The Advantages of Adding an Apartment to Your Garage

One of the most overlooked and underutilized rooms in the home is often the garage. While many individuals rank a garage high on their list of must-haves when shopping for a home, the garage usually ends up being wasted or unappreciated in the long run. In fact, a recent survey found that 1 in 4 Americans admit their garage is too cluttered to fit their car. Instead of utilizing the extra space for something functional, the garage ends up as yet another storage area in a home.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of the Census, 63 percent of all housing units in the country have a garage or carport. That number increases to 78 percent when taking into account only properties that are owned by the resident, as opposed to rented units or apartments. With so much garage space in the country, some homeowners are choosing to take advantage of that additional square footage and turn their garage into a special space by adding an apartment or loft to their garage.

Below are three of the top advantages to adding an apartment to your garage:

1. Increase the Value of Your Home

A garage with an apartment will add significant value to your property. If it ever comes time to move, your home will stand out in a crowded market thanks to the highly-desirable improvements and additional living space. Unfinished garages and basements are typically not included in the square footage of a home. However, by turning your garage into usable living space, you can boost both your home’s square footage and its value.

2. Unparalleled Convenience

Having a specialty garage that can be used as a place for guests to stay is a huge benefit. It doesn’t matter if you have an attached or detached garage. HWS Garages can create an apartment space in your garage regardless of your unique situation or setup. Whether your in-laws are in town or you have friends visiting that want to stay the night, having an apartment in your garage is like having a guest house. The additional space that can be used for sleeping is extremely convenient, and if you’d like an additional income stream on occasion, you can offer up the space through an online hospitality marketplace like Airbnb.

3. Maximum Enjoyment of Your Home

Many homeowners finish their basements with amenities like a wet bar and utilize the space for entertaining guests, or use that space to create the ultimate home theater or man cave. Why not “finish” your garage as well? Homeowners who renovate their garages to include more functional spaces like man caves, playrooms, and guest bedrooms reap the rewards of increased happiness and enjoyment of their homes. According to a recent survey by Trulia, the number one regret amongst homeowners is that they didn’t buy a larger home. If you find yourself in that boat (and 33 percent of homeowners do, according to the survey), adding an apartment or loft to your garage is a great way to add some additional living space without the hassle of a move.

If you’re interested in learning more about the ways we can help you transform your North Carolina area garage into functional space like an apartment or in-law suite, contact us today for a free consultation. We look forward to helping you build the garage of your dreams!