How Much Does a Garage Conversion Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $6,022 - $27,768
The average cost to convert a garage into a living space is $16,684, but can range between $6,022 and $27,768 based on size, materials, and location, among other factors.
The cost to convert a garage into a living space is around $16,684 on average, but could be more if you pick high-end materials or need plumbing and electrical added. Most homeowners pay between $6,022 and $27,768 for a garage conversion, depending on the size of the garage, what you want to turn it into, and the materials used to complete the project.
If you’re looking to give your family room to grow or want more space for activities, converting a garage into a living space is an easy solution. It’s already mostly built to be a living space, and all you need to do is add the finishing touches. We’ll explain how to estimate the cost to convert your garage to living space in this article.
- Average
- $16,684
- Low end
- $1,400
- high end
- $72,000
Garage Conversion Cost by Square Foot
| Garage Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost to Convert |
|---|---|
| 240 | $6,000–$18,000 |
| 264 | $6,600–$19,800 |
| 384 | $9,600–$28,800 |
| 440 | $11,000–$33,000 |
| 484 | $12,100–$36,300 |
The average cost to convert a garage to living space is around $40 per square foot, but that number can range from $25 up to $75 or more, depending on your conversion type, the quality of the materials, and more. That means smaller garages will naturally cost less than larger ones.
A typical one-car garage is 240 square feet and will cost around $9,600 to fully finish. The typical two-car garage is around 440 square feet and will cost around $17,600 to fully finish. However, costs will vary depending on the actual length and width of the garage.
Garage Conversion Cost by Project Type
"Post-pandemic, many people do appreciate the idea of having visitors and the flexibility to work from home in a separate area of the house. A private location near your primary residence for quiet time or remote work is ideal for work-life balance."
— Elizabeth Altobelli, Luxury Properties Specialist with William Raveis - Connecticut
Not everyone has the same reason for converting their garage into a living space. While you might want the kitchen of your dreams there, someone else is thinking about how they’re going to set up their new office space. The end goal of your project greatly influences the price since you’re going to need extra plumbing for one project or extra electrical work for a different one.
Bedroom
Converting the garage into the bedroom is the most popular project to tackle. A simple bedroom will run you around $12,000. If this is going to be your new primary bedroom with a bathroom included, you’re looking at closer to $25,000.
Office
Tired of using your kitchen table as an office desk every day? Looking to create a new office space in your old garage will run you about $5,000. This space doesn’t typically require plumbing, framing for closets, or mandatory points of egress, so you’re mostly paying for the extra electrical work, insulation, and finishing touches.
Bedroom
Converting the garage into the bedroom is the most popular project to tackle. A simple bedroom will run you around $12,000. If this is going to be your new primary bedroom with a bathroom included, you’re looking at closer to $25,000.
Office
Tired of using your kitchen table as an office desk every day? Looking to create a new office space in your old garage will run you about $5,000. This space doesn’t typically require plumbing, framing for closets, or mandatory points of egress, so you’re mostly paying for the extra electrical work, insulation, and finishing touches.
Entertainment Room
Maybe you’re looking to create the perfect hangout spot for all of your friends and family. In this case, you’re looking at spending around $7,500. Family areas may require emergency exits, so the extra costs will come with the benefit of safety.
Utility Room
A utility room is an excellent place to do laundry (or at least hide it from guests). It’s typically easy to get to, and you don’t have to listen to the washer and dryer going while you’re inside. Adding a utility room will set you back around $6,000, as often requires fewer finishing touches than traditional living space.
In-Law Suite
Converting a garage into a full in-law or guest suite—or a guest house in the case of a detached garage—costs $20,000 to $50,000 on average.
At the lower end of the range, a basic conversion will include insulation, drywall, flooring, and a bathroom. A mid-range conversion with a budget of $30,000 to $40,000 would add amenities like a small kitchenette and additional electrical and plumbing work. For a complete in-law suite with a full kitchen, high-end finishes, and potentially even a separate HVAC system, the cost can reach $50,000 or more.
Gym
One of the simplest conversions you can do is an at-home gym, which should cost around $6,000, excluding your gym equipment. The expenses will go toward cushioned flooring you place over your garage floor and finishing touches, like installing drywall and windows for ventilation. Your price could be higher if you want to add on a luxury spa for use after your workouts, or a shower for cleaning up before going back into your main living area.
Cost to Hire a General Contractor for a Garage Conversion
A general contractor is the most fitted pro to hire for converting a garage, as it’s a project that requires coordinating different trades and meeting local regulations. Plus, a general contractor can help get the job done on schedule and within your budget.
In most cases, around 50% to 60% of your total costs—or $8,200 to $10,000 in the case of a garage conversion—will go toward hiring a general contractor. Labor will vary based on the cost of living in your area as well as the length of the project.
Some other pros you may consider hiring for converting a garage are:
Architect: They can create a detailed plan and layout that maximizes the use of your space.
Electrician and Plumber: Licensed electricians and plumbers are essential for installing electrical systems and plumbing.
