Overhead storage cabinets for the loft area. Please note that the example photo is not the most attractive cabinets. Just the basic idea.

Doesn't matter if I'm over-stating, but I'll ask: if there's a bad fire in the kitchen, could a person get out?

Is there an age group in mind for the visits?

Design idea: [Loft bed[(https://www.houzz.com/products/loft-beds-prbr0-br~t_14211) over desk. Choose a twin size (or larger if you have the space) and place a desk and shelving below.

Here's an article on Houzz:

[https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-turn-almost-any-space-into-a-guest-room-stsetivw-vs~36692408[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-turn-almost-any-space-into-a-guest-room-stsetivw-vs~36692408)

Will the bathroom be under the loft area?

Maybe - 1 or 2 twins placed on side wall -new window. :)

I wouldn't want that thin a mattress though.

You could build in that lighting - good if light switch was by the bed.

Recessed lighting in the ceiling.

Small-space layout tip: Keep your Murphy bed hidden in plain sight by using that wall space for a dining table, console or sofa. As long as the piece is relatively light (or better yet, on casters), it shouldn’t be too hard to move it aside when guests come.

Ikea seems to carry moveable pieces... ?

Nice thing about Murphy bed - you could work at a desk, etc. - until the time someone needs to sleep.

I would remove the loft area and raise the bathroom walls full to ceiling height. Ventilation would be much better and the height will keep the bathroom from feeling like an afterthought. If you don't need the loft area for duct work, I would remove it entirely. Is there room for a closet to the left of the door? Could you possibly draw a floorplan with approx. measurements?

What are the dimensions of the space?

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Yeah...I don't think that window is sufficient at all if there is a fire, it's too high off the ground.

hey, what flooring are you choosing? Would you like concrete treatment, and a rug or two?

I would possibly choose that in my home... Pergo seems a big name.

Ikea calls it 'grey-brown'.

What's your next decision?

I'd fill every corner with lighting....

"isn't the contractor responsible for the permits?"

Dedpends on what the contract states, normally yes, but you should know if they are pulled as you will be the one ultimately responsable.....................

The homeowner is the one who gets the fines for not pulling a permit. Those macerating toilets are not allowed above grade in most locations. That, the window, and the fact that you don’t know if permits were pulled is a GIANT RED FLAG. Do not be surprised to come home to a big red tag telling you to cease and desist.

Sophie, I think I love you...LOL!

another concern in converting garages into living space is that few

garage floors have vapor barrier between slab and ground.

moisture wicks into up and is trapped under flooring.

mold grows. one option is to put a vapor barrier on top of the

concrete, frame a floor and then use flooring material of your

choice..

unlike the slab for the house, which has a visqueen barrier

garages seldom if ever do.

energy_rater_la has beat me to the punch. I am concerned that the you don't know who pulls permits or whether or not you need them. As Sophie points out, there are many red flags here.

Garage conversions are always more expensive than you think. The plumbing and the electrical are going to be fabulously expensive. Hopefully the contractor is going to be using licensed electricians and plumbers!

And the concrete slab needs to be dealt with before you build on it/put 2"x4" over top. Wood doesn't like to touch concrete that has not received some sort of moisture barrier/treatment.

What has your contractor done - other than frame in the old garage door opening and add a window?

I hate to pile on, but a garage conversion without a permit also adds liability to you as the homeowner. If you don't correct it, you can be fined by code enforcement (this is how it works in my area). My area charges up to $1000 per day for the fine after they give you notice to correct or remove the improvement. The liability remains with the property if you decide to sell rather than get a permit. That means the buyer then takes on the responsibility for the fine. As a result, the value of your home plummets because most buyers don't want to pay for your error. Edit: your code enforcement would notice the conversion because the window is likely too small and/or too high. Check your code requirements. In my area we have code enforcement officers that drive their territories all the time looking for homeowner work without permits. It may be different in your area.

If I were you I would first check the contract, then check with the building department to see if your contractor pulled a permit. In my county the building permits and their status can be checked right on line. However some of the cities don't have an online option to check. Yes, you are the one that is ultimately responsible for the permit and its cost. Far better to have one and do it right than take a chance without one.

A basement is below grade. A garage is not.

You cross that bridge when you come to it. Because without that permit, they WILL make you tear it out and fine you. And your insurance may not cover any issues arising from an illegal remodel.

"thanks"for all the feedback. So what if they don't approve the permit but the work has been started?

It would all be required to be put back as it was prior to the work beginning.

"I know the toilet is allowed because I have one in the basement and that went through a permit proscess by the town."

Basement is below grade this "garage" conversion is above grade.

Shouldn't there be a copy of the permit posted on the site? What does the inspector sign off on each time he comes?

Where did you find this contractor? Do you have copies of his license and insurance certificate? What’s the ballpark price that he quoted you for this?

"So I messaged the contractor and he said I'm good."

"Good" as in he pulled permits and everything is being done on the up & up and to code? Or "Good" as in you finally caught up to him and his games?

Permit has to be posted on the job site. Do you see one?

You need to find another contractor. This guy straight up lied to you, there is no way I'd trust him to do the job.

^I think suedonim75 has a very good point. How can you trust his work if he lies? How do you know he can do the work he says he can do? It puts a whole different light on anything he tells you.

The window installed is way too small. It also doesnt fit with the rest of the front of your house. Put a decent double window in there, that compliments the front of the house. That way, you do have an escape in case of fire, but, you are adding value to your house at the same time. I would not trust that contractor to come on my property ever again. You could have been out a whole lot of money, and then had to tear everything out and end up with nothing, but, he apparently doesnt care.

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Paula: If you search Garden Web you will find at least 100 threads where people want to convert a garage in to livable space. I can appreciate that you need more space, but this is not the way to do it.

Either remodel the home or move.

Thank you for the update. Looking forward to seeing your reveal.

Good luck with your case. Diaries or logs are admissible as evidence in court. This conversation may possibly be used as evidence of his lies and failure to comply with the building codes in your town.

I am glad it all worked out, and so much better than the new contractor pulled permits. I am hoping he also changed out the too small window that didnt add anything to the outside of your house, and isnt big enough for a good fire exit.

Hi.... we just had that shower surround installed, I think from Home Depot. I like all the shelves!

I have a question: what was placed where surround meets the tub??