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How much does it cost to remodel a garage?
Although many people use it as the catch-all of the house, the garage offers valuable storage and potential living space that can often be more effectively used with a remodel. Some people remodel the garage to turn it into an extra bedroom or living space, while others remodel it to make it more functional as a storage and workspace. Total cost depends on the size of the garage, age of the house, and the remodel purpose, but you can plan to spend an average of $6500 for a garage remodel with a common 600 square foot garage into a more functional space. Although it is possible to remodel a garage yourself, especially for smaller projects, hiring a professional contractor is always recommended.
Cost breakdown
- Materials: The needed materials obviously depend on the nature of the work, but most projects will include:
- Drywall 1, which typically runs $1-$2 per square foot.
- Uneven, scratched or cracked flooring can typically be leveled with about $500 of material, plus around $750 for a polyurethane coat.
- Adding a crawl space or storage space above the garage will typically cost around $2 per square foot.
- Rewiring the garage averages $3-$5 per square foot.
- Paint will cost $30-$50 per gallon, depending on the brand and quality.
- Labor:
- For flooring improvement and any structural reinforcements with the walls or ceiling, you'll need a carpenter, which averages $70 an hour.
- Re-wiring and electrical issues will obviously require an electrician, who average $65-$85 per hour and can take a few days up to a week depending on the garage’s electrical issues.
- Painting the finished room will run you $20-$35 per hour, but a small space should only require half a day of painting or less.
Enhancement and improvement costs
- If you plan to add a new garage door, plan to spend another $500-$800 per single door and $200-$425 for a garage door opener.
- Although not all garages need the upgrade, adding insulation to the walls will cost you $0.75-$0.95 per square foot.
- Adding or updating cabinets and shelving can have a big impact on the space, and the cost can vary greatly. If you build your own cabinetry, plan to spend around $500 on materials. You can purchase installed cabinets at a variety of price points, ranging from $500 to $1800 depending on the size, quality, and materials.
Additional considerations and costs
- Remodeling an area as significant and large as a garage will likely need permits. Talk to your contractor or local building regulation office for specific requirements in your area.
- In many cases, it can be less expensive to replace something rather than repair it. However, other labor-intensive projects are often more cost-effective to replace than repair.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Drywall: Type of plasterboard, commonly used to build walls and ceilings, composed of gypsum that is layered between sheets of heavy paper
How much does it cost to remodel a garage in my city?
Cost to remodel a garage varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
Labor cost by city and zip code
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