skip to main content

Garages/Workshops Design Dilemma Building a Home

garage conversion + new two car garage or build on master suite??!

Kelley Mastrangelo

2 years ago

Does anyone have any insight on which is more cost effective? I can either build a master suite addition directly behind my existing family room. Or I can convert our two car garage into the master suite and build a new two car garage in front of the newly repurposed space. Any help or experience with this is sooo appreciated!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I can't tell you how much I dislike garages that are in my face in front of an entry to make the front of the house all garage as the first thing you see. But that said I do not like bedrooms above garages either. A garage is not living space so you will need to dempolish the garage and then build an addition just like any other addition. Can you do what you want where you live there are often rules about sq footage of living space in proportion o the lot. As for cost that can only be decided after getting all the info you need and then quotes from contractors in your area. IMO you also need an architect since IMO additions are best when they look like they have always been there
PRO
User
2 years ago
The costs will be similar, with the master suite given the edge as being more economical because you won’t need to redo your driveway and landscaping too. 100-250K, depending on location and expectations. But its more about the results that each project would bring as far as curb appeal and interior flow. A master off of a family area needs transition type area and sound buffering between the two, for instance.

Plus there is the difficulty of tying into the main house and the plumbing rework are two big cost unknowns until your local contractor and architect team weigh in after a site inspection.
Related Discussions
New Construction - Bonus Room Over 3 Car Garage
Q
Comments (12)
If total cost is $110, then it would be about $20 to finish otherwise framed space. It is similar to finishing an unfinished basement if this area was planned as a "finishable" space. I am assuming that roofline is there and stairs are already there, and subfloor is already there (and designed for load). The real cost variable is HVAC - if you finish it later, then your HVAC won't be sized right and you may need a unit just for that space which can add a big chunk. Rough costs per sqft electrical $4 Paint $2 Drywall $2 Insulation $2 (mild climate) plumbing $0 - assuming no bathroom HVAC $4 Carpet $2 Trim $2 (includes door) Builder $2 (low to make numbers work...) HVAC is quite variable - it can be less if you are just adding a duct or two and not changing the size of the original unit. The comfort of a bonus room is climate and insulation and HVAC design dependent. Done terribly much of the time. I have a bedroom in a "bonus" area and it is just fine without spray foam. It also only has 1 duct and no return but it isn't 900 sqft either. The walkin closet in that area is absolutely frigid with no duct.
...See More
Is it worth insulating the garage? Master is above the garage.
Q
Comments (14)
"We have a brand new build with a HERS rating of 53................ The issue is the master is subjected to the added temp stress of both the hot summer and cold winters in Ohio." How new? I take you've had at least 1 winter and 1 summer there already? If the garage ceiling is insulated to its full depth then you'd have to add a false ceiling to increase it. Alternatively, you could remove the fiberglass insulation (I'm assuming its fiberglass) and use spray foam for added R value. Both of these involve a lot of construction, though, and would cost quite a bit more than your initial $300 budget. If the house is new and HERS 53, isn't your builder responsible for this issue? (A HERS 53 score is significant because it's a Presidential Award threshhold that builders tout when trying to earn your business!)
...See More
Input on garage door style for new build!
Q
Comments (41)
I don't understand the 2.5 car garage. Seems like a lot of extra money; I'd just throw the extra half of a car away. Maybe it has sentimental value? I just don't know. As a city guy, that term is new to me; we tend to not have garages (and often, not cars either). But kudos to you for tucking the garage back a bit rather than having it be the prominent feature of the home (as many are).
...See More
New Home Construction (Budget Decisions 3rd Car garage vs SunRoom Bump
Q
Comments (30)
I go with the sunroom, too, and here's why. You can build a shed for cheap at some point, and until then you'll probably keep one car inthe driveway, and all the bikes and basketballs in the garage along with the yard and snow tools. The sunroom will make a great playroom while the little ones are little. I've seen that sunroom with nothing in it but a low-pile play rug and Lego. Or balls. Or plastic hockey sticks. Or those big Little Tykes (slide, trikes, trains) Or Hot Wheels. Or dollhouses. Or art projects (easy-to-clean tile floor). Usually just one or two of those. But a great playspace, near you but not, outdoors but not. After they are done with those types of toys, it can be dining space and added living space. You don't need the shed until Boy #1 gets a car. Oops, didn't mean to scare ya lol! Upstairs, I wonder if you can steal some space from the game room to make a reach-in closet for Bedroom 2, and use its walk-in closet to expand the bathroom. 5 boys will need more counterspace, more drawer storage, and (I can't believe I'm saying this, I'm usually a 1-sink gal) 2 sinks. Downstairs, consider eliminating the study closet and adding a shower to the powder room.
...See More

Related Stories

GARAGES 6 Great Garage Conversions Dreamed Up by Houzzers

By Vanessa Brunner

Pull inspiration from these creative garage makeovers, whether you've got work or happy hour in mind

GARAGES 6 Incredible Garage Conversions

By Becky Harris

Trading car storage for capacious living space, these garage conversions leave their former incarnations in the dust

GARAGES Tale of 2 Car Shelters: Craftsman Garage and Contemporary Carport

By Becky Harris

Projects in the Pacific Northwest complement the existing architecture and sites of 2 very different homes

BACKYARD STUDIOS Reimagined Landscape Inspires a Dramatic Garage Conversion

By Becky Harris

An architect transforms an eyesore of a garage into a studio worthy of its beautiful new surroundings

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: A Midcentury Garage Conversion Gets a Modern Update

By Kathleen McCleary

A 1950s home designed by noted architect Paul Rudolph gets more light and an indoor-outdoor connection

GARAGES Houzz Call: Show Us Your Garage Conversion

By Vanessa Brunner

Have you switched from auto mode into workshop, office, gym or studio mode? We'd love to see the result

GARAGE CONVERSIONS 9 Garage Conversions Fit New Uses Into Old Spaces

By Tailorly, Professional Home Organizing

These creatively redesigned spaces offer room to work from home, work out or hang out

GARAGES Not Just for Cars: Garage Doors for the Home

By Scheer & Co. Interior Design

See how the nontraditional use of a garage door could transform your living space

ROOM OF THE DAY Room of the Day: Underwhelming Garage Now an Upbeat Living Room

By Mitchell Parker

In the California wine country, a new living space bridges the gap between a pool and a courtyard

GARAGE CONVERSIONS Tour a Converted Garage With Style Inspired by Mexico

By Becky Harris

An ADU serves as a guest cottage, children’s play space, laundry room and more

Sponsored

More Discussions

Need Help Reviewing Floor Plan!

52

House plan and foundation

12

Alternative to drywall for garage?

18

Will it be cheaper to build a home?

14

Hardie Board Discoloration

11