9 Ideas for Converting a Garage Into a Bedroom

Feeling a little cramped in your current floor plan? Moving can be an expensive and stressful option. Building an addition can be even more expensive and stressful. Some people prefer to find space in their current homes instead of packing up.

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One option is to convert a garage to a bedroom or another living space to get more square footage. But a garage doesn't feel very cozy the way it is. A garage conversion can take a lot of work to make it feel like the rest of the home.

Ready to convert your garage to a bedroom or living space? You'll likely need to do some work on all parts of the garage to make it feel like a finished space. Consider these garage conversion ideas to make it comfy.

1. Add Soundproofing

Garages aren't always the quietest spaces in the house. Adding soundproofing in the walls, and in the ceiling if there's a room above the garage, can help make the new space more appealing. Soundproofing can be especially helpful for comfortable sleeping.

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2. Install Drywall

Many garages feature unfinished walls with the studs showing. This works fine if you're using the space for cars and lawnmowers, but it's not functional or attractive for a finished space. Finishing the walls with drywall makes the garage feel like the rest of the house. Before you drywall the space, add insulation in the walls to help with temperature control.

3. Close in the Ceiling

Another place that needs a little work when you convert a garage to a bedroom is the ceiling. If it isn't a finished ceiling, add drywall over your head so the ceiling is closed in and finished. Other options include drop ceilings and ceiling tiles.

4. Change the Garage Door

A traditional garage door isn't the coziest option for a bedroom. Plus, a solid garage door can leave the space feeling dark. If you want to stick with the traditional garage door, consider swapping it out for one with windows to let in natural light. Adding insulation or installing an insulated garage door also helps keep you comfortable.

Another option is to ditch the garage door in favor of a sliding or French door. This allows for ample light and easy access outdoors while making it feel more like a finished space than a converted garage. You'll need to turn part of the area into a regular wall since the new doors won't likely be as wide as the garage door.

5. Add Windows

Changing out the garage door can add some extra light, but it might not be enough to make the space bright and homey. Windows also help with ventilation. Sometimes, building codes specify that you need a minimum amount of window space. Do your research on local building codes first to see if they cover windows. If not, consider adding a few windows anyway to create a more comfortable space.

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6. Raise the Floor

Stepping onto a bare concrete floor when you get out of bed can be chilly and uncomfortable. Sure, you could throw a rug over it, but it still won't feel like an indoor floor. Garage floors are also usually much lower than the rest of the house. If you have enough clearance in the garage, raising the floor makes it feel more like the rest of the house. You can also insulate under it and add regular flooring to make it cozier.

7. Hide Mechanicals

Some garages house things such as your laundry room, water heater or electrical panel, which can make for an unattractive view in your newly converted living space. Building walls to block off those items can give the converted garage a more finished look. Make sure you leave easy access to those items, either by leaving one end open or adding a door.

8. Add Heating and Cooling

Most garages aren't connected to the home's HVAC system, which means the garage conversion space could get uncomfortable. You'll need to add a heating and cooling system to the space. You can extend your current ductwork into the garage with the help of an HVAC technician. Another option is to install a separate ductless system for just the garage. You can use a window AC, baseboard heaters or a ductless mini-split system for year-round comfort.

9. Install Lighting

If your garage just has a few bare bulbs to light it, you'll want some upgraded light fixtures for your new space. You might need to hire an electrician to install additional light fixtures to avoid having dark corners in the converted garage space. Consider how you plan to use the space and where you'll need lights. Recessed lights are an option if the garage ceiling is low.