Is it a good idea to convert your garage?

For the most part, experts agree that converting your garage into living space does not add value to your home. This isn’t always the case; it depends on where you live. And if you’re planning to sell your home within three to five years, a garage conversion is usually not a good idea.

Can I put an AC unit in my garage?





Window air conditioner – Your standard window AC unit is a good choice for most garages. Chances are, your garage has a window, making this an easy installation. If not, the unfinished walls of most garages make a through-the-wall installation relatively painless. Window AC units are cheap and effective.

Does converting a garage devalue your house?

A one-car garage in a small home can add $5,000 to the home’s value, according to MSN Real Estate. If the conversion is done in an area where there is still plenty of space for the homeowners to park off the street, even in a smaller garage, the home’s value might increase by 6 percent or more.

Does converting garage lose value?

How much value does a garage conversion add? If done well, a garage conversion can add up to a whopping 20% to the value of your home. Converting your garage into a bedroom with en-suite bathroom tends to achieve the biggest added value, at around 20%.

How much does it cost to put AC in garage?

Air Conditioner Price by Location

Location / House Type Average Costs (Installed)
Condo $300 – $3,500
Townhouse $300 – $3,500
Mobile Home $1,500 – $3,500
Garage $1,500 – $3,500

How much does it cost to AC your garage?





The cost of running an air conditioner depends on the size of your garage, the efficiency of the unit, and the level of garage insulation. This means that the actual cost can vary greatly from garage to garage. However, and generally speaking, air conditions costs between $0.06 and $0.88 per hour to run.

What type of air conditioner is best for a garage?

Mini-split AC units

Mini-split AC units are the best type of air conditioner for the garage. Unlike central AC, they are ductless and can deliver up to 30,000 BTUs of cooling effect. This makes them appropriate even for the biggest 4-car garages.

Do I need an architect for a garage conversion?

Even if Permitted Development rights have been removed, you may still be able to convert a garage, but you’ll need to make a householder planning application.

Do you have to raise the floor in a garage conversion?



In most cases, a garage conversion to a living space will require installing a new floor. This is because most garage floors consist of a single concrete slab which can be cracked, sloped or otherwise damages by years of use and neglect. Additionally, garage floors tend to sit lower than the rest of the house.

What permission do I need to convert my garage?

Planning permission is not usually required to convert your garage into additional living space for your home, providing the work is internal and does not involve enlarging the building.

How can I cool my garage cheaply?

Cooling a Garage With No Ventilation: Portable Options

  1. Open the Garage Door. Depending on the angle of the sun and how well-insulated your garage is, opening the door will provide a big breath of fresh air. …
  2. Add Powerful Portable Fans. …
  3. Try a Dehumidifier. …
  4. Build a Low-Tech Swamp Cooler. …
  5. Buy a Portable Air Conditioner.


What is the best way to cool a garage?

How to Cool Your Garage

  1. Open the Door. When it comes to knowing how to keep your garage cool, the first — and often best — step is to open the garage door. …
  2. Cool Vehicles Before Parking. When you drive your car, it heats up. …
  3. Install a Ceiling Fan. …
  4. Declutter. …
  5. Install an Awning or Plant a Tree. …
  6. Improve Insulation.

How much does it cost to add AC and heat to garage?

The average price range from cooling your garage with a mini-split is between $1,000 to $4,000. Luxurious brands and complex installations will also cost more. Fortunately, prices do not range too high for garage mini-splits because it only requires one unit.

What is the most efficient way to heat and cool a garage?



What’s the Most Efficient Way to Heat and Cool Your Garage?

  1. Ductless Mini-Splits. A ductless mini-split system is a popular and efficient choice for any space. …
  2. Window Units. …
  3. Portable Units. …
  4. Through-the-Wall Systems. …
  5. Ductless Mini-Splits. …
  6. Window Units. …
  7. Through-the-Wall Units. …
  8. Add or Replace Insulation.

Are heated garages worth it?

Keeping your vehicles in a heated garage means no warming them up before you get in, saving fuel. A warm garage can lengthen your vehicle’s battery life and performance. Plus, if your car needs a jump during the winter, you’ll be much happier doing it in a heated garage.

How much does it cost to heat and cool a garage?

You’ll spend about $100 per hour, a total of around $200, for garage heater installation. Propane and natural gas garage heater installation may cost an additional $500 or more.