Homeowners could be reducing the amount of storage space in their homes by converting garages into bedrooms or studies, a new survey has suggested.

More than half of people with garages use them to store tools and equipment, while two in five use them to hold personal items, according to Marquardt Construction Inc.

However, over 3.5 million garage owners in the United States have either converted or plan to convert this space to create another type of room.

“With half a million home offices and extra bedrooms created, it looks as if the traditional garage is dying out,” commented Mike Marquardt of Marquardt Construction Inc.

The research follows the publication of a study carried out by Custom Homes and Construction, which revealed that many men have turned garages into “mancaves” or dens. It indicated that more garages could be transformed in the coming years, as millions of dollars are spent on creating mancaves, which give guys a place to hang out, watch the Super Bowl, or wrench on their favorite cars.

Things to think about before pounding nails: Consider hiring an architect or designer to come up with a garage conversion plan. Working alone, you may not consider things like electrical outlet positioning, heating and air conditioning or plumbing. An architect or designer can also help plan for exterior changes that will be required to cover the garage door opening.

There are many benefits to garage conversions. A garage conversion doesn’t require expensive foundation work or changes to the footprint of the house. The work is generally cheaper than building an addition because the exterior walls and sub floor are already in place. And ultimately, doesn’t the garage become the place where all your old things end up anyway?

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Tags: Garage, garage conversion, home remodel, mancave, office, spare bedroom, vehicle storage

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