Running Out of Room? Why Move When You Can Build!

These days, we spend more time at home than we do anywhere else. Because of this, many people are wishing they had more space. We all love our families, but sometimes we need a little time apart, and being cooped up in the same small spaces can be wearisome. How does a personal gym sound? Maybe your family would love a game room or entertainment room. Or perhaps you’d like a large master suite to live the life of luxury.

You may think that you’d have to move to accomplish any of these things, but the truth is you don’t have to! Plus, your kids don’t want to have to switch schools and you are happy with your home’s location. You just need more room!

A traditional home gets a second floor over its garage. Great results!

Put a Second Floor Over the Garage

When you can’t build on to your home from side-to-side, you can build up! Many people don’t think of building a second floor over the garage, but it’s the perfect solution if you need more space. Whether your garage is attached to the home or it’s a detached garage, each has its benefits with a second floor.

It’s far less expensive than moving: You can get a loan to build on the second floor to your garage and add it to your current mortgage.

● Just think of it as investing in your property. You may increase the resale value of your home and end up making the money back or even more when the day comes that you do want to sell your home.

If you find that you need extra money and finances are tight in the future, you can make the space into a studio apartment that you can rent out. The extra money will come in handy!

Do you need more reasons to build a second story onto your garage? Take a look at this article for 6 reasons to add a studio apartment over the garage.

If you’re ready to get started, we have a few more tips for you. Keep reading for five steps that you will want to remember when embarking upon this project!

Do Your Research First

Before beginning any construction project, you will want to contact your municipality and check the regulations. It’s important to know of any local rules so that you can abide by them and avoid fines.

While all municipalities have rules regarding the height of the building and clearances regarding property lines, there may also be locally-specific rules that you need to follow also. There may be rules about the exterior appearance, for example. You may need to obtain a building permit and the cost of these can vary drastically.

Thinking you can get away without a building permit? You may want to think again! Take a look at this infographic that was published in Michael McDermott's article on CRD Design-Build:

Infographic - 6 Reasons why you should'nt  do home improvements without permits

Is It Realistic?

It’s a good idea to do a little research before jumping in. You will want to be realistic with your expectations so that you don’t spend much more money than you will ever recoup.

While some of us are construction workers, others are bankers, and even some are real estate agents, chances are that not one of us is all three! Since we are not experts in every area, we need to get advice from those who are experts in their field.

Any time you make a big investment, you want to do so with caution. Weigh the pros and cons. Take into account the current financial environment and job stability. You don’t want to bite off more than you can chew with a larger mortgage payment, for example.

Questions to ask your banking professional:

● How much do you qualify to have added to your current mortgage?

● How much will your monthly mortgage payment be?

● How many years can you expect to be added to your mortgage?

● How long will it take to recoup your expenses from this investment in a resale of the home?

Other things for you to consider:

● Will this investment cause you to have to sacrifice more than you are willing to? For example, will you still have fun money for dining out, traveling, or attending events? If so, for how long? Is it worth it to you?

● Is your home located in an area where the resale value is expected to go up?

● Large projects can be super stressful! Are your relationships and family life in a place that can handle that kind of stress? Don’t get us wrong, these projects are also very exciting!

According to Fixr.com, adding a second story above your garage will cost between $300 and $500 per square foot.

Split-level house where the carport is transformed into a closed garage. The sidings are changed too.

Photo source: Planimage Project idea: The homeowners turned their carport into a closed garage and added two rooms above it! While they were at it, they changed the exterior finish of the house.

Get Excited and Dream Big

Now for the exciting part!

Put away all distractions and get ready to dream with your spouse! It’s time to jot down ideas.

We recommend writing down anything that comes to mind. Your most extravagant ideas are fair game at this point!

Five Practical Things to Consider

1. Access

Detached garage

Traditional 2-storey grey brick house with master bedroom above the garage

Photo Source: Planimage Project idea: These homeowners added a second level to the entire house, including over the garage. The balcony was also added.

How you access the new space can depend upon how it’s used and your personal preference.

If this new space above the garage will be used as a private place for your mother-in-law to live, maybe you want her entrance to be private. If this is simply an extension of your home, you may want it to be accessible from the house.

Stone and wood traditional1-story home with a North Hatley LP, color Sand, and windows

Is this garage door your style? This North Hatley LP design, is 9’x 7’and is featured in Desert Sand. The windows have Richmond Inserts.

If you’re building the second floor over the garage to intentionally rent it out, you may want it to have separate exterior access.

However, it will be most affordable if this second floor is accessed by an existing staircase.

Detached garage

A charming traditional detached garage door with a second floor above the garage, a dormer.

Is this your style? This is the Plan 69701 from Planimage.

