vinyl planks. They are really durable and comfortable. Relatively easy to replace a damaged plank if needed, and probably easy to reverse upon resale.

JDS- "try to find a better use for the space you already have". Do you have an extra empty room for an 8 ft pool table? Neither did we.