Garage Remodeling: Turn Your Garage into a Living Space

A sizable garage remodeling job you may wish to undertake is transforming it into a living space. Know from the start that the job will involve several separate skills including electrical, construction, drywall and finish work. If you plan on adding a bathroom, that will require some plumbing skills, although that is not included in this garage remodel. 

Step 1: Frame Walls

Choose a place in the garage suitable to frame in a couple of walls to make a living space. You may have to sacrifice a parking spot, but if the garage is long or wide enough, you may have room in the rear of the garage next to the door leading to the house. Construct wall frames using 2x4 lumber. Build the frames on the ground and erect them and fasten them to the ceiling beam when complete. To attach them to the concrete, drill several holes using a high torque drill and concrete bit and bolt them to the floor. Be sure to frame in a door on one of the walls with dimensions matching a door you purchase. 

Step 2: Add Electrical

With the walls framed in, run the electrical wire from the main circuit panel (probably located in the garage) to the room. With the exposed frames, drilling holes in the studs to run the insulated wire will be easy. Attach outlet, light and switch boxes in their respective locations. Run a 15 amp circuit to the lights and a 20 amp circuit to the outlets. If you must, add additional breakers to the panel. Otherwise use available circuits. Wire up the lights and outlets and check your work before continuing. 

Step 3: Insulate

You don’t need to insulate the newly-framed walls unless you want sound insulation. You should, however, insulate walls adjoining the outside. 

Step 4: Add Drywall

With the insulation and electrical in place, hang drywall on the inside of the room. Cover the walls and ceiling, making sure to account for the location of every fixture. 

Step 5: Drywall Finish and Paint

Now that the drywall is hung, finish the drywall using all purpose drywall compound. Each joint requires 3 layers: the first fills in the joints. Apply drywall tape over the first layer. The second layer should cover the tape entirely and fan out the streak wider. The third layer is even wider and is meant to smooth the added texture of the wall down further. After you have finished the drywall, paint on a coat of primer and then paint the walls and ceiling as you wish. 

Step 6: Flooring and Carpeting

Cut and install a layer of plywood on top of the concrete. This will not only add a buffer area between the concrete and the carpet, it will give you something on which to staple the padding and carpeting. Lay down a thick layer of padding to add some softness to your step. On top of this put down a piece of carpet. Staple everything in place.  

Step 7: Attach the Door

Once everything else is complete, attach the door to the frame and trim it out to complete the room. Make sure that the doors opens and closes properly before finishing up.  

You’ll want to drywall the outside of the newly-framed walls as well. With the room complete and powered, it is a suitable living space.