If your garage is detached, you will need to decide if you want an indoor or outdoor staircase? If inside, you may sacrifice some space but you won’t have to worry about shoveling the stairs in the wintertime.

Whatever your personal style preferences are, you can get inspiration on Pinterest.

A traditional detached garage in wood and stones  with a second floor, dormers

Is this your style? This is the Plan No G-28A from Planimage.

2. Plumbing and electricity

Will you want a bathroom on the new second floor above the garage? How about a small kitchen? Consider what will be needed in terms of plumbing and electricity.

Where will you need outlets? What items will you have that will require electricity? Where will water be needed? Don't forget Internet access!

Knowing exactly what you want will help when you meet with the designer or the architect.

As mentioned before, if you don’t have expertise in this area, don’t try to design this space yourself to save a little money. Leave it to the experts- it will show in the results!

3. Multifunctional or evolving space?

Maybe, for now, you are not planning to install a kitchen or bathroom above the garage, but one day you may want to! You never know what will come with time.

Plan ahead for your future as you design this space and let your designer know of your future plans so that they can design accordingly. They can equip the space so it’s easy to convert in the future.

4. What style do you prefer?

Make sure that the overall style of the home matches that of your new space. You want the exterior appearance to flow so that you can’t even tell anything has been added.

It can be difficult to match the exterior siding, roofing materials, etc. and you may wish to replace the shingles or siding on the whole house, for example.

Have the professionals figure out the best way to make sure your new addition matches your current home.

At the same time, talk to this expert about ceiling heights, dormers, roofing options, etc.

The shape of the roof can have an impact on the interior space. For example, the ceiling could be sloped on the sides in the shape of the roof. This can affect the living area space. You can discuss ceiling heights, dormers, and roofing options with professionals.

High-end 2-storey house in stone

Photo source: Planimage. Project idea: These homeowners chose to extend the garage out further from the home to allow for more room. The second story above the garage has a suite with two walk-in closets and a full bathroom.

Sloped ceilings can be converted into built-in bookcases or furniture. Add drawers and eliminate the need of having a dresser in the room.

Consult Pinterest to find the styles that you love. Your new addition doesn’t have to just be a plain square box.

Create a Theme or Motif

This is one of the most fun parts of any project! You can create a mood board on paper, or simply make a Pinterest board that’s dedicated to this project. Either way, fill it with images of the designs of your dreams. Share this with your designer and it will be a huge help!

Make sure that you and your designer are on the same page when it comes to style terms such as Scandinavian, cottage style decors, rustic but modern, or simply blue. The last thing you want is a miscommunication that leaves you with a style you don’t love!

In addition to Pinterest, browse your favorite decor websites or visit the websites of major hotels or trendy spots. This can give you more ideas to work with.

The internet is filled with ideas! Check out Better Homes & Gardens article for 25 solutions for unusual spaces.

Don’t stick strictly with pictures of things you plan to install in this new space. Do you like the kitchen countertops in a picture, but aren’t planning to install a kitchen? Put them on your mood board anyways because they can be used as inspiration! It helps the designer know what you like.

Keep your eyes open because you can find inspiration wherever you look!

Country style house with 2 single garage doors in Classic CC design, Ice White color, and 4 lite Orion windows

Is this garage door your style? This is the Standard+ Classic CC, 9’x 7’, in Ice White, with four-lite Orion windows.

How Will the Garage Door Fit the Design?

You’ve finally figured everything out for the second story space. But don’t forget about the fourth wall- your garage door!

Prestigious house with a double garage door in Eastman E-11 design, Black door and overlays, and panoramic windows

Is this your style? This is the Eastman E-11, 16’x 8’garage door, with overlays and the door in Black with four-lite Panoramic windows.

The garage door is considered a fourth wall and when you think of a wall, there are a few things to consider. For example, what is the R-value of the door? Is the garage door energy efficient? You want the space to be comfortable- not too hot in the summer and not too cold in the winter!

As with any home space, you will want to have windows! You can let in the natural light by adding windows to your Garaga garage door.

Remember all of the features that will make this second floor over the garage a comfortable place to be!

Modern house with a two car garage door in the Shaker-Modern XL design and Iron Ore Walnut color

Here are two popular styles. Are they your style? This is the Shaker-Modern XL style and the Iron Ore Walnut color.

It’s probably time to think about replacing that garage door.

Contact a garage door specialist near you if you’re ready to get started! We have professionals that can help you find a garage door that will reflect your style that will work with your space!

Do you already have a garage door picked out?

You can request a quote via email from First Choice Overhead Doors.

To get advice by talking to a real person, call 905-642-6606.

We are happy to help you with any questions that you have!

Want to check out our APP?

Visit the Design Centre to play around with different styles until you find what you’re looking for! If you need inspiration, be sure to browse our gallery.

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