Advice on Midwest garage conversion?
We're considering converting our existing 3-car garage to indoor space that includes new living areas (mud room, office, den), and then building an entirely new 3-car garage that would accommodate larger vehicles (full-size pickup or large SUV) and a workshop/kennel area.
Our builder/designer has cautioned that a “con” of a garage conversion would involve temperature control and especially winter comfort in that space, given that we’re starting with a concrete floor.
We're trying to decide if the advantages from converting the garage space to living space would outweigh the disadvantages. Does anybody have experience or suggestions relating to garage conversions in cold climates?
NOTE: The original post was edited for brevity.
Comments (12)
petula67
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoRelated Discussions
Help- advice on front entry door for CA Ranch in Midwest!
Comments (12)Sounds like we are not alone in this endeavor!! To remodeler matt agree about the overhang/landscape- I do like the ThermaTru doors, however, at least in our area, with sidelites, they run close to $2500. But, ThermaTru does a very beautiful fiberglass that mimicks wood so well!! All new construction in our area uses them. This is why there are so few ranches, 'cause they are all levelled and turned into mini-mansions - yes, I am not a fan of this. Simpson is another door that i like the look of, but it is wood, and also more expensive. Peachtree was bought by Weathershield, unfortunately, cannot find any doors to look at. Menards and Hines lumber can order both, but do not have any on display. In response to Marge - the mahogony door sounds amazing, but quite a challenge. The new front door we are putting in is in the space that is currently our front yard. As P.Carol pointed out, because ranches are so structurally simple, it is a challenge. I just think that the front door does make a statement, and we are also changing the brick - currently have painted white brick (a criminal act to paint brick in my opinion), so are rebricking the house, too. So we are looking for something that is attractive and understated, but gives character to a very simple ranch. We are leaning toward the "french door" look as you did - not full, either half or 3/4 window with muntins because all our windows have muntins, too. We are adding 14 feet from where the current front door stands, so perhaps lots of window will be ok?? Any more ranch owners out there?...See MoreAdvice on purchasing doors to garage and between garage/ backyard
Comments (2)The price is a matter only if the more expensive door has additional features as moisture-resistance, soundproofing and etc. But generally, all these things depend on the manufacturer not price. Yes, of course, there is a big gap between insulation types. You can visit this website and find more detailed information about the advantages of steel front doors here and read about the differences between cheap and expensive front doors here. I hope these articles will answer all your questions and help you determine what kind of door you need....See MoreGarage Conversion to ADU: Layout/ Floor Plan Advice
Comments (11)If you can come up with the money to get some of these convertible units, the space can be even more versatile. I got the Expand coffee table that converts from a short table that fits easily in front of the sofa, to a full dining height table twice the size. I can use my sofa as "booth" seating and pull up four chairs and seat six! Something as simple as the lift and storage bed can give your sister so much more usability of her space. So can a console that pulls out to be a dining table, or a table that folds into the wall. I bet if you did a search on YouTube you could find some place to buy the plans for making some of these things. Expand Furniture in Vancouver, BC, CA I know that the tiny homes shows on TV use the bed lift storage systems, so they must be for sale. Wayfair sells a ton of storage coffee tables that convert to bring a writing or dining surface up to the person seated on a chair or couch. It is not all expensive, either! There is often a space under the surface that can store things, too. Don't forget to use the wall cavities between studs for storage whenever you can. I have seen nice toilet brush and plunger cabinets next to toilets, recessed niches for display (with a light at top), and spice storage for kitchens. WG Wood Products will give your husband lots of ideas for using wall storage....See MoreTwo car garage conversion, Master Primary Suite advice, recommendation
Comments (33)While I think the revisions addressed some issues, I would 1. make the vanity longer and use up all the space possible. Remember, 2 sink vanities lose a lot of drawer/storage space. Also, is there any other storage in the bathroom? Where will a towel-rack go or even a bar to hang a towel? 2. A desk inside the closet? Not what I would do, but maybe you have a good reason. You're going to need some serious lighting conditions in there to address the needs of someone working at the desk. 3. You must have a great relationship with a plumber, because none of the water-needing devices are back-to-back which means a whole lot of plumbing. 4. I'd probably close up that door from the bathroom to the closet. 1st, you get more hanging space in the closet. 2nd, you get room to add a tall bank of cabinets in the bathroom for storage. 5. Is that the shower in the upper left corner? 6' by 5'? That's an awfully big shower (bigger showers not always better, since it might not be as warm in there), and then a little dinky toilet area which is going to feel cramped. 6. The master bedroom is still so big you can fit a sofa in there. This is my personal preference, but here you are adding all this "utility" to a big space...2 bathrooms, a desk to work at, a new laundry room... and yet you still want all that roomy space around the bed. I just wouldn't want that, if I were you. To me, I consider having separate vanities a far bigger luxury than space around a bed, or having a sofa in my bedroom. I do think it's a great idea to have the laundry close to the kitchen like that. But a powder room that is going to flush while people are dining at the table? And they'll be able to smell from there? All in all, I don't really know why you are opposed to getting an architect. I'd want it done right for the amount of money you'll end up paying for construction....See Morepetula67
3 years ago
armchairshopper
3 years agoThe problem was stated as: “The current garage is too short for one of our vehicles”. You did not say: “We are outgrowing our house, we need an office to work from home, we need another den to homeschool our children, and we need a mud room to store our wet, snowy boots”. Are the office, den, and mud room were just a way to reuse space that would result from the garage relocation? That is how homes become over-improved.
Consider your alternatives:
1. Trade in that overlength vehicle for one that fits in your garage.
2. Add on to the length of one of the garage bays (example provided). Note: the new roof would need to project further than the existing gable overhang.
3. Sell the home and move to a larger home that better suits your needs.
4. Do a market analysis on your home and determine how much of your investment could be recouped if you had to sell after making the proposed renovations.
petula67 thanked armchairshopperpetula67
3 years agopetula67
3 years agopetula67
3 years agolast modified: 3 years ago
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