Sometimes you just need more space. And if you can’t add or up to your house you can always convert your garage into a living space. It can be a great addition to your home and provide a great and cost effective way to add a bedroom, work room, or even a man/woman cave to your property. But it can also be something if you don’t do it right can cost you a lot down the road when you sell it or the city knocks on your door. Think twice before doing a garage conversion. Here are a few tips to look into before you start putting up any walls or if you already have.
Facts
A lot of people don’t know much about a garage and how it affects a property. According to the San Diego Development Services department garages were built to provide required off-street parking. It also says you may be able to legalize your garage conversion provided you can replace replace required parking eliminated by the conversion. If everyone converted there garage then the streets would be filled with cars which is not good for a neighborhood. A garage conversion always requires a permit in San Diego. Don’t start doing anything to your garage until you’ve researched everything and already contacted the city on what you are going to do. If you already started doing work or your house came with a non-permitted garage check the requirements and see if it is up to code.
Drawbacks
Converting your garage can give you more space which is great but make sure it’s something you really want because it’s a hassle to convert it back. It’s also a little harder to sell because a lot of buyers want a garage and it drastically decreases the amount of buyers you will have. Another thing is that it opens you up to city looking at your property as a whole. You might have something else(bedroom, windows) that is not up to code or un-permitted at your house. The city may see that and make you fix that. You should always avoid the city looking at your property if you can. Putting a conversion on also can be costly. Between permits, architecture fees, and the actual work being done, it can add up. And rarely does that money come back to you when you sell it.
A garage conversion can be a great addition for you and your family. But make sure you do your due diligence otherwise you may get a knock on your door.