Garage conversions make it easy to convert an existing garage into a space you love for living in, or renting out. These are also an excellent way to save money on your mortgage.
The key to making your garage into an apartment is choosing the right plan. This is especially important if the area you live in requires you to rent out the space. Los Angeles ADU Builder can help determine the best plan for you.
Converting a 2 Car Garage into an Apartment
You must decide how you want your garage converted into an apartment before you can start. This will dictate how much space the apartment will have. Take some time to plan.
Open floor plans are the best for garage conversions. They can be used for living and work. These plans allow for flexibility when it comes time to choose finishes and fixtures.
You should choose wall materials that give your studio garage apartment a warm, inviting feeling. Plasterboard and drywall are not recommended for walls. They will make the space feel cold and unfinished.
Keeping the Space Cool
It is a common problem homeowners run into when they convert their garages into apartments. To avoid this happening, you'll need extra insulation in your ceiling and exterior walls. This will decrease your heating costs and keep your apartment warm throughout the winter.
It is also a good idea for the garage apartment to be connected to your heating/cooling system. This will enable you to save money and use the same cooling and heating units as your main house.
If you wish to keep your garage cool in summer, an air conditioner can be installed. It's a big investment so be sure to shop around for the right plan.
Depending on your requirements, you can choose from a one or two-bedroom garage apartment plan. These are perfect for guests, or if you have an additional room to stay while traveling.
You can convert a two-car garage into a one-level apartment or choose a loft bedroom design to increase the living space in the upper part of your home. This will give you more space without sacrificing the parking spot in lower sections of the garage.
A detached apartment can be built over the garage. This is a good option if you plan to use the space for an in-law suite, granny flat or other purposes. However, it will require more work.
Check your local zoning laws to ensure that you are compliant with any building projects in your area. These will tell you what type of building permits are needed and the rules and regulations to build a garage apartment. Los Angeles ADU Builder team will guide you through the process to ensure that your home building plans are compliant with all applicable guidelines.
FAQ
What is included in a full kitchen remodel?
A full kitchen remodels more than just a new sink and faucet. There are also cabinets, countertops, appliances, lighting fixtures, flooring, plumbing fixtures, and much more.
Full kitchen remodeling allows homeowners to make small changes to their kitchens. This means there is no need to tear down the kitchen, making the project more manageable for both the homeowner as well as the contractor.
Kitchen renovations include various services, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, painting, and drywall installation. A complete kitchen remodeling project may require multiple contractors depending on the size of the job.
A team of professionals is the best way to ensure that a kitchen remodel runs smoothly. Kitchen remodels are complex and can be delayed by small issues. You should plan ahead and prepare a backup plan for any unexpected situations if you decide to DIY.
Do you think it is cheaper to remodel a kitchen or a bathroom?
Remodeling your bathroom or kitchen is expensive. It is worth considering the amount of money you spend on your energy bills each monthly.
It is possible to save thousands every year with a simple upgrade. A few simple changes, such as adding insulation to walls and ceilings, can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 30 percent. Even a modest addition can improve comfort and increase resale value.
The most important thing to keep in mind when planning for renovations is to choose products that are durable and easy to maintain. Material like porcelain tile, stainless-steel appliances, and solid wood flooring are more durable and can be repaired less often than vinyl or laminate countertops.
You might also find that replacing old fixtures by newer models can reduce utility expenses. Low-flow faucets and showerheads can reduce water consumption by as much as 50%. Compact fluorescent bulbs can be replaced with inefficient lighting to reduce electricity consumption by as much as 75 percent.
What is the difference of a remodel and renovation?
Remodeling is the major alteration to a space or a part of a space. A renovation is a minor change to a room or a part of a room. A bathroom remodel can be a large project while an addition to a sink faucet can be a small project.
Remodeling is the process of changing a room or part of it. A renovation is merely changing something in a particular room. Kitchen remodels can include changing countertops, sinks, appliances and lighting. An update to a kitchen could involve painting the walls or installing a new light fixture.
Is $30000 sufficient for a kitchen remodeling project?
The cost of a kitchen remodel can vary from $15000 to $35000, depending on the amount you spend. A complete kitchen remodel will cost you more than $20,000. For less than $3000, you can update appliances, add lighting, and replace countertops.
An average cost for a complete renovation is between $12,000-$25,000. There are ways to save money but not sacrifice quality. An example is to install a new sink rather than replacing an existing one that costs around $1000. You can even buy used appliances for half of the price of new.
Kitchen renovations take longer than other types of projects, so plan accordingly. You don't want your kitchen to be finished halfway through.
You are best to get started as soon as possible. Start by looking at different options and getting quotes from contractors. Then, narrow down your options based upon price, quality, availability.
Once you have identified potential contractors, request estimates and compare their prices. Sometimes the lowest bid doesn't necessarily mean the best. It's important that you find someone with similar work experiences who can provide a detailed estimate.
