There are many homeowners who opt to building carports because this task is relatively inexpensive than having a garage. However, homes with garages are more desirable. Thus, in case you opt to sell the property in the future, it will be much easier. Renovating your carport into your garage may be a bit costly but the advantages are manifold too.
Assessing your need for the conversion is your primary task. You have to think thoroughly as to what purposes the new space will serve. If you only need it to secure your vehicles, then a simple garage would do. If you are thinking of having a special space for keeping your tools, organizing workshop materials and for other functions, then complex detached garages are perfect.
Envision the size of the new space. The minimum size for a single garage is 12 ft. wide x 22 ft. long, and 18 ft. wide x 22 ft. long for double garages. Along with the planning of the size, consider the widths and heights of the flooring and ceiling and garage door repairs. Allot a higher ceiling height if you are installing door openers with thick header. Usually a standard door needs at least an 8-ft. span for the opening.
The minute you have finalized the conversion construction details, it is important that you check your local area about building codes and regulations. In most states, a homeowner needs to secure a permit if these tasks are involved in renovating, remodeling or building a new structure:
– demolishing load-bearing walls,
– changing roofline
– altering footprint of the house
– installing new windows, door and sink
– new electrical wiring and plumb work
As you go along each preparation step, your finances should be readied as well. List down the materials you think are needed for this home project and across each item, place the projected amounts. A simple garage transformation requires wall studs, bottom plate, door with a track and opener, plywood, chip board barely for sheathing, pegboard for the wall insulation and also finishing materials such as PVC siding or brick veneer. Get quotations from local stores or online home improvement shop websites. Moreover, do not forget to include labor costs.
It would be much easier to calculate the operating expense if you definitely specify the duration of renovation project. Elaborate installations would basically translate to longer hours of work, thus, you need to allocate more budget for paying each handyman you hire. Each laborer can be paid $25-35 per hour. If you want to be saved away from worrying altogether about the conversion, hiring a contractor would be very helpful. But this can set you back $3,000 to $8,000 for the whole project depending on the complexity of the construction work and your location.
Once the conversion is over and done with, you will see that a garage is an invaluable investment. The expenses may demand much from your finances but the added protection and better and higher property value are worth such expenditure and effort.