Nine Garage Conversion Choices

You want more functional space in your home, and kicking out the cars and converting the garage is the best option for getting it. Here are 9 great garage conversions.

Family Room/Multi-Function Room

This is a great choice if you simply need more elbow room for everyone to do their thing. A family/multipurpose room everyone will enjoy might include:

• Couch (maybe a pull-out for guests and sleepovers)
• Two or three easy chairs
• Coffee table for entertaining
• TV and gaming console
• Table for studying, games or crafting
• Beverage cooler
• Shelves for favorite books

Master Suite

Maybe it’s time to give up your bedroom to one of the kids and turn the garage into a dream suite with all the amenities you’ve wanted. Your budget will determine what those are, but popular choices include a walk-in closet, walk-in jetted tub, steam shower, rain shower head, shower with a bench, his and hers sinks, towel warmers and heated floors.

Gourmet Kitchen

Maybe when you were first married, getting something edible on the table was a challenge. Now, you’re a gourmet and need a kitchen to match your talents. Equip the kitchen with a great range and wall oven from Wolf or Dacor, food storage from Sub-Zero or KitchenAid, a prep sink for meats, large work island and the tools and gadgets for creating culinary masterpieces.

Play and Study Room for the Kids

Giving kids their own space allows you to tailor it to their needs and preferences. Plus, then you can use existing space in the house the way you want to. The room should include plenty natural and artificial lighting, soft floors, comfortable study chairs, a table designed for their size and lots of storage.

Man Cave

Popular design themes include sports, rustic cabin, gaming room, gentleman’s club, racing, hunting and fishing, pop art, rock & roll, retro and cigar bar. Our guide entitled Top 10 Man Cave Must Haves is must reading!

Guest Apartment/In-Law Suite

A comfortable bedroom, bathroom and a place to relax are necessities. For longer-term use, a kitchen makes a lot of sense. When seniors will be using the space, consider grab bars, hand rails, a walk-in shower with a bench and non-slip flooring.

Home Office

More of you are working from home, and having a designated home office helps you keep your work and personal lives distinct. A separate entryway for clients helps in this regard. A door between the office and the rest of the house lets you put work behind you at the end of the day.

Laundry and More

A converted garage would make a large laundry room, but the space can also be used for storage, crafting, a studio for art or music or as your own little get-away. You can always say, “Not now, I’m busy doing laundry.”

Home Theater

When you’re converting your garage, it is easy to run the wiring and cabling required for a top-shelf home theater. In addition to the equipment, add comfortable seating, an acoustic ceiling, popcorn machine and beverage center. A wet bar and refrigerator are wonderful bonuses. A well-stocked home theater is a great way to leave the world behind for a few hours.