I'm in the midst of converting my garage into a bedroom and office space and need some guidance. Last year, we remodeled our garage and now we're looking to permanently wall off the garage door and put down some flooring. Being an electrician, I've consulted with some contractors on this, but their experiences are mostly with larger projects. I have two main decisions to make: First, should I use spray foam insulation or stick with fiberglass like the existing insulation in my home? The house was built in 1995 and is located in Montana. Second, regarding the flooring, should I use pressure treated wood right on the ground, or should I pour a concrete foundation first and then use treated wood on top? Some contractors have suggested just the wood with sealant, while others recommend a concrete base. Would love to hear your opinions!
3 Answers
When it comes to waiving the foundation stem wall at the garage door, you may face issues with water entering at the sill plate. It’s best to raise it to match the rest of the garage to prevent any issues. For insulation, I’d stick with fiberglass since it matches the existing walls, keeping everything consistent. Why switch things up for just the door?
Thanks for the suggestions! I'll go with fiberglass and add a concrete foundation to ensure everything is secure.
You should definitely consider the existing exterior walls too. Ideally, you want a solid foundation. Spray foam offers a much better R-value compared to fiberglass, and even though fiberglass is cheaper, it may not be worth the savings given the space you’re working with. What’s the current setup for heat in that area?
All the exterior walls already have drywall. We installed R21 fiberglass insulation last year, and I’m planning to use two 2000w Cadet heaters for this room.
Make sure to get your flooring level with the rest of the house to avoid any awkward transitions!
Just a heads up, pressure-treated wood can rot if it's sitting in water. Adding a cement lip or even a cinderblock base can definitely help limit moisture. If it were me, I would elevate everything with concrete or blocks by about 6 to 12 inches, then seal the wood to prevent moisture issues. As for insulation, I lean towards fiberglass for ease, but I’m actually considering spray foam for a vaulted ceiling addition because it seals off air gaps effectively during those chilly Montana winters.
Will do! Thanks for the reminder!
Solid advice! Just a reminder to update your insurance agent about the changes to your living space!
I’m in a similar boat out in California. Is there any benefit to laying sand on old concrete and then pouring a new foundation on a vapor barrier?