Garages are a common feature in Seattle homes. Home Care Contractors is a family-owned and operated building contracting company offering garage conversion and renovation services. If you have been thinking about utilizing unused space in your garage to create a new bedroom, den, home studio or reconfigure your car access, call (206) 556-6024 now to speak to one of our Seattle garage conversion and building contractors.
The process of converting a garage includes considering the size, location, interior features, and exterior features of your home. Our comprehensive services include everything from help acquiring necessary permits, to demolition, electrical, plumbing, roofing and installation of finishes. With a conversion you can use your space more efficiently and increase the value of your home. Contact us today, so we can provide you a free estimate for garage conversion services.
Do I need permission to convert my garage?
It is important to construct all structures in Seattle in accordance with the current code. If not they could be subject to failing an inspection at a later date. This means walls, floors, insulation and other components may have to be redone. This would increase your costs, waste your time and add to your aggravation. All of our Seattle remodel and conversion work is strictly adherent to city codes and regulations. We understand planning a garage conversion can be overwhelming for homeowners and property owners, which is why Home Care Contractors assists in receiving the building permit necessary for your construction project.
Location
The Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) establishes the criteria for land use and permits. There are also standards for the location of garages in relation to lot lines and yards. In general, you need five feet of space between a shed or detached garage and your lot lines, and from other structures in your yard. An exception is if your lot borders an alley, in which case you can build up to the lot border.
“Subject To Field Inspection” Permits
A Seattle remodeling project or new garage may require you to receive a Subject to Field Inspection (STFI) permit. With an STFI permit, you are not required to submit your design plans for a full review. To qualify for STFI, your garage must be 750 square feet or less, a single story without a roof deck and have beams spanning 14 feet or less.
Environmentally Critical Area (ECA)
Environmentally critical areas are environmentally sensitive, so any projects in development of the land will have a significant impact. You will need a Construction Addition/Alteration Permit if your shed is larger than 750 square feet or has beams over 14 feet long. Additionally, the city must review your design plan before you begin your construction project. ECAs include:
- Abandoned landfills
- Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas
- Flood-prone areas
- Geologic hazard areas
- Steep slopes
- Wetlands
How much does it cost to convert a garage to a living room?
Like with any home improvement project, the cost of converting your garage can range significantly depending on several factors. Generally, converting a garage into a living room costs between $10,000 and $25,000. This is dependent on the size of the location, the quality of the materials and the scope of the project. Call Home Care Contractors today if you want to remodel your Seattle garage to turn it into a functional living space.
Are garage conversions expensive?
Converted garages are a great idea for people who want to create as much living space as possible, such as couples, young people, seniors and small families. In fact, because the attached garage already has a foundation, walls and ceiling in place, it can be an affordable way to update your home from the ground up.
How much does it cost to convert a one car garage?
Call us to receive an estimate for your property specifically, but in general, depending on your design plans and goals, you can expect a garage conversion for a one-car garage to cost between $6,000 and $24,000. If you are considering a garage conversion project, then call Home Care Contractors today.
Some of our previous garage conversions in Seattle include adding a bathroom to the space and installing new plumbing fixtures. Our plumbers can transform your garage, so you can shower, use the bathroom, add a wet-bar or use a faucet for any other reason. This conversion can be done for between $1,500 and $3,000, in addition to adding electrical service to your converted garage. We can add breakers to meet your power needs. We also add a solid wall to improve insulation, because garages fail to retain heat during the winters, or the cold in the summer. Call us to receive a comprehensive estimate including all of your goals.
Contact Us About Garage Conversion Services
We ensure the highest quality in all of our remodeling projects. Furthermore, we offer a rare warranty against defects in our workmanship. If you are among the rare clients who notice a defect within 12 months, then you can contact our Service Center at 425-239-7579, so we can immediately help you. That is how much we believe in our work! Call the experienced Seattle garage conversion professionals at Home Care Contractors today at (206) 556-6024.