Above-Garage Addition

Costs
Durability
Pictures
Popular Home Additions Topics

Pros and Cons
Questions and Answers
References
Related Articles

Whether you have a recent college grad looking for an affordable apartment, aging parents who need a functional room of their own, or simply want a space for guests, adding a room above your garage can be a great space-saving option. Here’s some more information to get you started.

Costs

While the cost of adding a room above your garage will vary depending on the size of the space, type of materials and the cost of labor, you can expect to pay, on average, about $150 per square foot. Get a price quote for a better cost estimate.

Pictures

Home Addition

Pros

Adding a room above your garage can greatly increase your space, allowing for a guest apartment, extra bedroom, etc.

This renovation adds value to your home and increases your possible asking price in the future.

It can be repurposed as your family’s needs change.

Cons

Adding a room above the garage can be costly and time-consuming.

Would require excellent insulation and/or HVAC system to combat the heat and cold from the garage below.

Durability

If possible, you should find a contractor that offers solid warranties on workmanship. Because this type of addition may require that parts of your garage are brought up to code, it’s highly recommended that your contractor guarantees his work and is willing to back it up down the road.

Common Questions and Answers

What needs to be brought up to code in order to make a room above a garage habitable?

While building codes vary depending on the city, state and county of your home, they usually always address the following: electrical wiring, heating and cooling, insulation, plumbing, ventilation, evacuation exits, and how structurally sound the space is.