Homeowners always look for extra space in their homes to meet their practical needs as well as to add value to their properties. Most home renovation projects consist of such ideas, and one such idea is adding a room above the garage, which is a smart way to create an additional space that can be used for remote work or for any other purpose. In the past few years(post-COVID-19), the preference for adding a room over the garage has gained popularity because of the change in the lifestyle and many offices running from work from home. Before you plan anything, consider the pros and cons and the cost of adding a room above the garage. We've gathered information to help you with the task.
Factors to Consider Before Adding a Room Above the Garage
- See if your garage is structurally designed to support the weight of the multi-story structure above it, and then only proceed.
- Consult a building professional to assess all the aspects of the project who can help you with their skills in architecture, electrical work, plumbing work, and structural detailing knowledge, along with the tasks of pouring concrete foundation, roof installation, and connecting utilities.
- The scale of work depends on whether a garage is built with added height in the garage. Only then can you take advantage of a loft-style addition. If your home already has a second story, it's easy to expand the space on the upper floor. Overhead space can be extended to create a loft with or without lifting the ceiling, but building a brand new room over the garage is more intensive work.
- Never try these tasks on your own because a non-professional approach may compromise the safety and compliance norms.
- Considering the curb appeal and design is essential to add personality to the design, which is achievable if you hire a contractor who can pour in creative suggestions like bringing in porches, balconies or overhangs.
- Aesthetics are an important consideration because the architectural style of the new structure should align with the existing style, so the same windows, shutters, and columns should be installed for a cohesive look.
Advantages of Building a Room Above the Garage
Cope Up With the Increasing Space Demand
It is a good idea because it can help you cope with the increasing need for space for various reasons, such as the addition of family members, the demand for separate space for growing kids, or a change in the hobby.
Additional Income
It can help you earn additional rental income to set off the loan.
Ensures Privacy
It can extend privacy to family members(usually young adults and teenagers) looking for private space.
Saves the Yard Space
Vertical expansion also saves the yard space and does not affect the landscaping or any other changes. It will also not hamper the outdoor activities by occupying the space.
Create Storage Space
If you plan to construct only a single room above the garage, you can utilize the rest of the garage space to create additional storage space. All you have to do is add a shed dormer along the edge of your building to expand the headroom, creating vertical storage space and maximizing the corners and edges of the new area of the house.
Add Value to the Property

Additional room over the garage will enhance the property's value because the extension increases the base price of your property.
Disadvantages of Building a Room Above the Garage
Limited Return
You may not get 100% ROI, which means your investment may not always fetch you a high return.
Complex Task
The task of building a room over the garage is a tedious task that requires hiring an expert, getting required permits from the local authorities and adhering to building codes.
Inconvenience in Daily Routine
The building project will cause noise, pollution and dust, causing inconvenience to daily routine.
Limitation on Layout Choices
Garages are always smaller than the floor space in the homes, so it will limit your layout choice.
What is the Cost of Adding Room Above the Garage?

The total cost varies depending on the size of the space, region where the property is located, labor cost and material used. Overall, 50% to 70% of the total budget is spent on labor and the rest on materials.
Cost of Building a Living Space
Building a living room above the garage costs between $60000 to $270000 if you hire an expert. The cost may vary depending on the cost of insulation, plumbing, HVAC systems, appliances, and quality of materials. Don't try your hands on electrical work unless you are an electrician because electrical work can turn out to be dangerous if not done with precision.
Cost of Building a Bonus Space
A bonus room is a room that can be used as a home office or a family room to spend leisure time with family members. The cost involved in building the room is $50000 for an insulated unit, excluding new plumbing work.
Cost of Creating Additional Storage Space
Building a storage space above the garage is comparatively an easy project that costs between $10000 to $30000 with no or minimal insulation and basic electrical wiring for overhead lighting.
Cost of Creating a Loft Space
Transform the space above the garage into a loft area to maximize the use of the upward space. The loft ideas can range from a sitting area to a guest room with a bathroom. Replacing the ceiling with a floor will increase the load capacity.
Additional Cost
By the time the project winds up, some additional finishing cost pops up, for which you should always make a provision.
Furniture Cost
Any additional room is incomplete without furniture, be it a living room or some other room. Living rooms will require more furniture to transform the empty space into a style that displays your personality. You at least need a sofa, a TV stand and a chair, which may cost you between $534.17 per item.
Conclusion
Adding room over the garage is a smart way to expand the floor space for additional storage, living space, or teen rooms. Consider all the factors that affect the cost of construction, analyze all the pros and cons and then begin the task.