Hey everyone! I just found some hidden space behind a closet on the second floor above my garage, and I've been daydreaming about how to use it. My ideas are turning it into a walk-in closet, a small powder room, or maybe even a playroom for the kids. But here's the thing: my past home projects have been a total mess. I've hired 'experts' who didn't do their job properly, leading to a lot of headaches. I'm hoping for some genuine advice here:
- Is this space something I can actually work with?
- What factors should I consider before diving into renovations?
- Would investing in a closet or powder room be worth the trouble and costs?
I'd appreciate any tips or warnings before I reach out to professionals again. I just want to make sure I handle this right! Thanks!
3 Answers
If you're considering a closet, that's way easier! You won't have to deal with electrical work, plumbing, or height requirements. Just a heads-up: if you turn it into a living space, it could get complicated—and pricey. You'll likely need insulation, ductwork for heating and cooling, and maybe other structural adjustments depending on where you live.
We actually did something similar in our old house! We found a crawl space that gave us access to a big area above the garage. Instead of doing it ourselves, we hired someone and ended up creating a fun playroom/home office for the kids. It really elevated the house and added around 300 square feet of usable space. Just be sure to check the roofline—if it’s too low, you might need some dormers to meet height requirements. And don’t forget about adding an egress window if you decide to make it a liveable area.
Also, make sure that space can actually support weight! Sometimes, those areas aren't well-constructed, lacking proper support or trusses. Just something to keep in mind before you go all in!