Garage conversion

[dat_steve]

A relative was interested in converting his garage to a living space (think a small den/office/man cave). It's currently just an attached one car garage, walls are painted like the rest of the house and the only thing that really makes it feel garage-y is the garage door (duh) and the concrete floor. We're not too sure how much trouble it is to make it into a "room", and I worry the process will be a lot more complicated than I think it is.

so far, the to do's i can think of are:
-add some sort of flooring over the concrete, the less permanent the better in case the place sells in the future
-weather/draft proofing the garage door
-maybe some sound dampening for noise to/from the street

Other than that, can anyone think of any issues we may run in to? If anyone's ever done this, any tips would be appreciated!

[turbo_slug]

I don't think the city allows people to convert garages to living space.

However, I've seen people build a wall a few feet in front of the garage door. As for flooring, a floating floor like laminate is cheap/easy to install. Also very easy to remove.

[sleepywheel]

My neighbour converted his two car attached garage into his man cave. He still keeps his immaculate show car Mustangs in there but it's like his living room. He had electric heaters put in and insulated and sealed his garage doors. The floor is a really thick rubber matting that keeps the cold out. The TV and sound system is a really nice touch along with the pictures and trophies on the wall.

Technically it's still a enclosed two car garage so the city can't do anything about it.

[bcrdukes]

I think turbo_slug is referring more to the technicality of the idea of converting the garage into a living space. It's a valid concern and point to make note of because all it takes is an asshole neighbour who rats you out to the city and you could be screwed. If whoever wishes to do so can, and will make your life as miserable as possible.

I would suggest making changes that are reversible, and nothing permanent because if/when they decide to sell the house, the potential buyer would need to know what's up etc.

[underscore]

The big issue is the lack of HVAC, you won't want to add it as it's a garage space but by sealing out the cold I'd imagine you're going to end up with pretty stale air in there.

[GLOW]

i know a guy that mancaved his 2 car garage. kept it really basic like dukes said so that it's still a garage. insulation in the walls, new drywall/paint, electrical receptacles. i think baseboard heaters and new garage door with door opener. i think he just put some good quality paint on the concrete floor. as well. i think he put in some new windows too.

[bcrdukes]

Also consider the type of garage door that is current there.

We had a pretty ghetto/basic garage door and it was of two extremes. In the winter, it was freezing cold. In the summer, it was worse than an oven. We got a new door and now, it's perfect.