For the most part, experts agree that converting your garage into living space does not add value to your home. Most buyers find a locked garage space desirable for vehicles, tools, equipment and all other storage. It still might be the right option for your family, but there is a lot to consider when you are thinking about converting a garage into living space.
However, we feel a little bit different about an open air carport. The open structure of a carport isn't secure, you can't lock it. It also doesn't completely protect from all the elements like wind, rain and sun. Enclosing a carport can be a cost effective way to increase the living space in your home, especially when you can add another full bathroom. Adding usable rooms with features that are desirable to home buyers can increase your comfort at home and resale value down the road.
When it comes to adding space, there are a few things to consider. First, you want to check with your local zoning ordinances, building codes and homeowners association to determine what you are legally allowed to build on your property. Once the city details and structure type is figured out, it’s now time to talk to a builder. You will also need an architect or designer on staff that can help you draw out your blueprints so you can submit them to the county or city building department for permitting before you start.
When we purchased our Neptune Property it was a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom with no true primary bedroom. The washer and dryer hook up was in a tiny closet off the sunroom, there were no storage closets and a tiny closed-in kitchen without a pantry. We knew to maximize the potential of the home, whether it be a rental or resale, we needed to redesign the floor plan of this home and add square footage. We spent hours brainstorming and challanging ourselves to design a functional, open-living layout with more storage. It became very clear that the carport was going to give us the space we needed to add square footage. Enclosing the carport gave us room for 2 guest bedrooms, a full bathroom and also allowed us to extend the sunroom along the back of the house. The 2 original bedrooms and bathroom in the home became a true primary bedroom suite with private bath and walk-in closet, laundry room, hallway pantry and entry way closet. Redesigning the space in this home was not easy by any means, as you already know it was one of our longest renovations. We replaced the septic to accommodate more square footage, re-poured the foundation of the carport, gutted everything to the studs, moved walls, framed new walls, moved plumbing, repiped, re-wired all of the electrical, replaced windows, added windows and I am sure there's more that I am forgetting or choosing to block out. ha! With all of that being said, it was 100% worth it in the end. The home now provides plenty of usable space with a functional open-living layout, minimalist kitchen design, split floor plan and a luxurious primary bedroom with private ensuite.
Bedroom #2 on the plans
Bath #2 on the plans
Bedroom # 3 on the plans
Primary bedroom and private ensuite
Will there be a buyer that is missing the carport? Maybe. BUT will there be more buyers looking for a functional 3 bedroom 2 bathroom, ascetically pleasing and fully renovated home with added square footage and more indoor storage? YES, the answer is yes!
Knowing which home additions will increase your home’s comfort and home resale value can help you make good investments. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about adding value to your home. We would love to help!
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