Interior Designer: An interior designer can help select finishes, colors, and furnishings that create a cohesive and appealing living space.
Cost to Convert a Garage Into a Living Space by Location
Cost differences between states will come down to the cost of living, the cost of local materials, and permit prices. Common prices to convert a garage into a living space in different states are as follows:
| State | Price |
|---|---|
| Florida | $15,984 |
| Washington | $17,984 |
| Texas | $14,531 |
| Illinois | $14,187 |
| New York | $19,546 |
| Minnesota | $14,703 |
| Colorado | $16,484 |
| Massachusetts | $23,187 |
Additional Factors That Influence the Cost to Convert a Garage Into a Living Space
There are quite a few factors that can influence the cost to convert your garage into living space, including materials, labor, how you want to use your new room, and more.
| Cost Factor | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Permits | $300–$1,000 |
| Electrical | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Plumbing | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Doors | $200–$1,000 |
| Windows | $500–$2,000 |
| Insulation | $500–$2,000 |
| HVAC | $300–$5,000 |
| Flooring | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Drywall | $1,000–$3,000 |
Permits
Permits vary based on the project and your location, but you can expect to pay between $300 and $1,000 for a garage conversion permit.
Electrical
One of the biggest expenses in your garage conversion will be connecting utilities to the new area. The electrical component of this will cost between $1,000 and $3,000, which includes adding new outlets, light fixtures, and potentially upgrading the electrical panel. The total price depends on whether you have existing wiring in the garage.
Plumbing
If you’re converting to an in-law suite with a bathroom or kitchen, adding or upgrading plumbing costs $1,500 to $4,000. This involves running new pipes, installing sinks and toilets, and ensuring proper drainage. Like electrical work, plumbing costs depend on what your garage was already equipped with.
Doors
Replacing the garage door with a standard entry door or sliding glass doors costs $200 to $1,000. This includes any necessary framing and finishing to integrate the door into the existing structure. Note that for some conversions, like home gyms, you may not need to replace the existing roll-up garage door.
Windows
Installing new windows will bring natural light into your converted garage and improve ventilation. Depending on the number of windows, their size, and any custom features you choose, the cost will be between $500 and $2,000 on average.
Insulation
Proper insulation is vital to keeping the converted room at a comfortable temperature, limiting noise, and reducing energy bills. It will cost $500 to $2,000 in total, or around $0.40 to $6 per square foot.
HVAC
You may need to install a new HVAC unit or extend existing ductwork, depending on your home’s current system. If you don’t have existing ductwork, installing a ductless mini-split system is likely the best option, since it allows for independent temperature control in the space without the high cost of adding ducts. For a larger garage, you may consider extending an existing central HVAC system, but it will cost more. The most affordable option is adding a portable heater and air conditioner, which is best for short-term use but won’t provide the same temperature control as other systems.
Costs for each HVAC system are:
Ductless Mini-Split: $1,500 – $4,000
Central HVAC: $3,000 – $5,000
Portable Heater/AC: $300 – $1,000
Flooring
Choosing the right flooring can transform the look and feel of your converted room. It will cost $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the size and type. Popular options are hardwood, laminate, tile, or carpet.
Drywall
Adding drywall costs $1,000 to $3,000, or around $2 per square foot on average, including hanging, taping, mudding, and sanding. While drywall is a key part of an in-law suite conversion, a home office or home gym conversion may not need it.
Converting a Garage Into a Living Space Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
If you were able to do all the work yourself, you could plan on bringing down your garage conversion cost from $16,684 to around $8,300, as labor accounts for about 50% of the project total. However, this is a project you’re going to want a garage remodeling contractor near you to handle. They’ll help you plan out the garage conversion correctly so you’re maximizing your new living area. They will also sure the proper permits are pulled and that the utility lines are all run properly.
There are ways to cut remodeling costs, though:
DIYing demolition
Adding finishing touches yourself
Organizing your garage and cleaning it out before construction begins
Limiting how much utility work your contractor needs to do
Opting for more affordable flooring options and other materials
Leaving your garage door in place or installing a garage door alternative rather than framing and closing off the wall opening
Frequently Asked Questions
For a garage to count as living space—and towards your home’s total square footage—it needs to be attached to the rest of your home and have permanent finishings such as proper insulation, finished walls and ceilings, and adequate ventilation. It also needs to be livable at all times of year, so it should be heated if it gets cold in the winter and cooled for hot summers.
Yes, a garage conversion typically adds value to your home since you’re increasing the amount of liveable square footage. Generally, you have an ROI of about 80% with garage conversions. So if your project costs $10,000, around $8,000 is added to the value of your home. The actual value added to your property will depend on the type of renovation. Things like adding a kitchen and a bedroom/bathroom combination will usually be more valuable than office space or an at-home gym.
A garage conversion typically takes between four and eight weeks, depending on the garage’s size and the project’s complexity. For a detached garage conversion, you may not experience much impact to daily life while it’s under construction, whereas an attached garage conversion can disrupt daily life quite significantly, given its proximity to the rest of your living space.