Want to add square footage to your home? Adding an extension can be expensive. One of the cheapest ways to add square footage is to use an existing space, such as a garage door. Garage door apartments are becoming a popular way to house family members, create guest rooms, and rent out an additional room to tenants. However, it does require an update to your existing garage door.
ADDING WINDOWS TO YOUR GARAGE DOOR
In most locations, it’s required that a room have both an entrance and exit and a window. While a garage is already going to have a door leading to the main house, it also needs to have a window large enough for a person to fit through. Otherwise, you could be breaking a fire code.
A custom garage door can be designed that will have windows in it. Not only does this meet fire code standards, but it will also make the room more appealing, as it will let in natural light. Windows are generally positioned at the top of the door so that they can fold upwards.
INSULATING YOUR GARAGE DOOR
Insulating the garage door serves two purposes: it blocks out noise and also makes the garage more comfortable. Many garages are already insulated in terms of the walls, but the garage door itself will leak hot or cool air.
An insulated garage door is usually filled with foam, which will both insulate the property and also dampen sound. If you want someone to be able to live comfortably in your garage, this will let them watch movies, listen to music, and complete work on their computer without being disrupted or disruptive.
KEEPING YOUR GARAGE DOOR MOBILE
Even though you’re creating more space, keeping your garage door mobile and able to open and close is important. If you are thinking about reselling your home sometime in the future, you should be aware that many people won’t consider a home without a working garage or a working garage door.
You can build a garage door apartment that is properly insulated and has the appropriate requirements without making it impossible to revert your garage back into a garage. Thus, if you sell your home, you can give buyers the option of a full garage apartment or a garage storage space.
SEALING THE DOOR
Keeping the garage door mobile doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to put up with drafts. There are ways to seal or caulk your garage door temporarily, so the caulking can be removed later on if you want to open it. Professionals can find any drafts or gaps and treat them, with foam that will fill up the space.
It is possible to seal in a garage door with a permanent external wall, but for the reasons listed above, it’s generally not advisable.
CONSULTING WITH YOUR HOA
Don’t forget that many homeowner’s associations have rules regarding what you can do with your garage door. Sometimes these rules can be as specific as the color of paint that you use. Because an HOA may require that you leave your garage door completely intact, you’ll want to contact them early on in the process.
Some dramatically modern garage doors are suitable for apartments, such as garage doors that are mostly glass. If your HOA prohibits these doors, however, you could be looking at fines and penalties.
Creating a garage apartment is a big project, so you may want to get some advice before you get started. The experts at Garage Door Pros can give you the information you need to start planning and designing now.