Need More Space? It’s Time to Raise the Roof!

When you're spending so much time at home, you're going to start feeling a little crowded. These days, it's easy to feel like the walls are closing in around us. Imagine being able to spread out-- maybe make a home gym or give the teenagers a space to escape? How about a game room or home office that's not in the middle of the home? Even a master suite could be just what your home needs.

It costs a fortune to move, though. Plus, you've got a great house in a great neighborhood. But you're totally out of space. There's nowhere left to escape, and the kids are bursting at the seams. Where can you go?

Expanding Over the Garage

Everyone wins when you build a second floor over your garage. Whether it's attached or detached, it can be a great solution.

● It is cheaper and easier than buying a new home: It's often better to change your existing mortgage rather than to get a new one.

● This is an investment. You should be able to get a good return when you do sell.

● In the event of financial issues, like job loss, space could be useful. When well-planned, the additional space could become a studio apartment to rent so that you can make ends meet.

If you're still on the fence, check out 6 reasons to add a studio apartment over your garage.

So are you ready to get started? Not so fast… First, you have to know these five things to guarantee your renovation success.

Step 1 – Don’t Cut Corners

Don't start dreaming or even think about spending a dime until you check the local regulations by contacting your municipality.

Every city and municipality will have its own guidelines and laws regarding home expansions and additions, including building permits and the associated costs. Other things, like building height and property line clearances. Some towns and cities even have detailed rules about how homes must look in order to meet their guidelines. Be sure that you know exactly what you need.

And don't bother even thinking about cutting corners! It's a bad idea for many reasons, as seen published in Michael McDermott's article on CRD Design Build:

Step 2 – Know Your Stuff

What does your mortgage look like? What's that magic place between making a great investment and overdoing it, based on the selling prices in your neighborhood?

We're not bankers or realtors. We aren't worried about the profits or the numbers, or at least not always. It's easy to get excited about the project itself, even if for decorating and finishing touches. Since we've all been spending more time at home, what could be better than more comfort or a new look?

With everything that's been going on, making changes to the home is something that should be done carefully. It's important to sit down with an expert who can talk sense. Think about the following.

Ask the banker or mortgage broker:

● What will the bank be willing to lend or add to the note?

● How long will this extend the mortgage?

● How much will it raise your monthly payments?

● How long will you have to wait to sell in order to recoup your investment?

Ask yourself:

● Is this going to be a major inconvenience or sacrifice? Are you still going to be able to enjoy activities and hobbies, take vacations, and so forth? Are you going to be strapped for the next two decades?

● Is your neighborhood actually a good place to invest in expansion? Just because you can, doesn't mean you should-- check resale values.

● Do you have good relationships? Even when you have a good contractor on hand, renovations can create all kinds of stress in your day-to-day life. If it's an exciting prospect, dive right in! If not, take a step back and consider a little more.

According to Fixr.com, It's going to cost $300-$500 per square foot to add a second story onto the garage, according to Fixr.com.

Step 3 – Be Flexible but Dream Big

Are you still reading? Not discouraged yet? Then let's have fun!

Settle into the sofa, grab your favorite drink and sit down with your spouse, and start dreaming.

Don't stop yourself-- list everything you ever could want. Don't judge or exclude. Just list everything and don't hold back.

Some food for thought - 5 practical considerations

1. How to access the new space above the garage

Attached garage

What will be the best way to access the space, based on how it's going to be used?

Does the space need access from the house? For example, if it's an office or a master suite, can you enjoy your quiet but still keep an eye on the kids? Think about these things.

In the event that you make a den or even a separate apartment, would you prefer to create a separate exterior entrance for privacy?

The most affordable option, of course, is to access the space using an existing staircase, if you have that choice.

Detached garage

Outdoor or indoor staircase? Are you willing to give up precious indoor space where you store cars or have a workshop so that you can avoid having to deal with snow and other weather?

Whether you're considering Traditional or Contemporary styles, get inspiration on Pinterest. Make sure that you analyze the plans, too.

2. Plumbing and electricity

Does the new space require any plumbing or electrical work? If you're creating a master suite, do you want a full bath? What about a half-bath or small kitchen for a hangout space or home office? What if you're going with the actual apartment idea or creating a loft? You'll want to have all existing connections checked by a plumbing specialist.

