That empty garage may look like a bedroom waiting for a bed, a lamp and a fresh coat of paint. Unfortunately, building officials tend to see something different: a space designed for cars that someone wants to turn into living space, which can trigger a surprisingly long checklist of requirements.
A garage conversion can make excellent use of square footage, especially when the existing structure already has walls, a roof and electrical service. But putting drywall over the studs and calling it a bedroom does not magically transform the space into legal habitable area. Before the first wall gets framed, check the rules that could determine whether the project works, whether it needs permits and whether that bargain renovation becomes considerably less bargain-like.
