Adding a Living Space to the Top of a Garage

 Posted on October 23, 2024 in Custom Garages

Have you ever wanted to do something more with your garage? A living space might be the perfect solution for making the most of the space under your garage roof. Whether you’re looking to build a man cave or a cozy living room, our stellar Chicago garage-building and repair experts can help you realize your vision. To get started, here’s an overview of what to expect for the project.

Know What You Want Before You Get Started

Having a clear idea of what you want for your garage living space can save you a lot of time. Consider how much room you want, how to furnish the room, and what needs to be moved for the project to begin. A repair expert can help you out with the logistics, especially if you are able to communicate your ideas for the garage. If you need to add a floor, stairs, or other important structural elements, make sure you have blueprints and they are up to code.

Fire Safety 

Whatever you have in mind for your garage living space, it has to be up to comply with certain fire safety requirements. You’ll want to use fire-resistant drywall, and make sure any outlets in the wall are sealed. For walls and ceilings, 5/8-inch drywall is the safe standard.

Insulation for Comfortable Living

For the perfect garage living space, you’ll want to account for all kinds of weather. A proper air seal will close off any gaps in your garage, and stave off the worst of Chicago’s hot summers and cold winters. Depending on your budget and the construction of the garage, you might find some options more preferable than others. Common insulation methods include spray foam, foam panels, and fiberglass batts. They each have certain advantages:

• Spray foam is a thorough way to cover your gaps at a higher price point. Overall, it’s a very energy-efficient form of insulation, as it holds its shape after drying in place with minimal maintenance required.

• Foam panels offer great resistance against moisture with quick installation. Additionally, foam panels can be cut and shaped to your needs, while still durable enough to provide year-round insulation.

• Fiberglass batts are a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to foam solutions. Besides the elements, fiberglass batts can also block out sound, affording you some peace and quiet.

Setting up Support

A living space on top of your garage is a lot of extra weight that you have to account for. Done incorrectly, you risk collapse and serious physical danger. Depending on the construction of the first floor, this could be remedied with extra shear panels or some serious reconstruction of the walls to add more support. Always consult experts who understand how to build load-bearing walls and floors safely.

Contact Our Downers Grove, IL Garage-Building Experts

A garage-building professional can turn your living space dreams into reality. The DuPage County, IL Garage-Building and Repair Experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. have been in business for over 45 years, helping homeowners with customized solutions for garage renovations. To schedule a free on-site estimate, call us at 630-852-8485.