If you're adding a home theater, a fridge, and freezer, or even a computer, you're going to need electricity that's hardwired. And you can't forget an Internet connection!

If you can tell all this to the designer or the architect in charge of your plans, that will allow him or her to create an efficient and economical space that looks fantastic and flows accordingly.

Most importantly, don't cut corners to save money and try to plan yourself. You will not get the same results.

3. Multifunctional or evolving space?

Children eventually grow up and leave. You are going to grow older, and perhaps that upstairs master suite will become more of a chore than a perk. It might seem like that's a ways off, but time goes faster than you think.

Take the time to factor these considerations into your renovation and talk to the professional that you're working with. Planning ahead is a smart move-- you get a new space now and a second option in the future. This ensures that your space is maximized, as is your investment, today, tomorrow, and beyond.

4. What about the exterior?

Attached garage renovations are often hard to match colors with siding, roofing, and so forth. Being an extension of the house, the colors may have changed over time, and that can be risky.

You have to find the balance between "since we're here" and saving a few bucks.

Plus, it often doesn't turn out well to cheap out here. It will look like a partial job, and even when you invest a lot of money, people aren't going to be as interested when you go to sell. They'll see the eyesore and steer away. Have a professional evaluate the entire exterior if you want to make the best choice.

This is also a good time to talk about roofing options, dormers, ceiling heights, etc.

For the sake of aesthetics, roofs can take several shapes. The living area is going to vary based on your roof design. Some parts might have a full ceiling, while others might feature dormers or slopes.

Some people see it as a loss of living space when they have rooflines and sloped ceilings. If you change your perspective, it could be a great storage space. Consider built-in furniture, such as shelves or drawers, or even bookcases.

What you're essentially doing is removing that "boxy" exterior effect that makes the exterior of larger homes appear ugly and unappealing. Plus, it allows you to create an unusual, charming indoor space that maximizes the square footage.

Step 4 – Where’s Your Inspiration?

Once you've got all the details figured out, it will be time to think about style and decoration. Even if it's just a virtual Pinterest board or collection of photos, it's a great start. Perhaps you'll want to go all out and put it on paper or poster board. Either way, creating a mood board will allow you to convey what you want to the designer or architect much more easily.

What you think of with words like "Scandinavian" or "cottage style decors" or "rustic but modern" or simply "blue", could have someone else thinking something entirely different.

Visit your favorite online decor websites. Check out the various websites of major hotels and restaurants that might offer inspiration and some cool ideas.

Get creative where you can, too. There's a great example in the Better Homes & Gardensarticle on 25 solutions for unusual spaces.

Look at all the details and think outside of the "norm." You might not need a full kitchen, for example, but those cabinets could inspire your office storage solution. Perhaps you like the furniture, the color scheme, or even the specific lighting in the room.

You'll find inspiration everywhere, and you'll find that it's easy to carry through when you plan ahead.

Step 5 – There’s One Wall You’ve Forgotten

Now that you have a better idea of what space will be don't forget about that valuable fourth wall.

The garage door is your 4th wall that will be right under the new space. You have to shop based on more than just the R-value. Also, check the specifics and ask if the garage door is really energy efficient. Energy efficiency is not just good for your comfort, but for your wallet, too!

Learn how to add windows if you have a newer garage door that doesn't have any. Letting in natural light is a must, and if it's not time to upgrade, it might be time to improve.

After all, what good is that second floor space if all the elements aren't in place to make it a pleasant and comfortable space to live in?

Are you ready to replace your home’s garage door?

It’s time to contact a garage door specialist near you. Our team will make sure your garage door reflects your style with plenty of advice and insight while making sure it's also energy efficient.

Do you already have a favorite?

Let us know! The team at ACS Door Services of Lincoln can provide an instant email quotation.

You can even talk to a real person by calling 402-477-4474.

We have team members ready and willing to answer your questions.

Want to try out a fun app?

Our Design Centre lets you upload your own photos to design the perfect garage door in no time! Browse our gallery for inspiration, too.