Garages & outbuildings
Garage Conversions in the Lake Livingston Area
Turn the garage you already have into an apartment, a home office or a home gym.
New living space inside an existing shell
A garage already has a foundation, walls and a roof. Converting it into finished space can be a practical way to add a room without building from scratch, whether you need a place for family, a quiet office or somewhere to work out.
Onalaska Builders converts garages with our own crews.
Popular conversions include:
- Garage apartments and guest suites
- Home offices
- Home gyms
What is involved
What goes into converting a garage
A garage is built for cars, not people, so a conversion usually addresses:
- The garage door opening. Framed in and finished as a wall, often with a window or entry door.
- The floor. Garage slabs are often lower than the house and slope toward the door, so the floor may need leveling or raising before new flooring.
- Insulation and walls. Insulating and finishing the walls and ceiling with drywall.
- Heating, cooling and power. Making the space comfortable and usable year-round.
- Plumbing if the space will have a bathroom or kitchenette.
- Finish work. Doors, trim and lighting.
Comparing options
Is a garage conversion cheaper than an addition?
Often, because much of the structure is already there. A home addition needs a new foundation, walls and roof, while a conversion works mostly inside an existing shell.
That is not always the whole story. The floor, insulation, windows, heating and cooling, and any plumbing can add up, and you give up covered parking. Some owners build a new detached garage or carport to replace it. Others prefer a separate guest house for more privacy.
Before you start
What to check before converting
- Where the cars will go. Losing a garage means planning other covered parking or storage.
- Rules for your property. Deed restrictions, HOA rules and local requirements can affect conversions, especially apartments meant for rental.
- Septic and utilities if you are adding a bathroom or kitchenette.
- Moisture and drainage around the garage. See drainage solutions.
Lake and timber country
Garage conversions around Lake Livingston
We convert garages within about 35 miles of Onalaska, including Livingston, Point Blank, Coldspring, Shepherd, Groveton, Trinity, Huntsville, Cleveland and Willis. See our full service area.
More outbuildings & detached structures services
Related services
Questions
Garage Conversions questions
What can a garage be converted into?
Common conversions include garage apartments and guest suites, home offices and home gyms.
Is converting a garage cheaper than building an addition?
Often, because the foundation, walls and roof already exist. Floor work, insulation, windows, heating and cooling, and any plumbing still add cost, and you lose covered parking.
Can I rent out a converted garage apartment?
That depends on the rules for your property, such as deed restrictions, HOA rules and local requirements. Check them before planning a conversion around rental income.
How do I get an estimate for a garage conversion?
Call (806) 480-0328 or send the estimate form with the town or ZIP code, the size of the garage and what you want it to become.
Get started
Ready to use that garage differently?
Tell us about your garage and what you want it to become. Send the form or give us a call.