When calculating the final cost, remember to add all extras. These could include labor costs, permits, and material charges. You should be realistic about what you can spend and stick to your spending budget.
If you're unhappy with any of the bids, be honest. You can tell the contractor why the first quote isn't what you want and get another one. Don't let pride get in the way when you save money.
How much does it take to completely gut and remodel a kitchen?
You might be wondering how much it would cost to renovate your home.
The average cost of a kitchen remodel between $10,000 and $15,000. There are many ways to save money and improve the overall feel of your kitchen.
One way to reduce costs is to plan ahead of time. You can do this by choosing a design style that suits you and your budget.
Another way to cut costs is to make sure that you hire an experienced contractor. A skilled tradesman will know exactly what to do with each stage of the construction process. This means that he or she won’t waste time trying out different methods.
It's a good idea to evaluate whether your existing appliances should be replaced or preserved. The cost of replacing appliances can increase by thousands of dollars in a kitchen remodel project.
In addition, you might decide to buy used appliances instead of new ones. Buying used appliances can help you save money because you won't have to pay for installation.
You can also save money by shopping around when buying materials and fixtures. Many stores offer discounts during special events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
What are the largest expenses when remodeling a kitchen
There are several major costs involved in a kitchen remodel. These include demolition, design fees, permits, materials, contractors, etc. However, these costs are quite small when taken individually. However, when you add them together, they quickly become quite large.
Demolition is the most costly cost. This includes the removal of old cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances. The drywall and insulation must then be removed. You will then need to replace them with new items.
Next, you must hire an architect to draw out plans for the space. The permits will be required to ensure the project complies with building codes. You will then need to find someone to perform the actual construction.
The contractor must be paid once the job has been completed. You could spend anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000, depending on how large the job is. It is crucial to get estimates from several contractors before you hire one.
Planning can help you avoid many of these expenses. You might be able negotiate better materials prices or skip some work. If you know what needs to be done, you should be able to save time and money during the process.
Many people attempt to install cabinets themselves. They think this will save money because they don't have to pay for professional installation services. The problem is that they usually spend more money trying to figure out how to put the cabinets in place themselves. The time it takes to complete a job can be completed by professionals in half the time.
Unfinished materials can also be a way to save money. Pre-finished materials such as cabinets should be inspected before you purchase them. You can immediately use unfinished materials if you purchase them. Even if it doesn't go according to plan, you can always change your mind later.
Sometimes, it's just not worth the effort. Planning is the best way save money on home improvement projects.
Statistics
- 5%Roof2 – 4%Standard Bedroom1 – 3% (rocketmortgage.com)
- 55%Universal average cost: $38,813Additional home value: $22,475Return on investment: 58%Mid-range average cost: $24,424Additional home value: $14,671Return on investment: (rocketmortgage.com)
- $320,976Additional home value: $152,996Return on investment: 48%Mid-range average cost: $156,741Additional home value: $85,672Return on investment: (rocketmortgage.com)
- Attic or basement 10 – 15% (rocketmortgage.com)
- 57%Low-end average cost: $26,214Additional home value: $18,927Return on investment: (rocketmortgage.com)
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How To
Are you looking for an inexpensive and quick way to improve your patio?
A stylish pergola is the best solution! Pergolas are great additions to patios that provide shade, privacy, and shelter while keeping the outside space open and inviting. These are 10 reasons to build a pergola for your next outdoor renovation.
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Privacy - Pergolas can be used to add privacy to an apartment or condo. It also blocks noise from traffic and other sounds. You will be more comfortable on your patio if it has a private area.
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Pergolas can provide shade and shelter on hot summer days. They also help keep your patio cool on warm days, especially if you use them as a covered seating area. Plus, a pergola adds a decorative element to your patio.
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You can enhance your outdoor living space by adding a pergola to your patio. This creates a relaxing and comfortable area for entertaining family and friends. If you desire, it can be converted into a small dining room.
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Make your patio stand apart with unique designs - There are many design options available. Pergolas can be modern or traditional.
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Design Your Pergola to Make It More Energy-Effective - Consider including large overhangs to protect your plants and furniture from the elements when you design it. This will protect your property and keep your patio cooler.
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Keep out Unwanted Guests Pergolas can be customized to meet the specific needs of your patio. For example, pergolas can be constructed with trellises, lattice wall, or both. The design options allow you to control who has access to your patio.
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Pergolas Are Easy to Maintain - Pergolas have been designed to withstand extreme weather. However, you may be required to repaint the pergola every few years, depending on the paint used. You may also need to trim away dead branches and leaves.
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The pergola will increase your home's value by creating an illusion of more space. As long as you maintain the pergola properly, it won't cost much. Some homeowners simply love having a pergola.
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Protect Your Patio Furniture and Plants from Wind Damage - Although pergolas aren't usually covered with roofing material, they serve their purpose. They can be easily installed and removed if necessary.
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Pergolas are easy to build without breaking the bank. Most homeowners find that pergolas cost less than $1,000 to build. This means you can easily finance this type of project.