Convert Garage Into Loft
Build Loft Above Garage, Loft Conversion and Garage Transforms
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GARAGE LOFT BEDROOM CONVERSIONBuilding A Garage With Loft
One of the greatest ways to add value to your home and gain that extra storage space you have been craving is to build a garage loft. Garage lofts can be used for a variety of different purposes and offer a long list of possible benefits. They can be as simple or complex as you need and can be built with a surprising amount of ease.
Benefits of a Garage Loft
The list of benefits for building a garage loft could be a mile long. Here is a brief synopsis of a few of those many benefits:
Increased property value
Potential for rental income
Additional potential living space
Additional storage space
Can be used as a work or creative space such as an artist’s studio
How to Build a Garage Loft
When it comes to building a loft on your garage, there are many options out there available to you. If you have some fairly basic experience working with your hands you could order a garage loft building kit and do it yourself, or you could hire a contractor to tackle it for you. Here is what you need to know either way:
Build Your Own Garage Loft
The easiest way to go about this is honestly to buy an entire garage building plan kit complete with all you need for the loft. There are many different suppliers of garage building kits out there which can be ordered online.
Although they are harder to find, you can also find kits to build just the second story onto your garage. Before you begin shopping, consider what you are planning on using the loft for now, as well as, in the future.
For example, it may just be for storage now but perhaps you will need some additional living space in a few years for an aging parent. Save yourself a lot of time and money by having a clear set of goals for the space prior to making your purchase.
If you do not want to purchase a kit, you can also find a wide variety of garage loft plans available online for adding your garage loft. However, it is recommended that you also consult an architect and your local building codes. Be sure to pull any necessary permits prior to beginning construction on your garage loft to avoid unpleasant fines and citations.
Hiring a Contractor to Build Your Garage Loft
Hiring a garage contractor is a much easier way to approach building a loft above your garage. However, it will also result in a much higher price tag for your loft. Therefore, it is important that you take your time and do your due diligence in searching for the best contractor for the job.
Be sure to ask for references and to actually check them. Here is a list of some suggested questions to use when interviewing potential contractors for your garage loft:
How much experience do they have with garage remodel projects of your size?
Are they willing to provide verifiable financial references, from their financial suppliers and/or banks?
Are they willing to provide you with a list of previous clients for references?
What is their payment schedule like?
How many other projects will they have in progress at the time of your garage loft?
How long have they been working with the subcontractors that they plan to use for your garage loft project?
What will the costs for the project be and why?
Paying for your Garage Loft
You have several options available to you when it comes to paying for a loft above your garage. Again, the cost of your project will depend on a variety of different factors like the size, materials, purpose, and whether or not you hire a contractor for the job.
If you find yourself needing some financial assistance to get the job done, you could apply for a variety of different types of loans including a personal or home equity line of credit. (Just be sure to thoroughly shop loan rates first.) You might also consider borrowing against a life insurance policy or your retirement plan. However, you will likely incur steep penalties for doing so.
If you are planning on renting the loft space out as an apartment or utility space, you may consider putting the construction costs on a low-interest credit card.
You could use a garage loft for too many reasons to count. They are great for storage, as well as, opening your potential living and work space. The sky is the limit. Garage lofts are also a fast, easy, and fairly inexpensive way to add value to your property.
Just make sure that you check all of your local building codes and neighborhood rules regarding garage expansions ahead of time to avoid possibly costly hiccups.
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