Homeowners: Addition to Home $$$$$$$$$

[Total Refected Power]

My wife and I went house hunting this weekend and found a pretty colonial that is is 10 years old but is lacking a first floor office/study. The house does have a 3 car garage which is nice but we would rather have the extra room IN the house and "suffer" with a 2 car garage.

My question is does anyone have an idea what it would cost to convert a single bay of the garage (the garage is split into two sections, a 2 bay section with its own door, and a single bay section with a smaller door) to a house-level room. {Probably in the 12x14 range). The floor would have to be built up as the garage is lower the the 1st level of the house. Windows, and ductwork too for heat/AC.

I am guessing that it would cost around 25K based on family members experience. I will get an architect if we proceed but just trying to get an idea now.

The house is in Massachusetts so I know it won't be cheap.

 

[Tauren]

If it's a conversion, do it yourself. It's alot cheaper and it shouldn't cost THAT much. It seems kind of high to me but, I'm in Michigan and perhaps the cost of living is cheaper here.

 

[Namuna]

Hey TRP,

I don't know how much it would cost, but if you decide to do it yourself, feel free to give me a call and I'll be GLAD to help with the DEMOLITION! I live in Mass too, so it shouldn't too much trouble for me to drive over!

I'd only charge beer and pizza for the Demolition work!

 

[Total Refected Power]

Namuna:

You'll be the first I'd call.

Beer and Pizza for all!!!

 

[Ornery]

I don't think it's doable, for a decent price anyway. Your garage is 24" or so lower than the main house. If the ceiling isn't that much over 8', it will need major messing around with the ceiling joists and consquently the roof rafters.

 

[Total Refected Power]

The roof is a concern but it is "cathedral-style". The house is symmetric and to balance it with the family room on the other side which has cathedral ceilings they made the garage the same.

But still it is an excellent point. Thanks.

 

[Ornery]

You have a cathedral ceiling in a colonial? How the hell did they do that? Are there 10' ceilings in some of the rooms downstairs?

 

[Total Refected Power]

Yes. The first floor has 10 ft. ceilings. The family room and garage have no bedrooms above them they are just big rooms with cathedral ceilings.

 

[Ornery]

Hmmm, this looks more promising. If the garage also has 10' ceilings (it probably does), then you could get that room in there with an 8' ceiling. If you're not doing any plumbing it probably won't cost too much at all. About 9' x 20' room? They would only be putting up one long wall, the total floor and a door. Finish it with drywall and carpet. Damn, why should it be over 10K?

 

[MISTER 2 U]

TRP,
were in Mass is this it does not sound that hard or expensive for you to do.
her are some formulas to help out withh the cost.
to figure how many studs determine the total lenght of walls you will be putting up and add one stud per foot and 2 studs for every corner and window opening and how high they will be.
IE: if you were building a 12 x 14 box @ 8' high
2 walls @ 12' and 2 walls @ 14' = 52 lin. ft = 52 8' studs now add 2 studs per corner 4 @ 2 =8
and 2 for windows and doors.

for sheet rock on walls and plywood sub floor divide square feet of area by 32 (4x8 sheets)
IE:12 x 14 ft floor = 168 sqft / 32 =5.25 (6) 4x8 sheets of plywd.
A 12' wall by 8' high =96 sqft / 32 = 3 4x8 pcs of sheetrock for walls

for floor joist do the same as joist add perimeter of floor to come up with linft. for rim joist
also for top and bottom plates of wall add linft of all walls and x by 3
IE:52 linft x 3 = 156 linft for plates.
that should cover your major material cost

If you build the floor in line with existing (above garage floor) the builder will be able to run any plumbing thru joist
same with electrical and hvac saving you some money not having to jackhammer existng concrete floor.

use the garage door opening to place a exterior entrance to office and window.
you should not need any footings or major concrete work.

I do not know what labor is in MA so you would have to figure that out.

PM me if you have any other Questions

 

[MISTER 2 U]

sorry double post

 

[Total Refected Power]

Thanks for all the replies.

Mister 2U and Ornery:

Made me feel better about things. Thanks.